Lead Data Scientist

Our vision for the future is based on the idea that transforming financial lives starts by giving our people the freedom to transform their own. We have a flexible work environment, and fluid career paths. We not only encourage but celebrate internal mobility. We also recognize the importance of purpose, well-being, and work-life balance. Within Empower and our communities, we work hard to create a welcoming and inclusive environment, and our associates dedicate thousands of hours to volunteering for causes that matter most to them.

Chart your own path and grow your career while helping more customers achieve financial freedom. Empower Yourself.

The Lead Data Scientist provides technical leadership across multiple data science initiatives, leading the design, development, and delivery of advanced AI/ML and analytical solutions. This role operates with a high degree of autonomy, guiding project direction, mentoring team members, and ensuring alignment with organizational data science standards. The Lead Data Scientist partners cross-functionally to deliver scalable, high-impact solutions that drive business value. This role also shapes analytical strategy, mentors data scientists, and establishes best practices across data science disciplines.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Lead the design, development and implementation of advanced analytical models and AI/ML initiatives and solutions for complex business problems.
• Translate ambiguous business challenges into analytical frameworks and solution approaches.
• Oversee end-to-end execution of multiple data science initiatives, from problem definition through deployment and monitoring
• Guide and review modeling, experimentation, and implementation decisions.
• Guide selection and application of appropriate data science techniques, architectures, and tools
• Collaborate with data engineers, AI/ML engineers, and architects to design scalable and production-ready solutions
• Evaluate and recommend emerging technologies, including Generative AI, with a focus on business impact
• Ensure adherence to data science standards, model validation practices, and data governance guidelines
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to data scientists; review and guide work across projects
• Communicate insights, risks, and recommendations to senior stakeholders and influence decision-making
• Contribute to evolving best practices, frameworks, and processes within the data science function
• Support secure and compliant implementation of data science and AI/ML solutions
• Ensure solutions meet standards for scalability, security, and maintainability.
• Communicate complex analytical concepts and insights to senior leadership.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Statistics, Mathematics, Operations Research, or a related quantitative field.
• 8+ years of professional experience applying data science and machine learning in enterprise environments.
• Demonstrated experience leading end-to-end delivery of AI/ML solutions in production environments
• Strong expertise in machine learning, advanced analytics, and emerging technologies such as Generative AI
• Proficiency in Python, R, SQL, and modern data science toolsets
• Experience with cloud-based data platforms and scalable data architectures
• Strong leadership, mentoring, and cross-functional collaboration skills
• Ability to influence technical decisions and guide project direction
• Experience working in agile, iterative development environments
• Proven ability to mentor and develop data science talent.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and leadership communication skills.

Work Environment & Disclaimer
This job operates in a professional office environment.
This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications of the job. The employer has the right to revise this job description at any time. You will be evaluated in part based on your performance of the responsibilities and/or tasks listed in this job description. You may be required to perform other duties that are not included on this job description. The job description is not a contract for employment, and either you or the employer may terminate employment at any time, for any reason, as per terms and conditions of your employment contract.

We are an equal opportunity employer with a commitment to diversity.  All individuals, regardless of personal characteristics, are encouraged to apply.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, pregnancy, religion, physical or mental disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable state or local law.