Lead Machine Learning Engineer

Sun Life Financial; Waterford; Hybrid; EUR 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Sun Life Financial in Ireland is seeking a skilled data scientist to design, develop, test, deploy, and refine data science and machine learning solutions. You will work with cross-functional teams to deliver high-quality analytics and drive value from data.

The role requires expertise in Python and R, experience with Dataiku, Linux, containers, and AWS, and a solid understanding of DevSecOps and data governance.

Qualifications

• Design, develop and test leading data science and ML solutions.
• Lead data strategy across IT and business groups.
• Apply data modeling, governance, security and DevSecOps practices.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, install and test data science/ML solutions of medium scale.
• Drive data-informed product strategies and improve data usability.
• Write and maintain scalable data science code and models.

Skills

Data science

Machine learning

Python

R

Dataiku

Linux

AWS

DevSecOps

Data governance

Agile

Education

Bachelor's/Master's in computing or numerical fields

Tools

Dataiku

Linux

Docker

AWS

Job description

You are as unique as your background, experience and point of view. Here, you’ll be encouraged, empowered and challenged to be your best self. You'll work with dynamic colleagues - experts in their fields - who are eager to share their knowledge with you. Your leaders will inspire and help you reach your potential and soar to new heights. Every day, you'll have new and exciting opportunities to make life brighter for our Clients - who are at the heart of everything we do. At Sun Life, we're driven by our Purpose: helping our Clients achieve lifetime financial security and live healthier lives. Our values shape how we work: caring, authentic, bold, inspiring, and impactful. When you join Sun Life, you'll work with passionate colleagues and empowering leaders who support your growth and celebrate your contributions, so you can make a meaningful difference in our Clients' lives. Discover how you can make a difference in the lives of individuals, families and communities around the world.

Job Description

Design, develop, support, deploy and/or test and influence leading data science and machine learning solutions of medium scale that are high-quality, innovative, efficient, creative, scalable, adaptable, dynamic, fully performing and comply with all standards and best practices in support of business and Client outcomes and objectives. Work independently and applies leading data and analytical skills, tools, practices, and techniques to all deliverables. Exhibits leading understanding of data and analytical concepts such as: data modeling, development, testing, governance, security, performance, DevSecOps, data administration, data technologies, agile planning, and focused on learning more about these domains and continuously honing their craft. Lead across U.S. IT and business groups our strategy of realizing business value from data and utilizing data as a strategic asset. Ability to focus on task at hand, follow-through on prescribed plan with ability to be flexible and think under pressure. Highly motivated team player with a strong desire to learn, grow, and continuously improve.

Preferred skills

Leading data science, machine learning models and IT solutions development (programming) foundation. Proficiency in Python and R programing languages. Strong ability in utilizing data science platforms (Dataiku a distinct advantage) along with Linux, container and AWS based environments. Knowledge in AI and GenAI based development patterns (for example: RAG). Ability to apply leading testing skills, tools/frameworks, techniques, processes, and principles to software solutions in support of defect management, automation, diagnosis and reporting in a complex production environment; writes and executes test plans Ability to collaborate on, drive and deliver data-informed product strategies Improve data quality, application and database performance, reliability, and scale Effectively utilize, influence, and lead multiple data model and data development and deployment methodologies, processes, development best practices and DevSecOps and DataOps principles Remain current with technology trends and influence change across U.S. IT Leading understanding of data governance, data protection, privacy, and security best practices Participate in data modeling and data analysis, development and testing, ability approve the design on medium data product features, and validate vulnerability fixes Ability to write data mapping and metadata specifications for medium features Technically minded problem solver

Qualifications

Bachelors / Masters degree in computing or numerical areas - or equivalent industry experience.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, install and/or test leading data science and machine learning solutions that are high-quality, innovative, efficient, secure, creative, scalable, adaptable, dynamic, fully performing and comply with all standards and best practices in support of business and Client outcomes and objectives.
• Drive U.S. IT and U.S. business groups to deliver data-informed product strategies.
• Help make data more useful and accessible for consumers of data.
• Execute full software and product development life cycle (SDLC) and lead continuous improvements leveraging Agile best practices.
• Develop leading deliverables to deliver value generating data solution(s) seeking business and Client feedback across U.S. IT and business groups.
• Write advanced well-designed, testable, flexible, and scalable data science and machine learning models and supporting code.
• Transform and map data from source to destination using various technology solutions.
• Produce specifications and determine operational feasibility.
• Integrate leading software components into a fully functional software system.
• Develop leading software verification (testing) plans and quality assurance procedures.
• Document and maintain leading technical solution functionality.
• Troubleshoot, debug, and upgrade existing systems.
• Deploy leading programs and evaluate business and Client feedback.
• Ensure data solutions are updated with latest features.
• Participate in code reviews, ability to sign off on large features, and validate vulnerability fixes.
• Ability to write functional specifications for large features.
• Lead improvements to data product quality, performance, reliability, and scale within domains.
• Effectively mentor other engineers.
• Proactively improve application performance, reliability, and scale.
• Augment existing data sets with other data sources (i.e. external) to make reusable data assets.
• Awareness of industry trends, vendors, tools, and other technology solutions to influence architectural design and decisions.
• Lead a 'data-first' approach to problem solving and designing IT solution

Job Category: Advanced Analytics Posting End Date: 28/08/2026

Shine together At Sun Life, you can be your most brilliant self. Our supportive, flexible, and inclusive work environment is one where you – and your career – can thrive. Whatever your aspirations, collaborative leaders and colleagues are ready to help you learn, grow, and succeed. Make life brighter We’re a global company with a passion for people. Our purpose is to help Clients achieve lifetime financial security and live healthier lives. As a team of 30,000 across 26 countries, our impact is far-reaching, and locally relevant There’s power in numbers. As part of Sun Life’s growing team, you have an impact on people in your community and around the world. Shape the future With an optimistic eye on a brighter future, we drive to innovate. Be part of leading change, push boundaries and try new ways of working. Use data to drive bold actions. Be agile and pivot as we test and learn. At Sun Life, we’re driving transformation, sustainability and innovation for our Clients, employees, partners, and communities. Join us. Together, we can make the future brighter. Join a top employer for a brighter future. Visit Sun Life Careers