Principal Data Scientist

Hybrid 3 days onsite in Cincinnati, OH or Atlanta, GA

Our client seeks a Principal Data Scientist to scale Data Science and AI capabilities for end-to-end payment optimization. The role will collaborate with ML engineers and product partners to design and deploy real-time models and intelligent decision engines, drive strategy and roadmaps, lead cross-functional initiatives, and mentor senior data science talent. The position balances strategic leadership with hands-on contribution across architecture, design reviews, code reviews, and select implementation to deliver production-grade ML solutions.

This is a contract to hire opportunity. Applicants must be willing and able to work on a w2 basis and convert to FTE following contract duration. For our w2 consultants, we offer a great benefits package that includes Medical, Dental, and Vision benefits, 401k with company matching, and life insurance.

Rate: $85.00 to $95.00/hr. w2

• Define the technical vision and strategy for data-driven initiatives focused on end-to-end payment optimization and align with business goals.
• Develop scalable and reusable capabilities to power real-time machine learning models, enable rapid experimentation at scale, and support continuous monitoring of ML products.
• Oversee and participate hands-on in the conceptualization, development, production deployment, operation, validation, and maintenance of ML models and model update systems.
• Establish and enforce best practices for ML modeling while driving adoption of modern tools, frameworks, and infrastructure.
• Foster a culture of innovation, experimentation, and collaboration and mentor a team of data scientists.
• Partner with product, engineering, data, and compliance teams to integrate ML into products and communicate complex concepts to diverse audiences.
• Collaborate with Data Science leaders to establish an operating model for ML R&D that optimizes delivery of business value.

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in computer science, statistics, mathematics, engineering, or related field. PhD preferred.
• 7+ years in ML research or engineering and 5+ years building large-scale, real-time ML systems in production with hands-on experience.
• Expertise in machine learning, statistical modeling, and data analysis with strong experience across the ML lifecycle and experimentation.
• Proficiency in Python (Pandas, NumPy, scikit-learn) and strong SQL. Experience with NoSQL or graph databases is a plus.
• Demonstrated ability to lead solution design and execution, translating complex business requirements into actionable technology solutions.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills with the ability to influence and collaborate across technical and business audiences, including executives.
• Bonus: Experience in payments, fintech, or financial services. Knowledge of payment systems, fraud and risk, or real-time payments. Experience with AWS, GCP, Snowflake, Databricks, or Vertex AI. Agile development experience. Background in large companies, mature ML teams, or regulated industries.

Bachelor’s or master’s degree in computer science, statistics, mathematics, engineering, or related field. PhD preferred.

Recruitment Transparency Notice

Eliassen Group values transparency in our recruitment practices. Please be advised that Eliassen Group utilizes artificial intelligence (AI) tools as part of its initial application screening  and hiring process. You may receive email and SMS notifications from the Eliassen Virtual Recruiting Team ( View email address on us.fitly.work , View phone number on us.fitly.work) inviting you to complete a brief voice screening as part of your application process. These tools assist our hiring teams in different ways, including but not limited to, assistance in reviewing application materials to help identify candidates whose qualifications most closely match the requirements of the position. All AI-assisted evaluations and responses are reviewed by human recruiters before any hiring decisions are made. The use of AI in our process is intended to support fairness, efficiency, and consistency, and Eliassen Group takes measures to prevent bias or discrimination in connection with its hiring practices. By proceeding, you acknowledge, agree, and consent to Eliassen Group’s use of these tools, including AI tools, as part of the application and hiring process.

Skills, experience, and other compensable factors will be considered when determining pay rate. The pay range provided in this posting reflects a W2 hourly rate; other employment options may be available that may result in pay outside of the provided range.

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· Eliassen Group will never ask you for personal information (home address, bank account, or check routing number) until you have worked with someone clearly associated with Eliassen Group.

If you have any indication of fraudulent activity, please contact View email address on us.fitly.work .

About Eliassen Group:

Eliassen Group is a strategic consulting firm that helps organizations reach further and achieve more through our technology, business advisory, and life sciences solutions. For nearly 40 years, we have combined exceptional people, deep domain expertise, and intelligent capabilities to expand our clients’ capacity and accelerate meaningful outcomes. We are driven by a purpose to positively impact the lives of our employees, clients, consultants, and the communities we serve.

Eliassen is committed to building a diverse and inclusive team from a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. We are an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer and all employment decisions are based on merit, performance, and business needs. Eliassen does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender identity or expression, sexual preference or orientation, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), marital status, creed, religion, physical or mental disability, genetic information, military or veteran status, age, ancestry, national origin, citizenship status, prohibited criminal record inquiries of applicants and employees, or any other category protected by federal, state, or local laws.

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