Northwestern Mutual

Data Software Engineer III - ML Ops

Northwestern Mutual$108K — $162K *
Enterprise Technology
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or equivalent experience
  • Strong programming skills in data engineering with proficiency in Python and Java
  • Experience with data processing frameworks and Kubernetes
  • Proficient in cloud platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure, Google Cloud)
  • Understanding of machine learning concepts and algorithms
  • Expertise in CI/CD processes and version control with tools like Git
  • Understanding of agile methodologies and experience in agile environments

Responsibilities

  • Architect and develop scalable data pipelines
  • Gather and translate data requirements into technical solutions
  • Optimize data integration and transformation processes
  • Enhance existing systems for performance and scalability
  • Mentor junior engineers and oversee CI/CD pipelines
  • Build data pipelines and automation for the AI/ML lifecycle
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to unlock data value

Benefits

  • Collaborative and creative work environment
  • Opportunities for continuous learning
  • Emphasis on problem-solving and innovative thinking
  • Standardized work practices to enhance efficiency
  • Focus on automation in development processes
Full Job Description

About the Job

Data is a critical driver of this approach and a cornerstone for how we engage with our customers. To help lead the effort, NM’s Assistant Director, Data Software Engineering – AI/ML Ops is seeking a highly motivated, curious, and passionate software engineers to build and design services, data pipelines, automation, and dashboards for our ML Ops platform and to implement and standardize practices for traditional and generative artificial intelligence.

You will be joining our Data Solutions and Enablement department (DSE) whose mission is to unlock and provide analytical insight on our core customer and client data to better serve our customers, field representative, and business partners. As a part of the team you will collaborate with Data Scientists, Software Engineers, Data Engineers, and Product Owners throughout the organization to help unlock the value of data through predictive analytics, operationalized machine learning, applied AI and generative AI.

What You'll do

ML Ops Team responsibilities include but are not limited to:

  • Building and standardizing services and patterns in Python and Java to enable model deployment, training, inference, and monitoring.

  • Building services and automation to streamline and manage the stages of the AI/ML life cycle and model governance

  • Develop reliable data pipelines that transform and aggregate data from NM’s source systems and data platforms

  • Establish and maintain NM’s data science, ML and AI platforms, with a focus on rapid iteration and operational deployment of predictive models, and cost management of workloads

  • Integrating various ML Ops platforms together such as Databricks, AWS Sagemaker, AWS Bedrock.

  • Establish a feature store of curated metrics, attributes, and features for ML models

  • Collaborate closely with data scientists, DevOps Engineers, and enterprise infrastructure teams to enable automation and monitoring across the machine learning lifecycle

  • Develop ML model monitoring pipelines for model performance, data quality, and gen AI evaluation, tracing, and metrics.

AI/ML Ops Baseline Competencies:

  • We work in Python and Java, leveraging Spring, Flask, FastMCP, FastMCP, Pandas, Spark, LangGraph and ML Flow

  • We leverage AWS and Databricks often and deploy software and AI/ML solutions CI/CD first. We aspire to automate and standardize everything.

  • We expect proficiency with databases and SQL from RDBMS (Postgres, SQL Server, MySql etc.) or big data platforms (Databricks, Spark, Redshift, Snowflake, Big Query etc).

  • We expect familiarity and experience with basic ML algorithms, LLMs, and GenAI/Agentic concepts.

  • We expect an understanding of basic tools and libraries common to data science, AI and ML. e.g. ML Flow, Pandas/Numpy/Sklearn, PyTorch/TensorFlow, or LlamaIndex/LangChain/LangGraph OR a strong mathematical and computer science background.

  • We are passionate about continuous learning and problem solving. Curiosity is expected, welcome, and rewarded.

  • We collaborate and work creatively every day.

The Data Software Engineer III leads the design and implementation of complex data systems, leveraging advanced data engineering techniques and emerging leadership skills.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

  • Architect and develop scalable data pipelines using advanced programming skills

  • Gather and translate data requirements into technical solutions

  • Optimize sophisticated data integration and transformation processes

  • Enhance existing systems for performance and scalability

  • Mentor junior engineers and oversee CI/CD pipelines

What You'll Bring to the Role

  • Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or equivalent experience

  • Strong expertise in programming languages for data engineering

  • Experience with data processing frameworks and Kubernetes

  • Proficiency with cloud platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure, Google Cloud) and data visualization tools

  • Understanding of machine learning concepts

  • Expertise in CI/CD processes and version control

  • Expertise in source code management using Git and GitFlow

  • Strong understanding of CI/CD processes and tools (e.g., Jenkins, GitLab CI/CD, CircleCI) and experience with artifact repositories (e.g., Nexus, Artifactory)

  • Strong understanding of agile methodologies and experience in an agile development environment

Skills You Have

Adaptive Communication (NM) - Formulates strategies to be used to convey complex information about services, products, systems, or processes to targeted audiences; communicates and liaises between technical and non-technical audiences.

Analytical Thinking (NM) - Organizes and compares various aspects of a situation to comprehend and identify key or underlying complex issues through the use of quantitative data and analysis; leverages strong business acumen, problem solving, and interpersonal skills to think critically about situations from multiple perspectives and consistently seeks ways to improve processes.

