Senior Associate - Data Scientist

New York Life; New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 100,000 - 143,000; Full time

Job summary

New York Life’s AI & Data organization seeks a hands-on AI/ML engineer to develop and deploy AI solutions spanning traditional ML, Generative AI, and Agentic AI, collaborating with data scientists, engineers, and product partners.

The role emphasizes responsible AI, model lifecycle governance, and scalable deployments using AWS, Snowflake, and Databricks, with a focus on delivering measurable enterprise value and practical skill growth.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in a quantitative field (CS/DS/AI)
• 3–5 years applying data, analytics, ML or AI to business problems
• Strong Python and SQL fundamentals with software engineering basics

Responsibilities

• Execute AI/ML initiatives with cross-functional teams
• Deliver business‑driven OKRs tied to enterprise value
• Own end-to-end model lifecycle: data exploration, training, deployment, monitoring
• Operationalize models using AWS (SageMaker/Bedrock) and data platforms
• Design and evaluate agentic AI solutions with human‑in‑the-loop safeguards
• Refine LLM/RAG approaches with evaluators for reliability
• Ensure AI features are accessible via APIs, dashboards, workflows
• Build lightweight UI prototypes (e.g., Streamlit) for usability
• Follow governance, testing, and CI/CD with MLOps practices

Skills

Python

SQL

Git/GitHub

Testing/Documentation

Generative AI

LLMs / prompt engineering

Agentic AI

Stakeholder communication

Education

Advanced degree in CS/DS/AI

Job description

Location Designation: Hybrid - 3 days per week

Role Overview

As part of the Artificial Intelligence & Data (AI&D) organization, you will contribute to New York Life’s digital transformation by developing and deploying AI and machine learning solutions that enhance efficiency and improve client, agent, and employee experiences.

This role will support the development of AI solutions, spanning traditional Machine Learning, Generative AI, and Agentic AI. The role focuses on building core technical skills, learning enterprise AI practices, and delivering well‑defined components of AI solutions. You will collaborate closely with Data Scientists, Engineers, and product and technology partners while developing an understanding of model lifecycle management, responsible AI principles, and New York Life’s technology ecosystem.

What You’ll Do

• Execute AI/ML initiatives in partnership with data, technology, product and business teams.
• Deliver business‑aligned OKRs, ensuring AI initiatives are outcome‑driven and tied to enterprise value creation.
• Contribute to the end‑to‑end model lifecycle: data exploration, feature development, model training/validation, deployment, monitoring, and iteration.
• Develop and help operationalize models using AWS (e.g., SageMaker, Bedrock) and modern data platforms (Snowflake, Databricks), ensuring quality, security, and scalability; partner with ML engineers for large‑scale production deployment and scaling.
• Assist in designing and evaluating agentic/AI‑powered solutions that automate routine business tasks with human‑in‑the‑loop checkpoints, escalation thresholds, and safety guardrails.
• Assit in implementing and refining LLM/RAG approaches (vector stores, embeddings, retrieval optimization, prompt orchestration) with evaluators for reliability.
• Ensure AI capabilities are accessible through APIs, dashboards, and integrated workflow applications used by business teams.
• Build lightweight UI prototypes (e.g., Streamlit) to validate usability and support adoption.
• Adhere to model governance, documentation, testing, and CI/CD best practices in partnership with MLOps.

What You’ll Bring

• Advanced degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Machine Learning, AI, Engineering, Mathematics, Statistics, or a related quantitative field.
• 3-5 years of hands‑on experience applying data, analytics, machine learning, or AI solutions to real‑world business problems.
• Foundational knowledge of Machine Learning concepts, statistics, and data analysis techniques, with the ability to design and evaluate appropriate models.
• Proficiency in Python and SQL; working knowledge of core software engineering concepts (version control with Git/GitHub), testing and documentation.
• Working knowledge of Generative AI concepts (e.g., LLMs, prompt engineering).
• Exposure to Agentic AI architectures (e.g., tool‑using agents, orchestration frameworks).
• Partner with business stakeholders to communicate model design and outcomes to both technical and non‑technical audiences.
• Strong communication skills and a collaborative mindset.
• Proactive mindset and commitment to continuous learning.
• Experience in Life Insurance industry or consumer finance domains is a plus.

Pay Transparency

Salary Range: $100,000-$143,000

Overtime eligible: Exempt

Discretionary bonus eligible: Yes

Sales bonus eligible: No

Actual base salary will be determined based on several factors but not limited to individual’s experience, skills, qualifications, and job location. Additionally, employees are eligible for an annual discretionary bonus. In addition to base salary, employees may also be eligible to participate in an incentive program.

Company Overview

At New York Life, our 180-year legacy of purpose and integrity fuels our future. As we evolve into a more technology-, data-, and AI-enabled organization, we remain grounded in the values that drive lasting impact.

Our diverse business portfolio creates opportunities to make a difference across industries and communities—inviting bold thinking, collaborative problem-solving, and purpose-driven innovation. Here, you’ll find the rare balance of long‑standing stability and forward momentum, supported by an inclusive team that honors tradition while embracing progress.

As a Fortune 100 mutual company, we offer a place to grow your skills, contribute to meaningful work, and deliver solutions that matter. Your ideas drive what’s next, and your growth powers it.

Our Benefits

We provide a full package of benefits for employees – and have unique offerings for a modern workforce, including leave programs, adoption assistance, and student loan repayment programs. Based on feedback from our employees, we continue to refine and add benefits to our offering, so that you can flourish both inside and outside of work.

Our Commitment to Inclusion

At New York Life, fostering an inclusive workplace is fundamental to who we are and how we serve our communities. We have a longstanding commitment to creating an environment where individuals can contribute their best and succeed together. This foundation is rooted in our core values of humanity and integrity, ensuring that every employee feels valued and supported. By embracing a broad range of perspectives and experiences, we achieve greater success and fulfill our promise of providing financial security and peace of mind to families across all communities.

Recognized as one of Fortune’s World’s Most Admired Companies, New York Life is committed to improving local communities through a culture of employee giving and volunteerism, supported by the Foundation. We're proud that due to our mutuality, we operate in the best interests of our policy owners. To learn more about career opportunities at New York Life, please visit the Careers page of www.NewYorkLife.com.