Staff Data Scientist

Scion Technology has been engaged to conduct a search for an experienced Staff Data Scientist (AI & Intelligence Systems Lead) for our client, a comprehensive SEO software suite in San Francisco! This is a full-time, direct hire position offering a hybrid schedule in San Francisco.Position OverviewArchitect and lead the development of models powering autonomous marketing systems. Own the entire lifecycle of models, from research and experimentation to deployment and monitoring, delivering tangible impact directly on the revenue. Shape technical strategy, mentor a growing team, and contribute at the highest level of innovation.ResponsibilitiesOwn Predictive SEO Intelligence, Agent Decision Systems, and Content & Entity Intelligence Build and deploy production ML systems capable of delivering millions of predictions per day with sub-100ms latency Design and optimize data pipelines for large-scale datasets, ensuring seamless feature engineering, validation, and drift detection Lead cutting-edge research initiatives, setting priorities and translating complex methodologies into clear business value Mentor and guide data scientists and ML engineers, fostering a culture of scientific excellence and innovation Collaborate closely with founders and the executive team to shape long-term AI strategies Qualifications7+ years of applied data science experience with 3+ years of shipping production ML systems Deep Python expertise (proficiency with NumPy, Pandas, Scikit-learn, PyTorch/TensorFlow) SQL Master able to query terabyte-scale datasets ML Engineering mindset: Hands-on experience with feature stores, model deployment, A/B testing, and monitoring Experience with AI-native workflows and tooling like Claude Code, Copilot, or custom research agents Strong scientific communication skills with the ability to articulate complex methodologies to non-technical stakeholders Proven research leadership, including mentoring teams, defining research agendas, and managing cross-functional projects Experience with NLP, LLMs, reinforcement learning, research publications, Kaggle/GitHub contributions, and/or domain expertise in SEO or search a plus Compensation & BenefitsThis full-time position offers an annual base salary range of $280-360k, commensurate with experience, plus bonus potential and equity opportunities. The organization provides a robust benefits package that includes 100% paid medical coverage and unlimited PTO.About Our FirmScion Staffing is a national award-winning staffing firm! Since 2006, we have had the pleasure of successfully placing thousands of talented professionals with amazing career opportunities. Through our innovative team building and recruiting solutions, we bridge the gap in executive leadership searches, direct hire recruiting, interim leadership placement, and temporary professional staffing. We are proud to be part of the Forbes lists of the Best Recruitment Firms and the Best Executive Search Firms in America. Additionally, Scion has been recognized as a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing firm as well as a top recruitment firm by The Business Times. Additional information about our firm can also be found online.Scion Staffing, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer and service provider and does not discriminate based on race, religion, gender, gender identity, national origin, citizenship status, sexual orientation, disability, political affiliation or belief, or any other protected class. We are committed to the principles of Equal Opportunity Employment and are dedicated to making employment decisions based on merit and value, for ourselves, our client companies, and the candidates we represent. For opportunities located in a region that have enacted fair chance, arrest or conviction-based employment ordinances, Scion Staffing proactively follows the enacted guidance and considers for employment all qualified applications with arrest and conviction records. We engage in socially conscious business practices and believe that diverse, inclusive, and non-biased talent and recruitment processes are foundational to the success of Scion as well as every client organization with whom we partner.