About the role

As a Lead Data Scientist, you'll own the AI and machine learning behind our products: framing the problems, choosing the approaches, and building and evaluating the models (classic ML and LLM-based) that make our products work. You'll set the standard for how we do data science on the team, mentor other data scientists, and partner closely with the engineers and stakeholders building alongside you.

What you will do

• Frame business and product questions, and define how we'll measure success.
• Build and evaluate models that power our AI products, from classic ML to LLM-based systems (RAG, agents).
• Own projects end to end, and recommend where to focus next.
• Set the standard for evaluations, guardrails, and prompting across our LLM systems, and champion data science best practices.
• Mentor data scientists and partner closely with the engineers building our products.

Who You Are

• An experienced data scientist (typically 8+ years) who has owned modeling work end to end.
• Deep expertise in statistics, machine learning, and model development.
• Strong with modern AI: LLMs, RAG, agents, prompt engineering, evaluation, and guardrails.
• Python and SQL, and a track record of getting models into production.
• Use AI coding agents effectively in your day-to-day work, with the judgment to know when to use them and when not to.

Nice to Haves

• Building and scaling LLM-powered systems in production.
• Document understanding, NLP, or other unstructured-data experience.
• A track record of mentoring data scientists and leading technical direction.

What we offer you

Benefits and Perks

We don't take a "one-size-fits-all" approach when it comes to our employees. Our programs are designed to make your life better both at work and at home.

• Flexible full-time or hybrid telecommuting arrangements
• Plan for your future with our 401(k) plan and take advantage of immediate vesting and company matching up to 6%
• Paid time away including vacation and sick time, flex days and ten paid holidays
• Give back to your community and double your impact through our company matching
• Want more details? Check out our Symetra Benefits Overview

Compensation

Salary Range: $128,700 - $214,600 plus eligibility for annual bonus program

Please review Symetra's Remote Network Minimum Requirements:

As a remote-first organization committed to providing a positive experience for both employees and customers, Symetra has the following standards for employees' internet connection:

• Minimum Internet Speed: 100 Mbps download and 20 Mbps upload, in alignment with the FCC's definition of "broadband."
• Internet Type: Fiber, Cable (e.g., Comcast, Spectrum), or DSL.
• Not Permissible: Satellite (e.g., Starlink), cellular broadband (hotspot or otherwise), any other wireless technology, or wired dial-up.

When applying to jobs at Symetra you'll be asked to test your internet speed and confirm that your internet connection meets or exceeds Symetra's standard as outlined above.

Identity Verification

Symetra is committed to fair and secure hiring practices. For all roles, candidates will be required (after the initial phone screen) to be on video for all interviews. Symetra will take affirmative steps at key points in the process to verify that a candidate is not seeking employment fraudulently, e.g. through use of a false identity.

Failure to comply with verification procedures may result in:

• Disqualification from the recruitment process
• Withdrawal of a job offer
• Termination of employment and other criminal and/or civil remedies, if fraud is discovered

We empower inclusion

At Symetra, we aspire to be the most inclusive insurance company in the country. We're building a place where every employee feels valued, respected, and has opportunities to contribute.

Inclusion is about recognizing our assumptions, considering multiple perspective, and removing barriers. We accept and celebrate diverse experiences, identities, and perspectives, because lifting each other up fuels thought and builds a stronger, more innovative company. We invite you to learn more about our efforts here.

Creating a world where more people have access to financial freedom

Symetra is a national financial services company dedicated to helping people achieve their financial goals and feel confident about the future. In our daily work, we're guided by the principles of Value, Transparency and Sustainability. This means we provide products and services people need at a competitive price, we communicate clearly and openly so people understand what they're buying, and we design products-and operate our company-to stand the test of time. We're committed to showing up for our communities, lifting up our employees, and standing up for diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI). Join our team and help us create a world where more people have access to financial freedom.

For more information about our careers visit https://symetra.eightfold.ai/careers

Work Authorization

Employer work visa sponsorship and support are not provided for this role. Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States at hire and must maintain authorization to work in the United States throughout their employment with our company.

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