Lead Data Scientist

Our Purpose
Mastercard powers economies and empowers people in 200+ countries and territories worldwide. Together with our customers, we're helping build a sustainable economy where everyone can prosper. We support a wide range of digital payments choices, making transactions secure, simple, smart and accessible. Our technology and innovation, partnerships and networks combine to deliver a unique set of products and services that help people, businesses and governments realize their greatest potential.
Title and Summary
Lead Data Scientist
Overview
We are seeking a highly skilled and visionary Lead Data Scientist to spearhead the development of advanced AI solutions that drive innovation and deliver measurable impact across the business. This role involves leading complex AI initiatives, architecting scalable machine learning systems, and mentoring a team of engineers and data scientists. The ideal candidate combines deep technical expertise with strategic thinking and strong leadership capabilities.
Key Responsibilities
Responsible for developing AI-driven innovative analytical solutions and identifying opportunities to support business and client needs in a quantitative and scalable manner, facilitating informed recommendations and decisions. Activities include designing and deploying machine learning models, building intelligent AI/Gen AI systems, conducting performance analyses, and AI-powered data visualizations.
The Role:• Lead complex initiatives and projects to derive insights and automation from AI models and systems to solve critical business questions• Translate client/stakeholder needs into AI/Gen AI-driven technical solutions in collaboration with internal and external partners and present findings and outcomes to clients/stakeholders• Identify rich data sources and oversee the integration, cleaning, and transformation of datasets to ensure consistency and readiness for AI applications• Deliver high-quality AI/Gen AI solutions and tools within agreed-upon timelines and budget parameters, and conducting post-implementation reviews• Guide others to develop sophisticated AI models and engineering solutions (e.g., intelligent agents, recommendation engines, prototypes) utilizing advanced machine learning, deep learning, and generative AI techniques• Serve as a technical coach for junior-level colleagues and develops technical talent via ongoing technical training, peer review, and mentorship
All About You:• Strong experience delivering data science and machine learning solutions from concept to production, including model deployment, monitoring, and performance optimization.• Strong programming skills in Python (NumPy, Pandas, SciPy, scikit-learn) and experience with statistical modeling, predictive analytics, and data-driven experimentation.• Hands-on experience with deep learning frameworks (TensorFlow, PyTorch) and transformer-based architectures (e.g., BERT, GPT, ViTs, etc.) • Expertise in machine learning, deep learning, NLP, and MLOps practices (CI/CD for ML, model registry, feature stores).• Proficiency in data engineering concepts: building scalable pipelines for batch and streaming data (Spark, Hadoop) and working with SQL/relational databases.• Familiarity with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP) for data science workflows and model deployment.• Strong foundation in mathematics and statistics; advanced degree (Master's or PhD) in Applied Mathematics, Statistics, Computer Science, or related field is preferred.• Skilled in data visualization and storytelling to translate complex analyses into actionable business insights.• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills; ability to present findings to both technical and non-technical audiences.• Demonstrated leadership and mentoring experience, fostering growth in technical teams and guiding research or applied projects.• Ability to quickly learn new tools and technologies and adapt to evolving business needs.
#AI1
Mastercard is a merit-based, inclusive, equal opportunity employer that considers applicants without regard to gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, disabled or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We hire the most qualified candidate for the role. In the US or Canada, if you require accommodations or assistance to complete the online application process or during the recruitment process, please contact [email protected] and identify the type of accommodation or assistance you are requesting. Do not include any medical or health information in this email. The Reasonable Accommodations team will respond to your email promptly.
Corporate Security Responsibility
All activities involving access to Mastercard assets, information, and networks comes with an inherent risk to the organization and, therefore, it is expected that every person working for, or on behalf of, Mastercard is responsible for information security and must:

• Abide by Mastercard's security policies and practices;
• Ensure the confidentiality and integrity of the information being accessed;
• Report any suspected information security violation or breach, and
• Complete all periodic mandatory security trainings in accordance with Mastercard's guidelines.

In line with Mastercard's total compensation philosophy and assuming that the job will be performed in the US, the successful candidate will be offered a competitive base salary and may be eligible for an annual bonus or commissions depending on the role. The base salary offered may vary depending on multiple factors, including but not limited to location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. Mastercard benefits for full time (and certain part time) employees generally include: insurance (including medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, disability, life insurance); flexible spending account and health savings account; paid leaves (including 16 weeks of new parent leave and up to 20 days of bereavement leave); 80 hours of Paid Sick and Safe Time, 25 days of vacation time and 5 personal days, pro-rated based on date of hire; 10 annual paid U.S. observed holidays; 401k with a best-in-class company match; deferred compensation for eligible roles; fitness reimbursement or on-site fitness facilities; eligibility for tuition reimbursement; and many more.
Pay Ranges
Atlanta, Georgia: $138,000 - $221,000 USD
Austin, Texas: $138,000 - $221,000 USD
O'Fallon, Missouri: $138,000 - $221,000 USD
Remote - New York: $138,000 - $221,000 USD
Job Posting Window
Applications for this job posting will be accepted on an ongoing basis.