Director of Data Science: AI & ML Leadership

Principal International; Des Moines, Charlotte (IA, NC, WV); Hybrid; USD 165,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Principal International is seeking a Director of Data Science to lead the Beam Benefits Decision Science team within our Benefits & Protection space. You will guide a highly technical group working across generative AI, machine learning, predictive modeling, and advanced analytics to scale innovative solutions across the enterprise.

Based in Des Moines, this role combines the stability of an established organization with the opportunity to shape AI-driven capabilities, partner with senior

Qualifications

• 10+ years professional experience in building ML/predictive models.
• Expertise in statistics, mathematics, ML, optimization, and working with large data.
• Formal people leadership experience and ability to drive accountability.

Responsibilities

• Lead a data science team across generative AI, ML, predictive modeling and analytics.
• Set technical direction and assess AI models and tools for business opportunities.
• Guide projects from problem definition to deployment and monitoring.
• Develop AI/data science solutions using structured/unstructured data, APIs, prompts, and integrations.
• Partner with Product, Engineering, IT, and business leaders to translate capabilities into outcomes.
• Define metrics for model performance, production readiness, scalability, and value.

Skills

Generative AI

Machine learning

Predictive modeling

Leadership

Cloud platforms

Programming languages

Education

Bachelor’s Degree

Master’s degree or PhD

Tools

APIs

Custom prompts or models

MCP servers

Application integrations

Job description

Principal International is seeking a Director of Data Science to lead the Beam Benefits Decision Science team within our Benefits & Protection space. You will guide a highly technical group working across generative AI, machine learning, predictive modeling, and advanced analytics to scale innovative solutions across the enterprise.

Based in Des Moines, this role combines the stability of an established organization with the opportunity to shape AI-driven capabilities, partner with senior