Principal Data Scientist

Eliassen Group; Columbia (SC); Remote; USD 243,560,000 - 272,214,000; Part time

Job summary

Eliassen Group is seeking a Principal Data Scientist to scale data science and AI for end-to-end payment optimization. You will design and deploy real-time models and decision engines, lead cross-functional initiatives, and mentor senior data scientists in a remote, contract-to-hire role.

You will collaborate with ML engineers and product partners, drive strategy and roadmaps, and contribute hands-on across architecture, design reviews, code reviews, and production ML solutions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master’s degree in a technical field; PhD preferred.
• 7+ years in ML research/engineering with 5+ years in real-time ML systems.
• Strong ML modeling, data analysis, and full ML lifecycle experience.
• Proficient in Python (Pandas, NumPy, scikit-learn) and SQL; NoSQL/graph DBs a plus.
• Demonstrated ability to lead design and execution of technology solutions.
• Excellent communication for cross-functional and executive audiences.
• Bonus: Payments/fintech experience; cloud platforms and Agile experience.

Responsibilities

• Define technical vision and strategy for data-driven product initiatives focused on payment optimization.
• Develop scalable real-time ML models and evaluation, experimentation, and monitoring.
• Oversee end-to-end ML model lifecycle from conception to deployment and maintenance.
• Set best practices for ML modeling and evaluate new tools and infrastructure.
• Mentor and lead a senior data science team and foster collaboration across teams.
• Collaborate with product, engineering, data, and compliance to integrate ML into products.
• Partner with DS leaders to optimize end-to-end ML delivery and business value.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Strategic thinking

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree

PhD preferred

Tools

Python

Pandas

NumPy

scikit-learn

SQL

NoSQL

Graph databases

AWS

GCP

Snowflake

Databricks

Vertex AI

Job description

Principal Data Scientist

Anywhere

Contract-to-Hire

Remote

Our client seeks a Principal Data Scientist to scale Data Science and AI capabilities for end-to-end payment optimization. The role will collaborate with ML engineers and product partners to design and deploy real-time models and intelligent decision engines, drive strategy and roadmaps, lead cross‑functional initiatives, and mentor senior data science talent. The position balances strategic leadership with hands‑on contribution across architecture, design reviews, code reviews, and select implementation to deliver production‑grade ML solutions.

This is a contract to hire opportunity. Applicants must be willing and able to work on a w2 basis and convert to FTE following contract duration. For our w2 consultants, we offer a great benefits package that includes Medical, Dental, and Vision benefits, 401k with company matching, and life insurance.

Rate: $85.00 to $95.00/hr. w2

Responsibilities

• Define technical vision and strategy for data‑driven product initiatives focused on payment optimization, aligned to business goals.
• Develop scalable and reusable capabilities for real‑time ML models including classification, ranking, optimization, rapid experimentation, and continuous monitoring.
• Oversee and contribute to conceptualization, development, deployment, operation, validation, and maintenance of ML models and update systems.
• Establish and enforce best practices for ML modeling while evaluating and adopting modern tools, frameworks, and infrastructure.
• Foster a culture of innovation, experimentation, and collaboration while mentoring an elite team of data scientists.
• Partner with product, engineering, data, and compliance teams to integrate ML into products and communicate complex concepts to varied audiences.
• Collaborate with Data Science leaders to establish an operating model for ML R&D that optimizes end‑to‑end delivery of business value.

Experience Requirements

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in Computer Science, Statistics, Mathematics, Engineering, or related field. PhD preferred.
• 7+ years in ML research or engineering with 5+ years building large‑scale, real‑time ML systems in production, including hands‑on experience.
• Expertise in machine learning, statistical modeling, and data analysis with strong experience across the ML lifecycle and experimentation.
• Proficiency in Python (Pandas, NumPy, scikit‑learn) and strong SQL experience. NoSQL or graph databases are a plus.
• Demonstrated ability to lead solution design and execution, translating complex business requirements into actionable technology solutions.
• Exceptional communication skills with the ability to influence and collaborate across technical and business audiences, including executives.
• Bonus: Experience in payments, fintech, or financial services. Knowledge of payment systems such as authorization lifecycle, tokenization, fraud and risk, and real‑time payments. Experience with cloud platforms including AWS, GCP, Snowflake, Databricks, or Vertex AI. Agile development experience. Background in large companies, mature ML teams, or regulated industries.

Education Requirements

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in a relevant field. PhD preferred.

Skills, experience, and other compensable factors will be considered when determining pay rate. The pay range provided in this posting reflects a W2 hourly rate; other employment options may be available that may result in pay outside of the provided range.

W2 employees of Eliassen Group who are regularly scheduled to work 30 or more hours per week are eligible for the following benefits: medical (choice of 3 plans), dental, vision, pre‑tax accounts, other voluntary benefits including life and disability insurance, 401(k) with match, and sick time if required by law in the worked‑in state/locality.

About Eliassen Group:

Eliassen Group is a strategic consulting firm that helps organizations reach further and achieve more through our technology, business advisory, and life sciences solutions. For nearly 40 years, we have combined exceptional people, deep domain expertise, and intelligent capabilities to expand our clients’ capacity and accelerate meaningful outcomes. We are driven by a purpose to positively impact the lives of our employees, clients, consultants, and the communities we serve.

Eliassen is committed to building a diverse and inclusive team from a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. We are an Equal Opportunity and AfffirmedAction Employer and all employment decisions are based on merit, performance, and business needs. Eliassen does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender identity or expression, sexual preference or orientation, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), marital status, creed, religion, physical or mental disability, genetic information, military or veteran status, age, ancestry, national origin, citizenship status, prohibited criminal record inquiries of applicants and employees, or any other category protected by federal, state, or local laws.

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