Data Scientist II

At American Equity we offer leading annuity products that help empower our clients to fulfill their needs and wants in retirement. Our success comes from hiring high-energy individuals who embody the beliefs that drive our unique culture. We currently fund over half a million retirements nationwide, and have been headquartered in West Des Moines, Iowa, for over twenty-five years with satellite offices in Charlotte, NC and New York, NY.

GENERAL PURPOSE OF THE JOB:   

The Data Scientist II, as a member of the Data Science team within IT Sales Technology, applies their skills in artificial intelligence, machine learning, advanced analytics, statistical analysis and programming to develop data-driven solutions to support corporate initiatives. This role uses large and disparate data sets, advanced analytical techniques and machine learning to build and analyze models that predict the best course of action to impact business results. He/she collaborates with business partners to define the technical problem statement, develop efficient and accurate analytical models and incorporate them into analytical data products or tools with the support of a cross-functional team.

**Position sits in Des Moines and will work an onsite schedule**

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:  

• Works within a Center of Excellence (COE) model for supporting business enablement by leveraging company data to drive decisions.
• Provides subject matter expertise in advanced analytics across variety of techniques, including data aggregation, statistical modeling, predictive modeling and machine learning.
• Leads, executes and analyzes complex data related analytical projects that drive business decisions and efficiencies.
• Creates repeatable, interpretable, dynamic and scalable models that are seamlessly incorporated into analytic data products.
• Collaborates with business partners to develop novel ways to meet objectives utilizing data, cutting edge techniques, and tools​.
• Effectively communicates the analytics approach and how it will meet and address objectives to business partners​.
• Identifies and develop long-term processes, frameworks, tools, methods and standards.
• Shares passion for data science with the broader enterprise community.
• Uplifts the capabilities of the Data Science team through collaboration and coaching.
• Ensures adherence to data management and data governance policies and standards.
• Works with a wide range of stakeholders and functional teams and utilizes passion for providing data-driven insights to improve business outcomes.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Direct Reports: None

General Description of Indirect Reports (2 and 3-downs): None

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:  

Bachelor’s degree in a quantitative field such as statistics, mathematics, computer science, data science OR Graduate degree in a quantitative discipline and demonstrated Data Science skill set; plus, three (3) years of progressively responsible related experience; or equivalent combination of education and/or experience.

Strong experience with writing advanced SQL queries, feature engineering, data analysis, data tools, building prototypes, deploying and maintaining production models, using and creating algorithms and creating simulations.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, PROFESSIONAL DESIGNATIONS: N/A

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:   

• Experienced using statistical computer languages such as Python/R.
• Knowledge and experience in statistical and machine learning techniques including GLM/Regression, Random Forest, Boosting, Trees, text mining, social network analysis, etc.
• Experience writing advanced SQL to query databases.
• Experience creating and using advanced machine learning algorithms and statistics including regression, classification, anomaly detection, simulation, scenario analysis, modeling, clustering, decision trees, neural networks, etc. on large data sets.
• Experience merging and transforming disparate internal & external data sets together.
• Experience with Big Data technologies such as Hadoop, Spark, H20.ai, Cloud AI platforms, containerization.
• Experience visualizing data for business stakeholders using tools such as Tableau (preferred), Power BI, MicroStrategy, Domo, Qlik.
• Experience with ML Ops best practices for deployment, monitoring, maintenance and enhancement of models.
• Participate in Data Science code reviews, lead machine learning code reviews.
• Strong customer service orientation and ability to build strong relationships across the Business.
• Strong organizational and planning skills.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to effectively present information to stakeholders and respond to questions.
• Ability to successfully handle pressure and meet deadlines in a fast-paced work environment.

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This description covers the major purpose and essential functions of the job.  It is not intended to give all details or a step-by-step account of the way each task is to be performed.  Employees may receive other job related instructions and be required to perform other job related work requested by their manager.  All requirements are subject to possible modification to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities.

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