Principal Data Scientist — Lead ML Deployment & AI (Hybrid)

Farm Bureau Financial Services; West Des Moines (IA); Hybrid; USD 140,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

Farm Bureau Financial Services seeks an experienced Principal Data Scientist to lead the analytics lifecycle from problem definition to production deployment and business adoption. You’ll build scalable predictive models, ML, and AI solutions for pricing, underwriting, claims, and more.

You will mentor the team, advance MLOps practices, and collaborate across business and technology to drive measurable value. Hybrid work options are available at our West Des Moines campus.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience developing predictive models, ML, AI, or production analytics.
• Bachelor's degree in a quantitative field; advanced degree preferred.
• Strong Python and SQL skills with production-quality solutions.
• Expertise in statistical modeling, validation, calibration, and explainability.
• Experience with APIs, model services, and production scoring processes.
• Knowledge of software engineering and MLOps practices, including CI/CD.
• Experience with Databricks, Snowflake, Microsoft Fabric, or similar cloud platforms preferred.
• Property/Casualty insurance experience preferred.
• Strong communication, leadership, and mentoring skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead development, deployment, and monitoring of predictive models, ML, and AI solutions.
• Apply advanced statistical and machine learning techniques, including GLMs, GAMs, gradient boosting, ensembles, and explainable AI.
• Build production-ready Python and SQL solutions, APIs, scoring processes, and analytical tools.
• Advance MLOps practices, including testing, CI/CD, model governance, monitoring, and lifecycle management.
• Drive responsible adoption of generative AI, NLP, and intelligent automation.
• Establish standards for model development, validation, documentation, and regulatory compliance.
• Partner across business and technology teams to deliver measurable business value.
• Mentor team members and provide technical leadership for Predictive Analytics.

Education

Bachelor's degree in a quantitative field

Advanced degree

Tools

APIs & model services

Databricks

Snowflake

Microsoft Fabric

Job description

Farm Bureau Financial Services seeks an experienced Principal Data Scientist to lead the analytics lifecycle from problem definition to production deployment and business adoption. You’ll build scalable predictive models, ML, and AI solutions for pricing, underwriting, claims, and more.

You will mentor the team, advance MLOps practices, and collaborate across business and technology to drive measurable value. Hybrid work options are available at our West Des Moines campus.