Lead Data Scientist

Compass; Northern (KY); On-site; USD 176,000 - 195,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

401(k) plan

FSAs

Commuter program

Life and disability insurance

EAP

Job summary

Compass is seeking a Lead Data Scientist to drive end-to-end data science initiatives, architect scalable ML solutions, and partner with executives to shape strategic planning and product innovation. You will mentor a team of data scientists and advance state-of-the-art methodologies across time-series forecasting, NLP, and more.

The role emphasizes productionizing ML models, strong Python/SQL skills, and a business-oriented mindset within a collaborative, fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or PhD in Computer Science, Statistics, Economics, Mathematics, or a related quantitative field.
• 5+ years of experience in data science with a proven track record of conceptualizing, leading, and delivering highly successful, end-to-end data science projects.
• Deep expertise in time-series forecasting, deep learning, causal inference.
• Extensive practical experience architecting solutions using prediction, segmentation, NLP.
• Proficiency in Python and SQL for data manipulation, statistical analysis, and model development.
• Hands-on experience productionizing machine learning models and knowledge of MLOps.
• Experience leading cross-functional projects and applying advanced methodologies to solve ambiguous business problems.
• Strong advocate for clean code principles, software engineering best practices, and technical standards.
• Strong business acumen and the ability to align analytics with organizational goals.
• Experience mentoring junior team members and overseeing project quality.
• Exceptional communication and collaboration skills in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience in Real Estate or market-driven domains is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end development, validation, and deployment of large-scale predictive models and algorithms.
• Design and execute data-driven research to analyze factors impacting outcomes.
• Collaborate with senior stakeholders and engineering partners to identify opportunities and deliver insights.
• Synthesize complex methodologies and findings for both executives and technical audiences.
• Mentor other data scientists and promote rigorous peer review and state-of-the-art methods.

Skills

Data science leadership

Python

SQL

MLOps

Time-series forecasting

Deep learning

Causal inference

End-to-end ML projects

Communication

Mentoring

Education

Master's degree or PhD in CS/Statistics/Economics/Math

Tools

NLP

Big data tooling

Job description

At Compass, our mission is to help everyone find their place in the world. Founded in 2012, we’re revolutionizing the real estate industry with our end-to-end platform that empowers residential real estate agents to deliver exceptional service to seller and buyer clients.

About the Role:

We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Lead Data Scientist to join our data science team. In this role, you will leverage your deep expertise in machine learning, statistical modeling, and data analysis to solve our most complex problems. You will set the standard for data science excellence, architect scalable solutions, and help define the long-term analytical strategy. You will partner with senior business stakeholders and engineering leaders to uncover insights, develop cutting-edge data-driven solutions, and drive initiatives that directly shape company-wide strategic planning, resource allocation, and product innovation.

Responsibilities:

• Lead the end-to-end development, validation, and deployment of large-scale predictive models and algorithms that inform strategic business decisions and market trend analysis.
• Design and execute rigorous data-driven research to analyze the impact of multi-faceted factors on business outcomes, tackling the organization’s most highly ambiguous and open-ended problems.
• Collaborate deeply with senior business stakeholders and engineering partners to identify strategic opportunities, translate overarching business goals into complex analytical frameworks, and deliver high-impact actionable insights.
• Synthesize and communicate highly complex methodologies, technical trade-offs, and strategic findings clearly to both C-level executives and technical audiences.
• Act as a technical mentor to other data scientists, fostering a culture of continuous learning, rigorous peer review, and adherence to state-of-the‑art methodologies.

Qualifications:

• Master's degree or PhD in Computer Science, Statistics, Economics, Mathematics, or a related quantitative field.
• 5+ years of experience in data science with a proven track record of conceptualizing, leading, and delivering highly successful, end-to-end data science projects.
• Deep expertise in key data science domains (e.g., time-series forecasting, deep learning, causal inference).
• Extensive practical experience architecting solutions using a broad range of methodologies (e.g., prediction, segmentation, NLP).
• Demonstrated proficiency in Python and SQL for complex data manipulation, statistical analysis, and model development.
• Hands‑on experience productionizing machine learning models and strong familiarity with MLOps concepts and workflows.
• Proven experience leading complex, cross‑functional projects and applying advanced methodologies to solve ambiguous business problems.
• Strong advocate for clean code principles, software engineering best practices, and technical standards.
• Strong business acumen and strategic thinking, with a proven ability to understand the broader business context, evaluate tradeoffs, and align analytical projects with organizational goals.
• Experience mentoring and guiding junior team members, overseeing project quality, and investigating root causes of complex technical challenges.
• Exceptional communication and collaboration skills, with a proven ability to work effectively in a fast‑paced, cross‑functional environment.
• Experience in the Real Estate industry or other market‑driven domains is a plus.

Compensation:

The base pay range for this position is $175,500-195,000 annually; however, base pay offered may vary depending on job‑related knowledge, skills, and experience. Bonuses and restricted stock units may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to a full range of benefits. Base pay is based on market location. Minimum wage for the position will always be met.

Perks that You Need to Know About:

Participation in our incentive programs (which may include eligible cash, equity, or commissions). Plus paid vacation, holidays, sick time, parental leave, and recharge leave; medical, tele‑health, dental and vision benefits; 401(k) plan; flexible spending accounts (FSAs); commuter program; life and disability insurance; Maven (a support system for new parents); Carrot (fertility benefits); UrbanSitter (caregiver referral network); Employee Assistance Program; and pet insurance.

Do your best work, be your authentic self.

At Compass, we believe that everyone deserves to find their place in the world — a place where they feel like they belong, where they can be their authentic selves, where they can thrive. Our collaborative, energetic culture is grounded in our Compass Entrepreneurship Principlesand our commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, growth and mobility. As an equal opportunity employer, we offer competitive compensation packages, robust benefits and professional growth opportunities aimed at helping to improve our employees' lives and careers.

Notice for California Applicants

Los Angeles County Fair Chance Notice