Principal Data Scientist, Corporate Services AI/ML Full-time

Role Overview: Lead the research, design and development of cutting-edge AI and Machine Learning products to support our IT division. With a focus on generative AI autonomous agents, deep learning, and reinforcement learning, you will drive innovation, optimize processes, deliver robust, scalable, and secure systems. Collaborate closely with fellow data scientists, machine learning engineers, product managers, and stakeholders to ensure seamless integration and maximum impact to IT Software development processes.

Core Responsibilities

• Research, design, and implement advanced AIML products to streamline and reduce the software development lifecycle, leveraging in-depth knowledge of IT Software development processes.
• Engage with stakeholders to understand business processes and develop hypotheses, translating requirements into AIML approaches for IT optimization.
• Develop highly complex AIML solution with the highest level of quality control and risk assessment and prepare actionable recommendations to senior leadership, focusing on IT process and productivity enhancement.
• Drive innovative AIML applications and stay ahead of industry trends, partnering with business leaders to adopt and grow AIML portfolio in IT operations.
• Continuously research and explore most advanced AI techniques, particularly in Generative AI including Advanced RAG, Fine-tuning LLMs, Agentic frameworks and Reinforcement learning, maintaining expert knowledge in the space.
• Demonstrate thought leadership at both internal and external conferences. Mentor data scientists on the team, serving as the highest point of escalation and fostering a culture of innovation and AIML excellence.

Qualifications:

• Master’s or PhD in Data Science, Computer Science, Machine Learning, Statistics, or a related field.
• 10+ years in data science and machine learning, with 5+ years of in-depth experience in generative AI, autonomous agents, deep learning, and reinforcement learning.
• Advanced Python programming and proficiency in AI/ML frameworks (TensorFlow, PyTorch, Scikit-learn).
• Proficiency in cloud-based AWS AI services and tools, particularly AWS SageMaker.
• Proven history of delivering groundbreaking AI solutions for IT process improvement and leading innovation.
• In-depth IT domain knowledge of software development processes and IT software methodologies including UX design, microservices, and database-related terminology.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills with cross-functional teams.
• Relevant AI/ML or cloud certifications are a plus.

Special Factors

Sponsorship
Vanguard is offering visa sponsorship for this position.

About Vanguard

At Vanguard, we don’t just have a mission-we’re on a mission.

To work for the long-term financial wellbeing of our clients. To lead through product and services that transform our clients’ lives. To learn and develop our skills as individuals and as a team. From Malvern to Melbourne, our mission drives us forward and inspires us to be our best.

Our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion

Vanguard’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) is central to our ability to deliver on our mission. We aspire to create a work environment that is inclusive, equitable, and diverse-one that enables our employees, whom we call crew, to thrive and bring their best selves to work every day on behalf of our clients.

Cultivating DEI lifts our entire organization, and everyone shares accountability for our progress-from our senior leaders who lay the foundation and set the example for inclusive behaviors to crew who are growing in their personal DEI learning experiences.

Together, we’re on a mission. We are fueled by the value of diverse voices and connected through friendships and a culture of care-for our clients, our communities, and each other.

Vanguard’s DEI journey has no finish line. Our commitment is enduring, and we remain focused on the path ahead. To learn more about Vanguard goals and progress toward DEI, download our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Report .

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.