AI Scientist, Specialist

Vanguard
Vanguard

Software Engineering, Data Science

Malvern, PA, USA

Posted on Aug 29, 2026
As an AI Scientist, you will lead the development of next-generation AI and machine learning solutions for Vanguard Workplace Solutions. Leveraging advanced analytics, predictive modeling, and generative AI, you will design, build, and scale innovative solutions that improve operational efficiency, enhance client experience, and drive measurable business impact. You will evaluate emerging AI methodologies, translate business opportunities into practical solutions, and help foster a culture of innovation, responsible AI adoption, and continuous learning. In this role, you will collaborate closely with AI scientists, machine learning engineers, data engineers, and product managers to deliver high-impact AI-powered capabilities.

Responsibilities

  • Own end-to-end design, development, and execution of complex predictive modeling initiatives, from problem formulation through validation, deployment readiness, and ongoing risk assessment.
  • Lead the design, development, evaluation, and deployment of agentic AI solutions that orchestrate large language models, enterprise tools, and data sources to solve complex business problems.
  • Evaluate emerging AI capabilities—including fine-tuning, prompt engineering, retrieval-augmented generation, and multi-agent architectures—and assess their relevance to Vanguard Workplace Solutions priorities.
  • Lead deep-dive diagnostic, predictive, and prescriptive analytics to support data-driven decision-making, including alternative model approaches that advance future capabilities.
  • Partner with senior leaders and business stakeholders to understand processes, shape hypotheses, clarify requirements, and translate business needs into actionable analytical approaches.
  • Guide research design, model evaluation, validation, monitoring, and responsible-use practices, providing expert judgment on model performance, stability, governance, and appropriate application.
  • Build reusable tools, frameworks, and shared resources that improve modeling efficiency, consistency, scalability, and quality across the analytics and AI community.
  • Prepare and deliver clear, insightful presentations with recommended actions, communicating complex analytical findings and business implications to leadership audiences.
  • Mentor and develop junior AI scientists and analysts through technical guidance, coaching, and knowledge sharing.
  • Participate in special projects and perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

  • Hands-on experience building LLM-powered applications, such as retrieval-augmented generation pipelines, prompt engineering workflows, fine-tuning approaches, or agentic frameworks including LangChain, LangGraph, or Google ADK.
  • Related work experience in data science, AI, machine learning, or analytical roles, with strong experience applying statistical and machine learning methods to business problems.
  • Experience with large language models, generative AI, knowledge graphs, and modern AI evaluation practices.
  • Proficiency in Python and machine learning frameworks such as TensorFlow, PyTorch, or Scikit-learn.
  • Experience with cloud platforms, such as AWS, and associated AI services, data platforms, and deployment tools.
  • Strong stakeholder management, communication, storytelling, and collaboration skills, with the ability to influence technical and nontechnical audiences.

Special Factors

Sponsorship

Vanguard is not offering visa sponsorship for this position.

About Vanguard

At Vanguard, we don't just have a mission—we're on a mission.

To work for the long-term financial wellbeing of our clients. To lead through product and services that transform our clients' lives. To learn and develop our skills as individuals and as a team. From Malvern to Melbourne, our mission drives us forward and inspires us to be our best.

How We Work

Vanguard has implemented a hybrid working model for the majority of our crew members, designed to capture the benefits of enhanced flexibility while enabling in-person learning, collaboration, and connection. We believe our mission-driven and highly collaborative culture is a critical enabler to support long-term client outcomes and enrich the employee experience.