Lead Data Scientist

Mastercard powers economies and empowers people in 200+ countries and territories worldwide. Together with our customers, we're helping build a sustainable economy where everyone can prosper. We support a wide range of digital payments choices, making transactions secure, simple, smart and accessible. Our technology and innovation, partnerships and networks combine to deliver a unique set of products and services that help people, businesses and governments realize their greatest potential.

We are seeking a highly skilled and visionary Lead Data Scientist to spearhead the development of advanced AI solutions that drive innovation and deliver measurable impact across the business. This role involves leading complex AI initiatives, architecting scalable machine learning systems, and mentoring a team of engineers and data scientists. The ideal candidate combines deep technical expertise with strategic thinking and strong leadership capabilities.

Responsible for developing AI-driven innovative analytical solutions and identifying opportunities to support business and client needs in a quantitative and scalable manner, facilitating informed recommendations and decisions. Activities include designing and deploying machine learning models, building intelligent systems, conducting performance analyses, ad hoc reporting, and AI-powered data visualizations.

• Lead complex initiatives and projects to derive insights and automation from AI models and systems to solve critical business questions
  
• Translate client/stakeholder needs into AI-driven technical solutions in collaboration with internal and external partners and present findings and outcomes to clients/stakeholders
  
• Identify rich data sources and oversee the integration, cleaning, and transformation of datasets to ensure consistency and readiness for AI applications
  
• Deliver high-quality AI solutions and tools within agreed-upon timelines and budget parameters and conducting post-implementation reviews
  
• Guide others to develop sophisticated AI models and engineering solutions (e.g., intelligent agents, recommendation engines, prototypes) utilizing advanced machine learning, deep learning, and generative AI techniques
  
• Delegate and review work for junior-level colleagues to ensure downstream applications and tools are not compromised or delayed
  
• Serve as a technical coach for junior-level colleagues and develops technical talent via ongoing technical training, peer review, and mentorship
  

• 5 - 8 years proven experience leading AI/ML projects from concept to production
  
• Strong proficiency in Python, TensorFlow, PyTorch, and cloud platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure, GCP)
  
• Deep understanding of machine learning, deep learning, NLP, and MLOps
  
• Experience with complex neural network architectures and transformer-based models (e.g., BERT, GPT, ViTs) is strongly preferred
  
• Experience with data architecture, model deployment, and performance tuning
  
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
  
• Demonstrated ability to mentor and grow technical teams
  
• #AI
  

All activities involving access to Mastercard assets, information, and networks comes with an inherent risk to the organization and, therefore, it is expected that every person working for, or on behalf of, Mastercard is responsible for information security and must:

• Abide by Mastercard's security policies and practices;
  
• Ensure the confidentiality and integrity of the information being accessed;
  
• Report any suspected information security violation or breach, and
  
• Complete all periodic mandatory security trainings in accordance with Mastercard's guidelines.