Sr Data Scientist (Remote)
First American Financial Corporation
Santa Rosa, CA
Job Description
Who We Are
Join a team that puts its People First! As a member of First American’s family of companies, First American Home Warranty offers a wide range of home warranty products and services to home sellers, buyers and agents. Since 1889, First American (NYSE: FAF) has held an unwavering belief in its people. They are passionate about what they do, and we are equally passionate about fostering an environment where all feel welcome, supported, and empowered to be innovative and reach their full potential. Our inclusive, people-first culture has earned our company numerous accolades, including being named to the Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For® list for ten consecutive years. We have also earned awards as a best place to work for women, diversity and LGBTQ+ employees, and have been included on more than 50 regional best places to work lists. First American will always strive to be a great place to work, for all. For more information, please visit www.careers.firstam.com.
What We Do
Identifies business trends and problems through complex data analysis. Interprets results from multiple sources using a variety of techniques, ranging from simple data aggregation via statistical analysis to advanced machine learning and data mining methodologies. Designs, develops, and implements high-impact, scalable business solutions that drive measurable value across the organization. Partners cross-functionally to translate business needs into analytical frameworks and actionable insights.
HOW YOU’LL CONTRIBUTE
Leverage expertise in handling large, complex datasets to perform exploratory data analysis, feature engineering, and statistically sound sample design
Build, validate, deploy, and enhance complex predictive and machine learning models using data from multiple structured and unstructured sources to materially improve business outcomes
Design, build, deploy, and monitor machine learning models in production environments, ensuring scalability, reliability, and performance
Implement model lifecycle management best practices including versioning, experiment tracking, monitoring, retraining strategies, and performance optimization (e.g., MLflow or similar frameworks)
Automate feedback loops for algorithms and models in production while creating scalable, repeatable data science processes and production-grade data products
Design and execute experiments (A/B testing, causal inference frameworks) to evaluate model performance and business impact
Act as a technical subject matter expert, recommending and developing innovative analytical approaches aligned with strategic priorities
Translate complex analytical findings into clear business insights and present results to executive and non-technical audiences
Mentor junior data scientists and contribute to establishing enterprise best practices in modeling, governance, and documentation
Collaborate with data engineering teams to ensure robust pipelines, high data quality, and scalable model deployment
Influence cross-functional teams and drive adoption of data-driven decision-making
Other duties as assigned
WHAT YOU’LL BRING
Required Education, Experience, Certification/Licensure
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in a quantitative field such as Mathematics, Statistics, Computer Science, Engineering, Economics, or related discipline
Master’s or PhD preferred
5–7+ years of professional experience building, validating, deploying, and monitoring predictive and machine learning models in production environments
Strong programming expertise in Python with hands-on experience building end-to-end ML solutions
Experience with MLflow (or similar model lifecycle tools) for experiment tracking, model versioning, and deployment management
Experience working with SQL and large-scale data processing frameworks such as Apache Spark
Experience designing scalable data solutions in modern data platforms; experience with Microsoft Fabric is a plus
Proven experience applying machine learning techniques (e.g., regression, classification, clustering, ensemble methods, NLP, etc.)
Strong communication skills with the ability to explain complex analytical concepts to non-technical stakeholders
** Note that the following statements only apply to candidates who will be working from an unincorporated area within Los Angeles County. **
First American will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with arrest or conviction records, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws (e.g., the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act).
First American intends to conduct a review of an applicant’s criminal history in connection with a conditional offer. First American reasonably believes that a criminal history may have a direct, adverse and negative relationship with the following material job duties for this position potentially resulting in the withdrawal of the conditional offer of employment: handling of confidential, proprietary or trade secret information belonging to First American or its customers, administrating or facilitating financial transactions, and the ability to meet customer-imposed criminal history requirements.
What We Offer
By choice, we don’t simply accept individuality – we embrace it, we support it, and we thrive on it! Our People First Culture celebrates diversity, equity and inclusion not simply because it’s the right thing to do, but also because it’s the key to our success. We are proud to foster an authentic and inclusive workplace For All. You are free and encouraged to bring your entire, unique self to work. First American is an equal opportunity employer in every sense of the term.
