The Role
As a Data Scientist, you will focus on translating advanced AI/ML research into scalable, production-ready solutions that drive business impact for Vanguard. You will collaborate closely with business units, product teams, and stakeholders to design, implement, and deploy data-driven models that optimize processes, enhance client experiences, and support strategic decision-making. This role requires a balance of technical expertise, software engineering rigor, and business acumen to deliver practical, high-quality solutions in real-world financial applications.
Core Responsibilities
Develop and deploy machine learning models (e.g., time-series forecasting, NLP pipelines, generative AI tools) to solve specific business challenges in finance, such as risk modeling, portfolio optimization, or client personalization
Partner with cross-functional teams to identify business needs, translate requirements into technical specifications, and validate model performance in production environments
Optimize existing AI/ML workflows for scalability, efficiency, and reliability using frameworks like PyTorch, TensorFlow, or cloud-based infrastructure
Collaborate with research scientists to adapt cutting-edge algorithms (e.g., LLM fine-tuning, reinforcement learning) into actionable business solutions
Document and maintain codebases, ensuring reproducibility, version control, and alignment with industry best practices (e.g., CI/CD pipelines)
Mentor junior team members and educate stakeholders on AI/ML capabilities, limitations, and ethical considerations
What it takes
Education: Master’s or PhD in Computer Science, Statistics, Mathematics, Analytics, Economics, or a closely related field. (Graduate degree strongly preferred; equivalent advanced training and experience considered.)
Experience: Proven hands-on experience in advanced analytics, applied data science, or machine learning engineering, with a proven track record in the financial services industry or similar complex domains
Technical Mastery: Demonstrated expert proficiency in Python and R, including hands-on experience with leading ML frameworks (Scikit-learn, PyTorch, Keras), data engineering tools (SQL, Spark), and cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP). Deep experience in applied mathematics, statistical modeling, machine learning, and AI applications
Production Impact: Successfully deployed multiple ML models to production environments, with direct business impact (e.g., measurable improvements in KPIs, cost savings, or risk reduction). Experience with containerization (Docker, Kubernetes), CI/CD, SDLC, and MLOps/observability practices
Advanced Methods: Expertise in NLP, deep learning, transformer-based models, and generative AI. Proven ability to define and track value metrics, run experimentation (A/B testing, causal inference), and drive stakeholder adoption from MVP through scale
Domain Knowledge: Familiarity with financial domains such as asset management and risk analytics, with a history of delivering quantifiable business outcomes (e.g., increased revenue, reduced risk, improved operational efficiency)
Communication & Influence: Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex data science concepts and technical results to non-technical stakeholders and senior leadership. Experience leading cross-functional teams and driving adoption of analytics solutions
Leadership: Demonstrated success in mentoring and developing junior talent, leading organization-wide training initiatives, and fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration
Special Factors
Vanguard is not offering sponsorship for this position
This is a hybrid position and would require you to work in the office Tuesday-Thursday
Why Vanguard?
Vanguard is a different kind of investment company. It was founded in the United States in 1975 on a simple but revolutionary idea: that an investment company should manage its funds solely in the interests of its clients.
This is a philosophy that has helped millions of people around the world to achieve their goals with low-cost, uncomplicated investments.
It's what we stand for: value to investors.
Inclusion Statement
Vanguard’s continued commitment to diversity and inclusion is firmly rooted in our culture. Every decision we make to best serve our clients, crew (internally employees are referred to as crew), and communities is guided by one simple statement: “Do the right thing.”
We believe that a critical aspect of doing the right thing requires building diverse, inclusive, and highly effective teams of individuals who are as unique as the clients they serve. We empower our crew to contribute their distinct strengths to achieving Vanguard’s core purpose through our values.
When all crew members feel valued and included, our ability to collaborate and innovate is amplified, and we are united in delivering on Vanguard's core purpose: to take a stand for all investors, to treat them fairly, and to give them the best chance for investment success.
Our commitment to equal employment opportunity
Vanguard is an equal opportunity employer. Vanguard is committed to providing all crew members a working environment that is free from discrimination, prejudice and bias. Through this Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy, Vanguard reaffirms its commitment to equal employment opportunity for all applicants and crew members without regard to race, color, national origin or ancestry, religion, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, marital status, veteran or military status. In addition, Vanguard prohibits discrimination based on genetic information, as well as any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.
Applicants with disabilities may be entitled to reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act and certain state or local laws. A reasonable accommodation is a change in the way things are normally done which will ensure an equal employment opportunity without imposing undue hardship on Vanguard. Please inform if you need assistance completing this application or to otherwise participate in the application process.
How We Work
Vanguard has implemented a hybrid working model for the majority of our crew members, designed to capture the benefits of enhanced flexibility while enabling in-person learning, collaboration, and connection. We believe our mission-driven and highly collaborative culture is a critical enabler to support long-term client outcomes and enrich the employee experience.
