Lead Data Scientist

General Information

Location

Cary, North Carolina

Working Schedule

Full-Time

Work Arrangement

Hybrid

Travel Required

10%

Relocation Assistance Available

No

Posted Date

24-Jun-2026

Job ID

18518

Description and Requirements

The Team You Will Join

At MetLife, data isn’t just a tool - it is a catalyst for growth. As part of our Data & Analytics organization, you’ll unlock trusted insights that drive bold decisions, power personalized customer experiences, and deliver lasting business impact. Your skills in AI, predictive modeling, and advanced analytics will help solve complex challenges, scale solutions globally, and fuel innovation across every region. We’re building the future of data - one that’s governed responsibly, engineered for scalability, and designed for growth. When you join us, you’re not just supporting the business - you’re empowering it. Let’s transform insight into impact and data into action, together.

Key Responsibilities

Drive data science initiatives supporting enterprise functions (Finance, Actuarial, Legal, Risk, Investment, Strategy) (12%). Lead and manage multiple data science initiatives in parallel (15%). Partner with business leaders to identify opportunities for AI-driven strategic outcomes (10%). Mentor and guide data scientists and junior team members (8%). Lead design of analytical solutions and problem identification across business areas (7%). data science use cases and build connections with business stakeholders (6%). Develop and deploy advanced analytics and ML models (8%). Translate business requirements into analytical frameworks (data prep, modeling, validation) (7%). Collaborate with cross-functional stakeholders to deliver models (8%). Communicate findings and recommendations to senior leadership (6%). Ensure model governance, MLOps, ethical AI, and compliance (8%). Collaborate with data engineering/IT for scalable model deployment (5%).

10% domestic travel required.

Required Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Data Science, Statistics, Computer Science, Mathematics, Telecommunication Engineering, or a related field (will accept foreign education equivalent) and seven (7) years of experience in AI/ML engineering, data science, or related roles. Position requires: 3 years of experience performing Data and Analytics functions in financial services or insurance industries. Experience implementing Machine Learning models using frameworks and libraries. Experience designing, developing, and deploying Generative AI (GenAI) solutions using large language models (LLMs), diffusion models, and GAN models. Experience software engineering using Python. Experience implementing GenAI solutions using frameworks and libraries. Experience implementing best practices for responsible AI, including data privacy, bias mitigation, and model monitoring.

Location Expectation: This is a hybrid role requiring a minimum of 3 days per week in office.

The expected salary range for this position is $138,500.00 to $175,600.00. This role may also be eligible for annual short-term incentive compensation and stock-based long-term incentives. All incentives and benefits are subject to the applicable plan terms.

#LI-DNI

Benefits We Offer

Our U.S. benefits address holistic well-being with programs for physical and mental health, financial wellness, and support for families. We offer a comprehensive health plan that includes medical/prescription drug and vision, dental insurance, and no-cost short- and long-term disability. We also provide company-paid life insurance and legal services, a retirement pension funded entirely by MetLife and 401(k) with employer matching, group discounts on voluntary insurance products including auto and home, pet, critical illness, hospital indemnity, and accident insurance, as well as Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and digital mental health programs, parental leave, paid time off, paid holidays, volunteer time off, tuition assistance and much more!

About MetLife

Recognized on Fortune magazine's list of the "World's Most Admired Companies", Fortune World’s 25 Best Workplaces™, as well as the Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For®, MetLife, through its subsidiaries and affiliates, is one of the world’s leading financial services companies; providing insurance, annuities, employee benefits and asset management to individual and institutional customers. With operations in more than 40 markets, we hold leading positions in the United States, Latin America, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.

Our purpose is simple - to help our colleagues, customers, communities, and the world at large create a more confident future. United by purpose and guided by our core values - Win Together, Do the Right Thing, Deliver Impact Over Activity, and Think Ahead - we’re inspired to transform the next century in financial services. At MetLife, it’s #AllTogetherPossible. Join us!

If you need an accommodation due to a disability, please email us at accommodations@metlife.com. This information will be held in confidence and used only to determine an appropriate accommodation for the application process.

MetLife maintains a drug-free workplace.