Sr Data Scientist

Northwestern Mutual Investment Services, LLC; Milwaukee (WI); On-site; USD 119,000 - 178,000; Full time

Job summary

Northwestern Mutual Investment Services, LLC seeks a senior data scientist to build ML-driven analytics and predictive models. You will craft LLM-based solutions, integrate diverse data sources, and deploy robust AI systems across platforms.

The role emphasizes mentoring, cross-team collaboration, and rigorous evaluation to ensure reliable outcomes. The ideal candidate has a strong foundation in statistics and programming, plus experience delivering business-impactful data products in a

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Data Science, Statistics, Mathematics, Operations Research, Computer Science, Econometrics, or related field.
• At least 5 years of relevant experience delivering data science impact.
• Proficiency in Python and SQL; experience with ML libraries (scikit-learn) and cloud platforms.
• Experience with agentic engineering: designing agents and multi-agent workflows.
• Understanding of context engineering and evaluation of AI systems.

Responsibilities

• Apply advanced data science, predictive modeling and analytics to uncover insights and drive outcomes.
• Develop LLM-based models and analytics for productization and monetization.
• Create evaluation frameworks for deployed models and monitor performance.
• Collaborate across teams to address data needs and share best practices.
• Mentor teammates and manage projects from start to finish.

Skills

Python

SQL

ML libraries

Cloud platforms

Agentic engineering

Context engineering

Model evaluation

Mentoring

Project management

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Data Science or related

Master’s or PhD preferred

Tools

Databricks

MLflow

Job description

About the team

As part of the AI organization, our team works together to solve complex problems, explore new ideas, and turn them into meaningful outcomes. We value curiosity, collaboration, and a willingness to take ownership and learn along the way. We care deeply about the quality and impact of our work while fostering an environment that is supportive and approachable. We want people to feel challenged by the work and energized by the team around them.

What You'll Do

• Applies and integrates advanced statistical, mathematical, data mining, predictive modeling and business analysis skills and techniques to discover and identify new insights, predict and prescribe outcomes, advise on turning new insights into actionable opportunities and outcomes, and provide the tracking and measurement of results.

• Develop LLM-based, mathematical models, algorithms, machine learning techniques, and robust analytics to support analytic insights and visualization of complex data sets for productization and monetization.

• Create evaluation frameworks and monitor deployed models and AI systems for performance, drift and unintended outcomes.

• Applies creative problem solving and inter-departmental networking to address data and information needs across the enterprise.

• Shares best practices with peers through coaching and mentoring core methodologies, patterns, standards and processes.

• Through a clear understanding of the assigned business area, utilizes technical skills to access and extract data from diverse sources residing on multiple platforms and implement large, complex data models and information solutions by combining, synthesizing and structuring data from various data sources.

What You'll Bring to the Role

• Proficiency in Python and SQL; experience with common ML libraries (e.g. scikit-learn) and cloud data platforms (e.g. databricks)

• Experience with agentic engineering: designing agents and multi-agent workflows, including tool integration, orchestration, guardrails and human-in-the-loop checkpoints

• Understanding of context engineering. How to structure instructions, retrieved information, tool outputs, and memory so AI systems perform reliably

• Understanding of how to evaluate AI systems, including accuracy, hallucination rates, consistency, and cost/latency, using structured test sets and human review

• Ability and desire to mentor other team members through projects independently from start to finish, working with internal and external teams to make decisions and maintain momentum

• Excellent time and project management skills, with the ability to manage detailed work and communicate project status effectively to all levels

• Proven track record in meeting aggressive deadlines

• At least 5 years of relevant experience with demonstrated success using data science to deliver significant business impact or develop data- or algorithm-based products.

• Bachelor’s degree in Data Science, Statistics, Mathematics, Operations Research, Computer Science, Econometrics, or a related quantitative field.

• Advanced degree (Master’s or PhD) in a related quantitative field preferred.

Skills You’ll Have

Cloud Computing- Applies cloud architecture principles across AWS and Azure platforms to design, plan, and scale cloud implementations and initiatives.

Industry Knowledge- Applies knowledge of industry practices, regulatory considerations, market trends, and the competitive landscape to understand and address business needs and challenges.

Python or R - Uses Python or R to develop logical code for small- and large-scale projects and perform statistical analysis and graphics.

Statistical Analysis- Uses quantitative and computational reasoning to analyze data, draw practical conclusions for business challenges, and apply statistical probabilities and trends to predict outcomes.

ML Ops- Deploys and maintains machine-learning models in production reliably and efficiently to improve workflow efficiency.

Machine Learning- Applies quantitative analysis methods to large datasets and data structures while developing data pipelines and statistical solutions.

Compensation Range:

Pay Range - Start:

$118,960.00

Pay Range - End:

$178,440.00

Geographic Specific Pay Structure:

Structure 110:

$130,880.00 USD - $196,320.00 USD

Structure 115:

$136,800.00 USD - $205,200.00 USD

We believe in fairness and transparency. It’s why we share the salary range for most of our roles. However, final salaries are based on a number of factors, including the skills and experience of the candidate; the current market; location of the candidate; and other factors uncovered in the hiring process. The standard pay structure is listed but if you’re living in California, New York City or other eligible location, geographic specific pay structures, compensation and benefits could be applicable.

Northwestern Mutual is an equal opportunity employer that welcomes talented individuals of all backgrounds. We are committed to creating and maintaining an environment in which each employee can contribute creative ideas, seek challenges, assume leadership and continue to focus on meeting and exceeding business and personal objectives.

Skills

Data Literacy (NM), Business Acumen (NM), Statistical Programming (Python/R) (NM), Strategic People Leadership (NM), Data Analytics (NM), SQL (NM), Data Mining (NM), Business Application Solutions (NM), Data Interpretation, Collaborative Partnership & Planning (NM), Programming Languages (NM), Cloud Computing, Coaching & Mentoring (NM), Engineering Expertise & Practices, Databases & Data Platforms (NM), Analytical Thinking (NM), Collaborative Negotiation (NM), Machine Learning (NM), Talent Development & Planning (NM), Statistical Analysis (NM), Strategic & Systems Thinking (NM), Root Cause Analysis (NM), Adaptive Communication (NM), Industry Knowledge (NM), ML Ops (NM), Consulting (NM)