Senior Data Scientist - Contract/Contract to Hire - New York, NY or Jersey City, NJ or Rockville, MD

Software Guidance & Assistance, Inc., (SGA), is searching for a Senior Data Scientist for a CONTRACT assignment with one of our premier Regulatory clients in the New York, NY or Jersey City, NJ or Rockville, MD area.
We are seeking an experienced Senior Data Scientist to join our team and drive impactful data-driven insights that inform strategic business decisions. This role requires a blend of technical expertise, analytical rigor, and excellent communication skills to collaborate effectively across technical and non-technical stakeholders.
Responsibilities :

• Design, develop, and deploy machine learning models to solve complex business problems
• Explore and implement generative AI solutions to enhance analytical capabilities and business processes
• Create advanced, interactive visualizations and dashboards to communicate insights to diverse audiences
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to understand business needs and translate them into analytical solutions
• Conduct rigorous statistical analyses to validate findings and ensure data integrity
• Lead stakeholder engagement, presenting complex technical concepts in accessible ways
• Mentor junior team members and contribute to the growth of the data science practice
• Deploy and maintain models in cloud-based environments
• Drive end-to-end project delivery from problem definition through implementation

Required Skills :

• Python Proficiency: Expert-level skills in Python for data analysis, modeling, and automation (required)
• Data Manipulation & Processing: Strong proficiency in pandas for data analysis and PySpark for large-scale distributed data processing
• SQL: Advanced SQL skills for data extraction, transformation, and analysis across various database systems
• Statistics: Strong foundation in statistical methods, experimental design, and hypothesis testing (required)
• Machine Learning: Hands-on experience building, training, and deploying ML models in production environments
• Advanced Visualization: Proficiency with Plotly and Plotly Dash for creating interactive, production-grade visualizations
• Cloud Technologies: Experience with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud Platform) for data processing and model deployment
• Communication Skills: Exceptional ability to communicate technical findings to both technical and non-technical audiences
• Stakeholder Management: Proven track record of managing stakeholder relationships and driving alignment
• Education: Bachelor's degree in Data Science, Statistics, Computer Science, Mathematics, Engineering, or related quantitative field; advanced degree (Master's or PhD) preferred

Preferred Skills :

• Generative AI: Experience with large language models (LLMs), prompt engineering, and GenAI applications
• Experience with graph databases and graph analytics
• Knowledge of network analysis and graph-based algorithms
• Experience in financial services or regulated industries
• Familiarity with MLOps and model monitoring best practices

SGA is a technology and resource solutions provider driven to stand out. We are a women-owned business. Our mission: to solve big IT problems with a more personal, boutique approach. Each year, we match consultants like you to more than 1,000 engagements. When we say let's work better together, we mean it. You'll join a diverse team built on these core values: customer service, employee development, and quality and integrity in everything we do. Be yourself, love what you do and find your passion at work. Please find us at .
SGA is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of Race, Color, Sex, Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, Religion, National Origin, Disability, Veteran Status, Age, Marital Status, Pregnancy, Genetic Information, or Other Legally Protected Status. We are committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, and our services, programs, and activities. Please visit our company to request an accommodation or assistance regarding our policy.