Based on eligibility, First American offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, 401k, PTO/paid sick leave and other great benefits like an employee stock purchase plan.
Join a team that puts its People First! As a member of First American’s family of companies, First American Home Warranty offers a wide range of home warranty products and services to home sellers, buyers and agents. Since 1889, First American (NYSE: FAF) has held an unwavering belief in its people. They are passionate about what they do, and we are equally passionate about fostering an environment where all feel welcome, supported, and empowered to be innovative and reach their full potential. Our inclusive, people-first culture has earned our company numerous accolades, including being named to the Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For® list for ten consecutive years. We have also earned awards as a best place to work for women, diversity and LGBTQ+ employees, and have been included on more than 50 regional best places to work lists. First American will always strive to be a great place to work, for all. For more information, please visit www.careers.firstam.com.
What We Do
Identifies business trends and problems through complex data analysis. Interprets results from multiple sources using a variety of techniques, ranging from simple data aggregation via statistical analysis to advanced machine learning and data mining methodologies. Designs, develops, and implements high-impact, scalable business solutions that drive measurable value across the organization. Partners cross-functionally to translate business needs into analytical frameworks and actionable insights.
HOW YOU’LL CONTRIBUTE
Leverage expertise in handling large, complex datasets to perform exploratory data analysis, feature engineering, and statistically sound sample design
Build, validate, deploy, and enhance complex predictive and machine learning models using data from multiple structured and unstructured sources to materially improve business outcomes
Design, build, deploy, and monitor machine learning models in production environments, ensuring scalability, reliability, and performance
Implement model lifecycle management best practices including versioning, experiment tracking, monitoring, retraining strategies, and performance optimization (e.g., MLflow or similar frameworks)
Automate feedback loops for algorithms and models in production while creating scalable, repeatable data science processes and production-grade data products
Design and execute experiments (A/B testing, causal inference frameworks) to evaluate model performance and business impact
Act as a technical subject matter expert, recommending and developing innovative analytical approaches aligned with strategic priorities
Translate complex analytical findings into clear business insights and present results to executive and non-technical audiences
Mentor junior data scientists and contribute to establishing enterprise best practices in modeling, governance, and documentation
Collaborate with data engineering teams to ensure robust pipelines, high data quality, and scalable model deployment
Influence cross-functional teams and drive adoption of data-driven decision-making
Other duties as assigned
WHAT YOU’LL BRING
Required Education, Experience, Certification/Licensure
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in a quantitative field such as Mathematics, Statistics, Computer Science, Engineering, Economics, or related discipline
Master’s or PhD preferred
5–7+ years of professional experience building, validating, deploying, and monitoring predictive and machine learning models in production environments
Strong programming expertise in Python with hands-on experience building end-to-end ML solutions
Experience with MLflow (or similar model lifecycle tools) for experiment tracking, model versioning, and deployment management
Experience working with SQL and large-scale data processing frameworks such as Apache Spark
Experience designing scalable data solutions in modern data platforms; experience with Microsoft Fabric is a plus
Proven experience applying machine learning techniques (e.g., regression, classification, clustering, ensemble methods, NLP, etc.)
Strong communication skills with the ability to explain complex analytical concepts to non-technical stakeholders
** Note that the following statements only apply to candidates who will be working from an unincorporated area within Los Angeles County. **
First American will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with arrest or conviction records, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws (e.g., the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act).
First American intends to conduct a review of an applicant’s criminal history in connection with a conditional offer. First American reasonably believes that a criminal history may have a direct, adverse and negative relationship with the following material job duties for this position potentially resulting in the withdrawal of the conditional offer of employment: handling of confidential, proprietary or trade secret information belonging to First American or its customers, administrating or facilitating financial transactions, and the ability to meet customer-imposed criminal history requirements.
What We Offer
By choice, we don’t simply accept individuality – we embrace it, we support it, and we thrive on it! Our People First Culture celebrates diversity, equity and inclusion not simply because it’s the right thing to do, but also because it’s the key to our success. We are proud to foster an authentic and inclusive workplace For All. You are free and encouraged to bring your entire, unique self to work. First American is an equal opportunity employer in every sense of the term.
Based on eligibility, First American offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, 401k, PTO/paid sick leave and other great benefits like an employee stock purchase plan.