Data Scientist (AI)

Responsibilities Kforce has a client in Maryland Heights, MO that is seeking a highly skilled Data Scientist Lead to drive enterprise AI/ML strategy, predictive analytics, and intelligent automation initiatives across our large-scale database and cloud ecosystem. This role will lead the design and deployment of advanced machine learning models, AI-driven monitoring solutions, and data science frameworks that enhance performance, reduce risk, optimize costs, and enable data-driven decision-making. The ideal candidate combines strong hands-on data science expertise with leadership capability, strategic thinking, and cross-functional collaboration experience. Key Responsibilities: AI/ML Strategy & Leadership: • Define and execute the enterprise AI/ML roadmap aligned with business objectives • Lead development of predictive maintenance, anomaly detection, and capacity forecasting models • Establish best practices for ML lifecycle management (ML Ops) • Partner with Engineering, Cloud, Security, and Operations teams to embed AI into core platforms Advanced Analytics & Modeling: • Design, develop, and deploy machine learning models (regression, classification, clustering, time-series forecasting) • Implement predictive performance analytics for database infrastructure Data Engineering & Architecture Alignment: • Collaborate with database and cloud architects on scalable data pipelines • Design data ingestion, feature engineering, and model training workflows • Ensure data quality, governance, and compliance standards are met Team Leadership & Mentorship: • Lead and mentor a team of data scientists and ML engineers • Drive cross-training and upskilling within Database Services Requirements • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Data Science, Computer Science, Statistics, Engineering, or related field • 12+ years of experience in data science, analytics, or machine learning • 3+ years in a leadership or senior technical role • Strong programming skills in Python (Pandas, NumPy, Scikit-Learn, TensorFlow, PyTorch) • Experience with SQL and large-scale databases • Expertise in statistical modeling and machine learning algorithms • Experience deploying ML models in cloud environments (AWS, GCP, OCI) Preferred Qualifications • Experience with LLMs, RAG frameworks, or Generative AI applications • Knowledge of ML Ops tools (MLflow, Kubeflow, SageMaker, Vertex AI) • Experience in database performance analytics or infrastructure optimization • Familiarity with compliance frameworks (SOX, security governance) • Experience in multi-cloud or hybrid cloud environments Core Competencies: Technical: • Predictive modeling • Time-series forecasting • Anomaly detection • AI automation • Data pipeline architecture • ML Ops Leadership • Strategic thinking • Cross functional collaboration • Executive communication • Mentorship and team development • Ownership and accountability Behavioral • Data driven decision making • Problem solving mindset • Continuous learning • Innovation-driven The pay range is the lowest to highest compensation we reasonably in good faith believe we would pay at posting for this role. We may ultimately pay more or less than this range. Employee pay is based on factors like relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, location, performance, union contract and business needs. This range may be modified in the future. We offer comprehensive benefits including medical/dental/vision insurance, HSA, FSA, 401(k), and life, disability & ADD insurance to eligible employees. Salaried personnel receive paid time off. Hourly employees are not eligible for paid time off unless required by law. Hourly employees on a Service Contract Act project are eligible for paid sick leave. Note: Pay is not considered compensation until it is earned, vested and determinable. The amount and availability of any compensation remains in Kforce's sole discretion unless and until paid and may be modified in its discretion consistent with the law. This job is not eligible for bonuses, incentives or commissions. Kforce is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status, or disability status. By clicking “Apply Today” you agree to receive calls, AI-generated calls, text messages or emails from Kforce and its affiliates, and service providers. Note that if you choose to communicate with Kforce via text messaging the frequency may vary, and message and data rates may apply. Carriers are not liable for delayed or undelivered messages. You will always have the right to cease communicating via text by using key words such as STOP.