Staff Data Scientist, Algorithm - Growth

Airwallex4 months ago

Location

US - San Francisco

Type

Full Time

Salary

USD 250,000 – 299,000

Level

Staff

Role

Staff Data Scientist

Posted

Oct 20, 2025

Full TimeStaff

The role

Summary

This is a Staff Data Scientist role focused on driving algorithmic growth strategies at Airwallex, a global fintech company valued at $8 billion. The position involves building advanced machine learning solutions, LLM-powered systems, and causal inference models to optimize customer acquisition, engagement, and retention across the growth lifecycle.

What you'll do

Technical Leadership: Provide technical mentorship to data science team members and assume hands-on leadership to resolve complex algorithmic problems

Strategic Partnership: Serve as strategic thought leader with Marketing, Growth Product, Engineering, and cross-functional teams to inform GTM strategy and investment decisions

ML Solution Design: Design and deploy predictive models, personalization systems, recommendation engines, and LLM-powered applications for growth optimization

Causal Impact Analysis: Apply machine learning and statistical models to measure causal impact of marketing initiatives and growth strategies

Vision Setting: Set technical vision and longer-term direction for data science solutions supporting growth objectives

Production ML Systems: Build, deploy, and maintain machine learning models in production-grade systems including cloud services and real-time pipelines

What we look for

Technical

Machine Learning ExpertiseExpert-level proficiency in machine learning and statistical modeling for growth strategy applications

Production ML SystemsHands-on experience building, deploying, and maintaining ML models in production-grade cloud-based systems

Programming LanguagesExpert proficiency in Python for data science and SQL for complex data querying

Data ArchitectureExperience with schema design, dimensional data modeling, and data pipeline architecture

ExperimentationTechnical expertise in A/B testing, causal inference, and experimental design methodologies

Education

Advanced DegreePhD or MS in quantitative field such as Statistics, Engineering, Computer Science, Economics, or related sciences

Experience

Industry Experience7+ years of industry experience in data science or related quantitative roles

Leadership ExperienceTechnical mentorship experience with machine learning and experimentation in industry settings

Cross-functional CommunicationProven experience communicating analytical results to leadership teams and influencing strategic decisions

High-Growth EnvironmentExperience in technology, financial services, or high-growth startup environment preferred

Skills

Required skills

PythonExpert-level proficiency for machine learning development and data analysis

SQLAdvanced querying skills for complex data extraction and analysis

Machine LearningExpert knowledge of ML algorithms, model development, and statistical modeling

Production ML SystemsExperience deploying and maintaining ML models in cloud-based production environments

Statistical AnalysisAdvanced statistical modeling and causal inference methodologies

LeadershipTechnical mentorship and team leadership capabilities

Cross-functional CommunicationAbility to translate technical insights into business recommendations for leadership

Nice to have

LLM ApplicationsExperience with large language model development and deployment

Personalization SystemsKnowledge of recommendation engines and personalization frameworks

Financial ServicesDomain expertise in fintech or financial services industry

Real-time SystemsExperience with streaming data and real-time model serving

Data ArchitectureSchema design and dimensional data modeling expertise

Growth MarketingUnderstanding of growth marketing strategies and customer lifecycle optimization

Compensation & benefits

Salary

USD 250,000 – 299,000 (annual)

Benefits

Global Team

Work with over 2,000 innovative professionals across 26 offices worldwide

High-Impact Role

Direct influence on Airwallex's growth strategy serving 200,000+ global businesses

Learning & Development

Accelerated learning opportunities in a fast-growing $8 billion fintech company

Equity Opportunity

Ownership stake in a rapidly scaling global payments platform

Diverse Environment

Equal opportunity workplace valuing diversity and inclusion

Innovation Focus

Access to cutting-edge AI/ML technologies and LLM-powered systems

Interview process

1
Initial Screening — Phone or video screening with recruiter to discuss background, interest, and basic qualifications
2
Technical Assessment — Take-home data science case study or technical challenge focusing on ML modeling and statistical analysis
3
Technical Interview — Deep-dive technical discussion on machine learning approaches, statistical methods, and production ML systems
4
Case Study Presentation — Present technical case study solution to data science team with focus on business impact and methodology
5
Cross-functional Interview — Panel interview with Growth, Marketing, and Engineering stakeholders to assess collaboration and communication skills
6
Leadership Interview — Discussion with senior leadership on technical vision, mentorship experience, and strategic thinking
7
Final Interview — Cultural fit assessment and final questions with hiring manager and team leads