Sr Data Scientist I - (AI Focus)

What You'll Do:

The Data Science team is seeking a Sr. Data Scientist I to create AI and Data Science solutions which can include Generative AI, Agentic AI, traditional machine learning, and other branches of AI. You will support the development, deployment, and maintenance of machine learning models, including the integration of foundational generative models into pipeline solutions. 

This role requires a multi-disciplinary approach, combining machine learning, algorithm development, data inference, financial and quantitative modeling, and optimization to address complex business challenges. 

Responsibilities include researching and applying current and emerging data science principles, theories, and techniques to inform strategic decision-making. Participation in scientific research projects aimed at advancing data analytics capabilities is also a key aspect of the position. 

 

Additional Responsibilities  

• Responsible for answering business questions using machine learning techniques, algorithms and statistical models. 
• Capturing and integrating large volumes of data, performs analysis, interprets results, and develops actionable insights and recommendations. 
• Responsible for evaluating statistical/machine learning models to determine validity of analyses, testing models, and developing visualizations to help clients make business decisions. 
• Collaborate & Partner closely with business and data teams and deliver data science solutions to identify business problems. 
• Coaching, mentoring, reviewing work of junior data scientists. 

Who You Are:

• Bachelor’s Degree required (quantitative discipline preferred)
• MS/PhD strongly preferred
• Experience applying AI techniques such as Agentic AI or Generative AI.
• 6+ years of professional experience building machine learning and predictive models (advanced degrees may substitute for some experience). 
• Deep knowledge of Statistics, Mathematics, Optimization, Machine Learning theory and quantitative techniques.
• Proven experience working with Large Language Models (LLMs) in applied use cases (e.g., prompt design, model integration, or deployment).
• Advanced programming skills in Python, R, SAS, or SQL.
• Proficiency with ML frameworks (e.g., TensorFlow, PyTorch, Scikit-learn, Keras) and scientific computing libraries.
• Ability to lead projects from model design to deployment
• Expertise in evaluating and making decisions around the use of new or existing machine learning, data analysis, optimization techniques/tools for a project.
• Expertise in model evaluation, tuning and performance, operationalization and scalability of scientific techniques and establishing decision strategies
• Passion for picking up new techniques/technologies
• Self-motivated attitude and desire to work on applied problems
• Hands-on experience with large datasets, including both structured and unstructured data, and familiarity with big data tools (e.g., Spark) and cloud platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure).  

Skills That Will Help You Stand Out: 

• AWS SageMaker or Databricks
• Agentic AI
• Generative AI
• Snowflake 
• GitHub 
• SAS  

Salary Range Information: Salary ranges below reflect targeted base salaries. Non-sales positions have the opportunity to participate in a bonus program. Sales positions are eligible for sales incentives, and in some instances a bonus plan, whereby total compensation may far exceed base salary depending on individual performance. Actual compensation for all roles will be based upon geographic location, work experience, education, licensure requirements and/or skill level and will be finalized at the time of offer. Salary Range: $127000 - $150000 / year Time Off Program: Flexible Time Off (FTO) is provided to salaried (exempt) employees and provides the opportunity to take time away from the office with pay for vacation, personal or short-term illness. Employees don’t accrue a bank of time off under FTO and there is no set number of days provided. Pension Eligible: Yes Additional Information:

Work Environment

 

This role offers in-office, hybrid (blending at least three office days in a typical workweek), and remote work arrangements (only if residing more than 30 miles from Des Moines, IA, Raleigh, NC, or Charlotte, NC). You’ll work with your leader to figure out which option may align best based on several factors.

 

 

Work Authorization/Sponsorship

 

At this time, we're not considering candidates that need any type of immigration sponsorship now or in the future or those needing work authorization for this role. (This includes, but is not limited to students on F1-OPT, F1-CPT, J-1, etc.) 

Nonimmigrant Workers and Green Card for Employment-Based Immigrants

 

Investment Code of Ethics

 

For Principal Global Investors positions, you’ll need to follow an Investment Code of Ethics related to personal and business conduct as well as personal trading activities for you and members of your household. These same requirements may also apply to other positions across the organization.

 

Experience Principal

 

At Principal, we value connecting on both a personal and professional level. Together, we’re imagining a more purpose-led future for financial services – and that starts with you. Our success depends on the unique experiences, backgrounds, and talents of our employees. And we support our employees the same way we support our customers: with comprehensive, competitive benefit offerings crafted to protect their physical, financial, and social well-being. Check out our careers site to learn more about our purpose, values and benefits.

 

Principal is an Equal Opportunity Employer

 

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.

Posting Window: We will accept applications for 3 full days following the Original Posting Date, after which the posting may remain open or be removed based upon applications received. If we choose to post the job again, we will accept additional applications for at least 1 full day following the Most Recently Posted Date. Please submit applications in a timely manner as there is no guarantee the posting will be available beyond the applicable deadline. Date First Posted (TTF): 5/13/2026 Latest Post Date: Careers - US: 5/13/2026

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