Consulting (NM) - Connects with stakeholders to understand and gain specific information to help resolve customer problems in a given domain. Communicates effectively intent to customers, solicits customer requirements, utilizes domain knowledge and collaborates with the right stakeholders.

Databases & Data Platforms (NM) - Utilizes knowledge of databases to access, manage, and update information, typically containing aggregations of data records or files; includes understanding of different types of databases.

Engineering Expertise & Practices (NM) - Applies specialized experiences in different facets of engineering, including data, applications, cyber, systems, operations, product, security, and testing, along with technical aptitude to adapt new expertise as they become relevant through an understanding of underlying engineering principles.

Machine Learning (NM) - Applies understanding of and/or computes large data structures and sets using quantitative analysis methods, while building out data pipelines and statistics.

Programming Languages (NM) - Demonstrates proficiency in one or more programming languages to execute activities, tasks, practices, and deliverables associated with writing and modifying programs and scripts that comprise an application system; designs, codes, tests, and installs complex computer programs and maintains detailed documentation of programming tasks.

#LI-Hybrid

Compensation Range:

Pay Range - Start:

$108,160.00

Pay Range - End:

$162,240.00

Geographic Specific Pay Structure:

Structure 110:

$118,960.00 USD - $178,440.00 USD

Structure 115:


$124,400.00 USD - $186,600.00 USD

We believe in fairness and transparency. It’s why we share the salary range for most of our roles. However, final salaries are based on a number of factors, including the skills and experience of the candidate; the current market; location of the candidate; and other factors uncovered in the hiring process. The standard pay structure is listed but if you’re living in California, New York City or other eligible location, geographic specific pay structures, compensation and benefits could be applicable, click to learn more.

About Northwestern Mutual

Northwestern Mutual has been helping people and businesses achieve financial security for more than 160 years. Through a holistic planning approach, Northwestern Mutual combines the expertise of its financial professionals with a personalized digital experience and industry-leading products to help its clients plan for what's most important. Northwestern Mutual delivers financial security to millions with life, disability income and long-term care insurance, annuities, and brokerage and advisory services. The company manages billion of dollars of investments owned by its clients and held or managed through its wealth management and investment services businesses. Northwestern Mutual is the marketing name for The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company (NM), Milwaukee, WI (life and disability insurance, annuities, and life insurance with long-term care benefits) and its subsidiaries. Subsidiaries include Northwestern Mutual Investment Services, LLC (NMIS) (securities), broker-dealer, registered investment adviser, member FINRA and SIPC; the Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Company® (NMWMC) (fiduciary and fee-based financial planning services), federal savings bank; and Northwestern Long Term Care Insurance Company (NLTC) (long-term care insurance).

Northwestern Mutual Careers

Joining Northwestern Mutual presents a unique opportunity to be part of a team that is dedicated to empowering personal and professional growth, innovation, and leadership in the financial services industry. As a company renowned for its commitment to excellence and a culture that values diversity and inclusion, Northwestern Mutual offers unparalleled job opportunities for both seasoned professionals and those at the start of their careers.

Work You’ll Do

At Northwestern Mutual, we believe in building strong relationships not only with our clients but also among our team members. By joining our team, you will collaborate with some of the most talented professionals in the industry, all united in their commitment to leadership and innovation. Our employees are equipped with top-tier benefits and diversity training that ensure their career journey is both rewarding and inclusive.

Explore Professional Growth and Development

Northwestern Mutual is committed to fostering an environment where career growth is not just a possibility but a priority. With a variety of positions available, from financial representatives to internships for budding professionals, our company is a place where your skills and passion can thrive. We provide extensive training programs and leadership development opportunities that prepare you for success in your current role and beyond.

Innovative Work Environment

Our team at Northwestern Mutual is at the forefront of integrating cutting-edge technology and innovative financial strategies to provide exceptional service to our clients. This focus on innovation is not just about staying current; it's about leading the way in the financial sector. Employees at all levels are encouraged to contribute ideas and take initiative, driving the company forward as a leader in the financial industry.

Be Part of Our Diverse and Inclusive Team

Diversity and inclusion are more than just buzzwords at Northwestern Mutual; they are integral to our company culture and business strategy. We are committed to creating a workplace where all employees can flourish. Our diversity training programs are designed to enhance understanding and foster an inclusive environment for all team members.

Networking and Career Advancement

Networking within Northwestern Mutual opens doors to expansive career advancement opportunities. We encourage our employees to engage in internal networking events, which often lead to mentorship and further career development. Whether you are looking to enhance your resume, prepare for an interview, or step into a leadership role, Northwestern Mutual provides the resources and support to help you achieve your professional goals.

Join Our Team

Search open positions that match your skills and interests. We are looking for passionate, curious, and solution-driven team players who are ready to take their career to the next level. Explore the job opportunities and internships available at Northwestern Mutual and find out how you can contribute to our legacy of innovation and leadership.

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Join us and start your journey at Northwestern Mutual today, where your career is nurtured, your skills are honed, and your achievements are celebrated.
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