Job Description
Principal Data Scientist – Applied AI
Title: Principal Data Scientist / Associate Director – Data Science (Applied AI)
Location: Chicago, IL, USA
Role Summary
We are seeking a highly experienced Principal Data Scientist / Associate Director – Data Science (Applied AI) to serve as the primary client-facing data science lead for designing, building, and scaling advanced AI and machine learning solutions for enterprise clients.
This role requires a strong blend of hands-on technical expertise in Generative AI, NLP, machine learning, and data engineering, along with consulting maturity, stakeholder management, and end-to-end solution ownership.
The position combines client advisory, model development, cross-functional collaboration, and measurable business impact, making it ideal for professionals who thrive at the intersection of technology and business transformation.
Desired Experience
8–12 years of experience in Data Science, Machine Learning, Analytics, or Applied AI roles
Proven experience leading teams or technical workstreams in enterprise environments
Hands-on experience building and deploying Gen AI, NLP, or advanced ML solutions in production
Strong exposure to client-facing consulting, solutioning, stakeholder management, and external business engagements
Excellent problem-solving skills with a demonstrated track record of delivering measurable business outcomes
Key Responsibilities
Design, develop, and deploy advanced AI/ML solutions, including:
Generative AI applications
RAG systems
NLP pipelines
Predictive models
Translate ambiguous business requirements into:
structured analytical approaches
technical architectures
scalable solution roadmaps
Lead technical workstreams and collaborate with:
Data Scientists
Data Engineers
Product Managers
Business Teams
Partner with client stakeholders to identify high-value AI use cases aligned to business priorities
Bring thought leadership in designing scalable enterprise AI systems
Present solution concepts, prototypes, analyses, and business outcomes to senior client and internal stakeholders
Support presales activities, including:
solution framing
technical proposals
demos
effort estimation
Build and optimize production-grade AI pipelines using cloud, vector search, and enterprise data platforms
Mentor junior team members and contribute to capability building, reusable accelerators, and best practices
Primary Skills (Mandatory)
Strong expertise in:
Generative AI
LLMs
RAG frameworks
Agentic workflows
NLP
embeddings
transformers
deep learning
Strong programming proficiency in:
Python
PySpark
SQL
Experience with modern ML and AI frameworks:
PyTorch
Transformers
scikit-learn
LangChain
LangGraph
Experience with cloud and data platforms:
Snowflake
BigQuery
PostgreSQL
Redshift
Azure AI Search
vector databases
Ability to architect scalable AI systems integrating both structured and unstructured enterprise data
Experience in:
knowledge layers
semantic search
enterprise copilots
Exposure to:
model fine-tuning
evaluation frameworks
guardrails
LLM governance
Strong communication and presentation skills with the ability to articulate technical concepts and business value to senior stakeholders
Preferred Education
Master’s degree in a quantitative discipline such as:
Data Science
Computer Science
Statistics
Engineering
Operations Research
Related quantitative field
Pay: $180,000.00 - $200,000.00 per year
Benefits:
401(k)
Dental insurance
Health insurance
Paid time off
Relocation assistance
Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
