Senior Associate - Data Scientist

About the role

In this position, you will be an integral part of New York Life's Artificial Intelligence & Data (AI&D) team, contributing to the company's digital transformation efforts. Your focus will be on creating and implementing AI and machine learning solutions that improve operational efficiency and enhance experiences for clients, agents, and employees.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Collaborate with data, technology, product, and business teams to execute AI and machine learning projects.
• Ensure that AI initiatives are aligned with business objectives and contribute to enterprise value creation through measurable outcomes.
• Participate in the complete model lifecycle, including data exploration, feature engineering, model training and validation, deployment, monitoring, and iteration.
• Develop and operationalize models utilizing AWS or GCP tools (such as SageMaker and Bedrock) alongside modern data platforms like Snowflake and Databricks, focusing on quality, security, and scalability.
• Help design and assess AI-powered solutions that automate routine tasks while incorporating human oversight and safety measures.
• Support the implementation and enhancement of LLM/RAG techniques, including vector stores and prompt orchestration, ensuring reliability through evaluation.
• Make AI functionalities accessible via APIs, dashboards, and integrated applications used by business teams.
• Create lightweight user interface prototypes (e.g., Streamlit) to validate usability and promote adoption.
• Follow best practices in model governance, documentation, testing, and CI/CD in collaboration with MLOps.

Requirements

• Advanced degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Machine Learning, AI, Engineering, Mathematics, Statistics, or a related quantitative discipline.
• A minimum of 3 years of practical experience in developing and deploying machine learning models to address real-world business challenges, including feature engineering and model performance monitoring.
• Solid understanding of statistics and machine learning techniques, including supervised and unsupervised methods, probabilistic modeling, and model interpretability, with the ability to choose and assess suitable methods for specific issues.
• Proficiency in Python and SQL, along with a working knowledge of essential software engineering principles, including version control (Git/GitHub), testing, and documentation.
• Familiarity with Generative AI concepts such as large language models, prompt engineering, and retrieval-augmented generation.
• Exposure to Agentic AI architectures, including tool-using agents and orchestration frameworks.
• Ability to collaborate with business stakeholders and effectively communicate model designs and results to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Strong communication skills and a collaborative approach.
• A proactive attitude and a commitment to ongoing learning.
• Experience in the life insurance or consumer finance sectors is advantageous.

Pay Transparency

Salary Range: $100,000 - $143,000

Overtime eligible: Exempt

Discretionary bonus eligible: Yes

Sales bonus eligible: No

The actual salary will be determined based on various factors, including individual experience, skills, qualifications, and job location. Employees may also be eligible for an annual discretionary bonus and participation in an incentive program.

Company Overview

New York Life has a rich history of 180 years, rooted in purpose and integrity, which guides our future endeavors. As we transition into a more technology-driven, data-centric, and AI-enabled organization, we remain committed to the values that create lasting impact.

Our diverse business portfolio offers opportunities to make a difference across various industries and communities, encouraging innovative thinking, collaborative problem-solving, and purposeful innovation. Here, you will find a unique blend of stability and progress, supported by an inclusive team that values tradition while embracing change.

As a Fortune 100 mutual company, we provide a platform for skill development, meaningful contributions, and impactful solutions. Your ideas will shape the future, and your growth will drive that vision.

Our Benefits

We offer a comprehensive benefits package designed for today's workforce, including leave programs, adoption assistance, and student loan repayment options. We continuously refine our offerings based on employee feedback to ensure you thrive both professionally and personally.

Our Commitment to Inclusion

At New York Life, creating an inclusive workplace is essential to our identity and our service to communities. We are dedicated to fostering an environment where everyone can contribute their best and succeed together, grounded in our core values of humanity and integrity. By embracing diverse perspectives and experiences, we enhance our success and fulfill our commitment to providing financial security and peace of mind to families across all communities.

Recognized as one of Fortune's Most Admired Companies, New York Life is dedicated to enhancing local communities through a culture of employee giving and volunteerism, supported by our Foundation. Our mutual structure ensures we act in the best interests of our policyholders.

To explore career opportunities at New York Life, please visit the Careers page on www.NewYorkLife.com.

Visit our LinkedIn to see how our employees and agents are leading the industry and making a difference in communities.

Visit our Newsroom to learn more about how we are evolving to meet the needs of our clients and employees.

Job Requisition ID: 94008