Lead Data Science and AI

Job Description

Posted Thursday, September 4, 2025 at 6:00 AM

We're Looking for an experienced Lead Data Science and AI!

About the Company: Security Benefit is a leader in the U.S. retirement market with more than $55 billion in assets under management. We offer opportunities to thrive, innovate, and make an impact. As part of our team, you’ll play a key role in driving the future of the U.S. retirement industry. Security Benefit is a PLACE where we promise to help our customers To and Through Retirement.

We’re proud to have been recognized as one of the best in the business:

• Named to Ward’s 50 list of top-performing life-health insurance companies
• Recognized on list of Ingram’s Top 100 Private Companies in the Kansas City area in 2024

About the Role: As a Lead Data Science and AI, you’ll be an integral part of a collaborative and agile team. The Lead Data Science and AI position reports to the 2nd VP, Co-Head of Derivatives. We work a hybrid schedule, offering flexibility to work both remotely and on-site.

• Lead the development and implementation of machine learning and AI models to solve complex business problems across trading, risk, operations
• Collaborate with data engineering, product, and business teams to identify opportunities, scope projects, and deliver end-to-end solutions
• Design and build scalable predictive and generative models using structured and unstructured data (e.g., pricing, transactions, documents, market data, NLP)
• Develop model monitoring, explainability, and governance frameworks in compliance with internal standards and regulatory requirements
• Stay up-to-date on emerging AI technologies, tools, and best practices; evaluate and prototype new approaches including LLMs, reinforcement learning, and deep learning
• Communicate insights, models, and strategy clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders
• Contribute to the overall data science roadmap and help shape the organization’s AI vision.

What We’re Looking For:

• Bachelor’s in computer science, Statistics, Mathematics, Data Science, or a related quantitative field
• 5+ years of experience in applied data science, machine learning, or AI roles; ideally within financial services, fintech, or a data-intensive industry
• Proven experience leading AI/ML projects from ideation to production deployment
• Expertise in Python and ML frameworks (e.g., scikit-learn, XGBoost, Tensor Flow, PyTorch)
• Expertise in AI Tools and Development tech stack
• Knowledge in AI SDLC and ML Ops platforms.
• Strong knowledge of statistics, optimization, and algorithmic design
• Familiarity with LLMs and generative AI concepts, tools, and applications
• Strong communication, collaboration, and project management skills

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in capital markets, derivatives, asset management, or insurance

Why Choose Security Benefit?
When you join our team, you’re not just getting a paycheck — you’re getting a career path full of growth opportunities, plus a robust benefits package that puts your well-being first. Here’s what you can expect as a full-time Security Benefit associate:

• Competitive salary and annual incentive bonuses to reward your contributions.
• 33 days of paid time off (including PTO, holidays, Volunteer Day, and days of significance).
• Paid parental leave after 90 days of service.
• 401(k) with company match, plus Profit Sharing & Savings Plan.
• Short- and Long-Term Disability Insurance to give you peace of mind.
• Flexible Spending Accounts for medical and dependent care.
• Life Insurance to protect your loved ones.
• Educational assistance to support your career development.
• Associate assistance programs for your personal and professional well-being.

Ready to Make an Impact?
Apply today by visiting our career page to submit your resume. We’re excited to meet you!

Security Benefit is an Equal Opportunity Employer.