MRM Senior Data Scientist

Providing for loved ones, planning rewarding retirements, saving enough for whatever lies ahead – our policyholders count on us to be there when it matters most. It’s a big ask, but it’s one that we have the power to deliver when we work together. We collaborate and innovate – pushing one another to transform not just Pacific Life, but the entire industry for the better.

Why? Because it’s the right thing to do. Pacific Life is more than a job, it’s a career with purpose. It’s a career where you have the support, balance, and resources to make a positive impact on the future – including your own.

Pacific Life is actively seeking a talented Senior Data Scientist to join our Model Risk Management team in Newport Beach, CA. This is a hybrid role with relocation support available.

• Lead independent validation of Machine Learning and Generative AI models, including model design review, code review, testing, controls assessment, and quantitative bias/fairness review.
• Serve as a trusted partner to analytic, legal, and compliance teams – build relationships and drive engagement, influence design decisions, and provide effective challenge that raises the bar on model quality and governance.
• Champion efficient modeling techniques and strong governance throughout the model life cycle.
• Design and build AI solutions that streamline internal team workflows and elevate oversight quality.
• Track emerging tools, techniques, and regulations, and contribute to maturing the MRM and AI governance frameworks.

• 5+ years developing and validating AI/ML models, preferably in financial services.
• Strong background in Machine Learning, Generative AI, and Engineering practices.
• Independent, risk‑based thinker with sound judgement and a partnership mindset to providing effective challenge.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate technical findings into clear and actionable recommendations for technical teams, management, and governance forums.
• Passionate learner and self‑starter who stays current with evolving Generative AI tools and techniques.
• Bachelor’s degree in statistics, data science, computer science, engineering, mathematics, or a related quantitative field required. Advanced degree preferred.

• Highly proficient in Python, ML libraries such as scikit‑learn and data query language such as SQL and pyspark.
• Experienced with modern Generative AI orchestration and evaluation frameworks, such as Lang Chain, Lang Graph, agent frameworks, experiment tracking, and observability tools.
• Experienced with modern engineering and developer productivity tools such as Github‑copilot, Cursor, Claude Code and Codex.
• Demonstrated understanding of engineering and model lifecycle best practices.
• Demonstrated ability to assess complex model designs and identify weaknesses with material risk implications.
• Strong foundation in statistics and machine learning concepts, including overfitting, regularization, multicollinearity, and parametric/non‑parametric models.

The base pay range noted represents the company’s good faith minimum and maximum range for this role at the time of posting. The actual compensation offered to a candidate will be dependent upon several factors, including but not limited to experience, qualifications and geographic location. Also, most employees are eligible for additional incentive pay.

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• Prioritization of your health and well‑being including Medical, Dental, Vision, and Wellbeing Reimbursement Account that can be used on yourself or your eligible dependents
• Generous paid time off options including Paid Time Off, Holiday Schedules, and Financial Planning Time Off
• Paid Parental Leave as well as an Adoption Assistance Program
• Competitive 401k savings plan with company match and an additional contribution regardless of participation

Pacific Life Insurance Company is an Equal Opportunity /Affirmative Action Employer, M/F/D/V. If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you have the right to request an accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access our career center as a result of your disability. To request an accommodation, contact a Human Resources Representative at Pacific Life Insurance Company.