Lead Data Scientist

This position works with the business to embrace new technologies and GenAI capabilities that make a meaningful impact to our customers, and how we connect with them. Projects can span from large, multi-team initiatives to individual discovery work. As part of the enterprise data science team, we work with and support all areas of the business (Claims, Product, Risk Management, Contact Centers, etc.), developing holistic solutions that leverage new concepts (e.g Agentic AI) into Production systems, combining the best of third-party vendors with in-house capabilities, and contributing to the community of data science practitioners through papers, conferences, talks, and academic partnerships like the Data Science Institute with UW. The role requires a focus on innovation and market awareness, ensuring our work is informed by current trends and offerings in the industry.

This role is not approved for sponsorship now or in the future.

Position Compensation Range:

$131,000.00 - $220,000.00

Pay Rate Type:

Salary

Compensation may vary based on the job level and your geographic work location. Relocation support is offered for eligible candidates.

Primary Accountabilities

• Mentor data science contributions on multiple projects; from large corporate initiatives, discovery/research projects, engagement with third-party vendors and consulting companies, and partnerships with academia.
• Engages with key parts of the business to understand the problems they're trying to solve and where there are opportunities to leverage the latest data science advancements.
• Defines the scope of data science work on a project, coordinates what data scientists are working on, anticipates and escalates upcoming considerations, and works with engineering/design/product/etc. to deliver impactful business solutions.
• Oversees the deployment and integration of AI models into production environments, ensuring alignment with business objectives and operational requirements.
• Proactively researches, evaluates, applies and shares expertise of emerging AI technologies and open-source tools; with a strong emphasis on Generative AI, including (auto)prompt engineering, Agentic AI frameworks/MCP, and maturing our infrastructure through tools such as LangFuse/LiteLLM.

Specialized Knowledge & Skills Requirements

• Must have demonstrated experience working with Generative AI technologies (such as large language models, image generation, or related AI platforms) to develop, implement, or optimize business solutions.
• Must have proven mentorship or leadership experience managing and guiding teams of three or more Data Scientists, fostering professional growth and driving successful project outcomes.
• Ability to work as part of a team and to communicate effectively.
• Understanding of software development best practices including source control, coding standards and testing frameworks.
• Proficiency in programming languages suitable for database access, scripting, statistical analysis, and system development.
• Demonstrated experience communicating complex findings in a clear and concise manor to business stakeholders.
• Experience shaping the strategy for projects to deliver maximum business value
• Demonstrated experience formulating, approaching, and solving complex analytical problems using a quantitative, scientific approach.
• Demonstrated experience working with large, complex datasets using big data technologies and script.
• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of managing data to scale using data summarization, query, and analysis software and tools.

Licenses:

• Not Applicable.

Travel Requirements

• Up to 10%.

Physical Requirements

• Work that primarily involves sitting/standing.

Working Conditions

• Not Applicable

Additional Information

• Offer to selected candidate will be made contingent on the results of applicable background checks

• Offer to selected candidate is contingent on signing a non-disclosure agreement for proprietary information, trade secrets, and inventions

• Sponsorship will not be considered for this position unless specified in the posting

In this flex office/home role, you will be expected to work a minimum of 10 days per month from one of the following office locations: Madison, WI 53783.
Candidates must reside within a 50-mile radius of the office location.

Candidates would be required to relocate to Madison, Wi.

Internal candidates are encouraged to apply regardless of location and will be considered based upon the needs of the role.

We provide benefits that support your physical, emotional, and financial wellbeing. You will have access to comprehensive medical, dental, vision and wellbeing benefits that enable you to take care of your health. We also offer a competitive 401(k) contribution, a pension plan, an annual incentive, 9 paid holidays and a paid time off program (23 days accrued annually for full-time employees). In addition, our student loan repayment program and paid-family leave are available to support our employees and their families. Interns and contingent workers are not eligible for American Family Insurance Group benefits.

We are an equal opportunity employer. It is our policy to comply with all applicable federal, state and local laws pertaining to non-discrimination, non-harassment and equal opportunity. We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state and local law.

American Family Insurance is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. If a reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please email AskHR@AmFam.com to request a reasonable accommodation.

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