Data Scientist II
Strategic Education, Inc · Minneapolis, MN · 2 wk ago
Engineering$95k–$143k/yrFull-time
Leverage machine learning and Generative AI (LLMs) to deliver scalable, data-driven solutions that improve business performance and decision-making. This role builds and deploys predictive and LLM-based models using modern tools (CI/CD, Airflow), develops impactful insights through strong analytics and Power BI visualizations, and partners with stakeholders to identify high-value opportunities.
Key Objectives
- Deliver measurable business impact using machine learning and GenAI/LLM-driven solutions.
- Improve operational performance through scalable, production-ready analytics.
- Develop and maintain a suite of Power BI reports and dashboards to enable informed, data-driven business decisions.
- Enable smarter decision-making through data storytelling and visualization.
- Identify and implement high-value GenAI use cases across the organization.
- Promote responsible and effective use of AI and advanced analytics.
- Mentor junior team members and help elevate overall team capabilities.
Responsibilities
- Analyze and integrate large, complex datasets from multiple sources, with cloud environments preferred.
- Design, build, and deploy machine learning models and LLM-powered solutions.
- Develop GenAI use cases such as text classification, embeddings, summarization, and decision-support tools.
- Productionize models using CI/CD pipelines and orchestrate workflows using Airflow DAGs.
- Monitor model performance, maintain documentation, and support governance, reliability, and ongoing model maintenance.
- Translate analytical findings into clear and actionable business insights for technical and non-technical audiences.
- Build dashboards and visualizations using Power BI to track KPIs, trends, and model outcomes.
- Partner with stakeholders to identify opportunities for advanced analytics and AI adoption.
- Apply strong data validation and quality checks to ensure data accuracy, completeness, and integrity.
- Support ethical AI practices, data privacy requirements, and governance standards.
- Mentor junior data scientists and contribute to team best practices and standards.
Requirements
- 3+ years of experience in data science, advanced analytics, or a related field.
- Proven experience building and deploying machine learning solutions in production.
- Experience applying statistical analysis and predictive modeling.
- Exposure to or hands-on experience with GenAI and LLM applications is strongly preferred.
- Bachelor's degree in Data Science, Statistics, Mathematics, Computer Science, or a related quantitative field required.
Skills
- Strong proficiency in SQL and Python, or R.
- Hands-on experience developing and deploying machine learning models.
- Experience with Generative AI and LLMs, including prompting, embeddings, and NLP-related use cases.
- Experience with CI/CD pipelines, Airflow, and workflow orchestration.
- Strong experience with Power BI or similar data visualization tools.
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with strong attention to detail.
- Strong data intuition and the ability to identify patterns, anomalies, and meaningful insights.
- Ability to communicate complex analytical and AI concepts clearly to technical and non-technical audiences.
- Experience with version control tools such as Git and collaborative development practices.
- Ability to work independently and effectively in ambiguous environments.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with cloud platforms such as AWS, Azure, or GCP.
- Experience operationalizing LLM-based solutions in production environments.
- Familiarity with MLOps and model lifecycle management.
- Demonstrated passion for AI innovation and continuous learning.
Other
- Occasional travel may be required (typically not common for this role). Travel may involve plane, car, or metro. Reasonable accommodations regarding travel limitations can be provided.
- Ability to work onsite in a Corporate or Campus location may be required based on role, including mobility within the office and movement between floors.
- If offsite or hybrid, must have access to a work setting that enables meeting all role requirements (privacy, reliable internet access, phone, video conferencing, etc.).
- This role may require lifting; reasonable accommodations will be provided in accordance with ADA policies.
- Must be able to meet critical-thinking and problem-solving requirements and communicate effectively with co-workers.
- Must be able to work more than 40 hours per week when business needs warrant. Accommodations related to schedule may be considered.
- Must be able to access information using a computer.
Benefits
- Comprehensive package for employees scheduled 30+ hours per week, including medical, dental, vision, life, and disability plans.
- Well-being incentives, parental leave, paid time off, and certain paid holidays.
- Tax-saving accounts (FSA, HSA).
- 401(k) retirement benefit and Employee Stock Purchase Plan.
- Tuition assistance and entertainment/retail discounts.
- Non-exempt employees eligible for overtime pay, if applicable.
Pay
The expected salary range for this position is $95,100 - $142,600.