Principal Data Scientist (MLOps & Model Governance)

Startup Inno is seeking a highly experienced Principal Data Scientist with deep expertise in MLOps and model governance to lead our data science initiatives and ensure the integrity, scalability, and compliance of our machine learning models. In this leadership role, you will be responsible for defining best practices for model development, deployment, monitoring, and governance across the organization. You will collaborate with engineering, product, and business teams to drive AI/ML innovation while maintaining ethical, compliant, and production-ready models.

This role is ideal for a visionary data science leader who thrives in a fast-paced startup environment, enjoys mentoring teams, and is passionate about operationalizing AI responsibly.

• Lead the design, development, and operationalization of machine learning models across multiple business domains.

• Establish and implement MLOps pipelines, ensuring models are scalable, reproducible, and continuously monitored.

• Develop and maintain model governance frameworks, including documentation, auditing, bias assessment, and compliance with regulatory standards.

• Collaborate with data engineering and software teams to deploy models efficiently in production environments.

• Mentor and guide junior data scientists and ML engineers, fostering a culture of excellence and innovation.

• Evaluate emerging technologies, tools, and methodologies in AI/ML to continuously improve processes.

• Drive cross-functional collaboration with product managers, business stakeholders, and compliance teams to align ML initiatives with strategic goals.

• Conduct technical reviews and ensure high-quality, maintainable code and model outputs.

• Ph.D. or Masters degree in Computer Science, Statistics, Mathematics, or a related field.

• Extensive experience in machine learning, deep learning, and AI model development.

• Proven expertise in MLOps platforms (e.g., MLflow, Kubeflow, TFX) and cloud environments (AWS, GCP, Azure).

• Strong understanding of model governance, risk management, compliance, and ethical AI principles.

• Proficiency in Python, R, SQL, and experience with model versioning, CI/CD, and containerization (Docker/Kubernetes).

• Experience in data pipelines, feature engineering, and large-scale data processing.

• Exceptional leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.

• Minimum 8-12 years of experience in data science, with at least 3-5 years in a leadership role overseeing MLOps or model governance initiatives.

• Hands on experience deploying ML models into production at scale.

• Experience in regulated industries or enterprises with strict model governance requirements is a plus.

• Standard full time hours, with flexibility for remote work.

• Occasional meetings across time zones may be required.

• Strong analytical and problem solving skills.

• Ability to translate business problems into AI/ML solutions.

• Deep understanding of ethical AI, model interpretability, and regulatory compliance.

• Excellent mentoring and team building capabilities.

• High adaptability in a fast paced, evolving startup environment.

• Competitive salary and performance based bonuses.

• Flexible working arrangements, including remote options.

• Stock options / equity participation in the company.

• Health, dental, and vision insurance coverage.

• Professional development opportunities and access to AI/ML conferences and workshops.

• Collaborative, innovative, and supportive work culture.