Principal Data Scientist, Director (Chicago)

As a leading, global financial information services provider, Fitch Group delivers vital credit and risk insights, robust data, and dynamic tools to champion more efficient, transparent financial markets. With over 100 years of experience and colleagues in over 30 countries, Fitch Group’s culture of credibility, independence, and transparency is embedded throughout its structure, which includes Fitch Ratings, one of the world’s top three credit ratings agencies, and Fitch Solutions, a leading provider of insights, data and analytics. With dual headquarters in London and New York, Fitch Group is owned by Hearst.

Fitch's Technology & Data Team is a dynamic department where innovation meets impact. Our team includes the Chief Data Office, Chief Software Office, Chief Technology Office, Emerging Technology, Shared Technology Services, Technology, Risk and the Executive Program Management Office (EPMO). Driven by our investment in cutting-edge technologies like AI and cloud solutions, we’re home to a diverse range of roles and backgrounds united by a shared passion for leveraging modern technology to drive projects that matter to our organization and clients. We are also proud to be recognized by Built In as a Best Place to Work in Technology 3 years in a row. Whether you're an experienced professional or just starting your career, we offer an exciting and supportive environment where you can grow, innovate, and make a difference. 

Want to learn more about a career in technology and data at Fitch? Visit:

The Fitch Group Emerging technology AI Center of excellence (COE) group is seeking a Principal Data Scientist to be part of a team that will be dedicated to build and support Generative AI, Machine learning, Deep Learning and Data science solutions across the organization. The position will be based out of our NY or Chicago office.

Specific Emerging Technology team objectives are:

• Gen AI/ML technology implementation with business and product owners
• AI COE function to provide standards, prescriptions and reusable frameworks and platform for accelerated AI adoption
• Emerging Tech Governance function covering policies, guidelines and processes to govern AI/ML enabled components as well as third party AI governance
• Lead and support other enterprise-level AI exploration tools and capabilities
• Provide guidance and support for safe development and deployment of AI

What We Offer:

• This will be a high impact role with significant visibility where the candidate will work on some flagship Fitch products
• The candidate will have an excellent opportunity to work in the cutting-edge field of machine learning and data science
• Fitch promotes an excellent work culture and is known for providing a good work life balance

How You’ll Make an Impact:

• Create standards, prescriptions and recommendations for the data science frameworks and models used across different enterprise AI use cases. Work closely with AI implementation, governance, and enterprise architecture squads to apply the appropriate standards.
• Building data science blueprints, evaluation services, and frameworks for the GenAI platform
• Work closely as part of the product squads to build, integrate, and deploy GenAI and data science solutions. Ensure sharing best practices and learnings with other squad members.

• Lead and manage development and research projects focused on generative AI, deep learning, machine learning, NLP, and large language models.
• Design, develop, and deploy state-of-the-art machine learning models and algorithms that leverage deep learning, NLP and computer vision techniques.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify opportunities for AI-driven solutions and integrate them into existing systems and workflows.
• AI enablement, internal training for developers, and evangelization of emerging AI capabilities on pro code side.
• Conduct experiments to validate the performance and effectiveness of developed models and iterate on improvements based on results.

• Effectively communicate advanced data science/ML concepts in simple language to the business stakeholders always focusing on its applicability to Fitch business
• Collaborate with MLEs to identify innovative machine learning and Gen AI solutions that leverage data to meet business goals.

• Stay up to date with the latest advancements in AI, machine learning, NLP, and large language models, and apply this knowledge to drive innovation within the organization.
• Mentor and provide guidance to junior data scientists and researchers, fostering a culture of continuous learning and development.
• Contribute to the creation of intellectual property, such as patents and publications, to enhance the company's competitive edge.

You May be a Good Fit if:

• Ph.D. or master’s degree in computer science, Data Science, Machine Learning, or a related field.
• A minimum of 8 years of experience in data science, with a strong focus on generative AI, deep learning, machine learning, NLP, and large language models.
• Proven track record of developing and deploying successful deep learning and NLP models in real-world applications.

• Prior experience working on building Gen AI frameworks and leveraging and/or finetuning LLM’s.

• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, and experience with machine learning frameworks such as PyTorch, TensorFlow or similar.
• Strong understanding of natural language processing (NLP) techniques and experience with large language models like GPT, BERT, or similar.

• Proficiency in machine learning and deep learning algorithms such as Neural networks, multi-class classifications, decision trees, support vector machines etc.

• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to think critically and creatively.
• Strong communication and leadership skills, with a demonstrated ability to work effectively in a collaborative environment.

• Exposure/experience in containerization technologies like docker, Kubernetes, AWS EKS etc.
• Knowledge of popular Cloud computing vendor (AWS and Azure) infrastructure & services e.g. AWS Bedrock, AWS S3, AWS Sage maker, Azure AI search, Azure OpenAI, Azure blob storage etc.

What Would Make You Stand Out:

• Passionate about the power of data, GenAI and predictive analytics to drive better business outcomes for customers
• Proven ability to work effectively in a distributed working environment and ability to work efficiently and productively in a fast-paced environment
• Familiarity with credit ratings agencies, regulations, and data products around the world
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills
• A champion of good code quality and Data science practices.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work proactively and as a team player

Why Choose Fitch:

• Hybrid Work Environment: 2 to 3 days a week in office required based on your line of business and location
• A Culture of Learning & Mobility: Dedicated trainings, leadership development and mentorship programs designed to ensure that your time at Fitch will be a continuous learning opportunity
• Investing in Your Future: Retirement planning and tuition reimbursement programs that empower you to achieve your short and long-term goals
• Promoting Health & Wellbeing: Comprehensive healthcare offerings that enable physical, mental, financial, social, and occupational wellbeing
• Supportive Parenting Policies: Family-friendly policies, including a generous global parental leave plan, designed to help you balance career and family life effectively
• Inclusive Work Environment : A collaborative workplace where all voices are valued, with Employee Resource Groups that unite and empower our colleagues around the globe
• Dedication to Giving Back: Paid volunteer days, matched funding for donations and ample opportunities to volunteer in your community

At Fitch, AI is embedded in how we work every day—supporting smarter decision-making, streamlining workflows, and enabling new ways to create value for our business and clients. Intelligent solutions are increasingly part of our day-to-day operations, helping teams work more efficiently and think differently as we continue to evolve. We’re looking for colleagues who are comfortable operating in an AI-enabled environment—or who are curious, adaptable, and eager to build their AI literacy over time. We value professionals who embrace technology as part of continuous learning and who are committed to using it thoughtfully to enhance how work gets done.   

Fitch is committed to providing global securities markets with objective, timely, independent and forward-looking credit opinions. To protect Fitch’s credibility and reputation, our employees must take every precaution to avoid conflicts of interests or any appearance of a conflict of interest. Should you be successful in the recruitment process at Fitch Ratings you will be asked to declare any securities holdings and other potential conflicts prior to commencing employment. If you, or your immediate family, have any holdings that may conflict with your work responsibilities, you may be asked to divest yourself of them before beginning work.   

Fitch is proud to be an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, protected veteran status, and other statuses protected by law.  

FOR NEW YORK AND CHICAGO ROLES ONLY 

Expected base pay rates for the role will be between 180,000 and 200,000 per year. Actual salaries will be determined on an individualized basis and may vary based on factors including but not limited to education, training, experience, past performance, and other job-related factors.  Base pay is one part of Fitch’s total compensation package, which, depending on the position, may also include commission earnings, discretionary bonuses, long-term incentives, and other benefits sponsored by Fitch.   

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