This posting is scheduled to close on September 23, 2026. If a sufficient number of qualified applications are received, this posting may close early. Apply today!
Required Application Documents:
About the Job:
Montana State Fund (MSF) is seeking a Senior Data Scientist who will lead the design and implementation of complex technical solutions that support MSF’s business applications, data systems, and advanced analytics. In this role, you will provide high‑level technical leadership, evaluate and modernize existing systems, and integrate emerging technologies, including AI‑driven analytics and predictive modeling, into enterprise platforms. You will collaborate with engineers, analysts, and business partners to deliver secure, scalable solutions that strengthen MSF’s technical capabilities and support mission‑critical decision making
Key responsibilities include:
- Enterprise Technical Leadership: Provide high‑level technical leadership for advanced insurance, data, and analytics solutions; lead design and development across complex enterprise projects and platforms. Integrate emerging technologies, including AI‑driven analytics, predictive modeling frameworks, and natural‑language‑based solutions, into MSF applications and enterprise systems.
- Architecture, Engineering, and Solution Design: Analyze, design, and develop system artifacts consistent with best practices, enterprise standards, and architectural specifications. Evaluate existing systems built on MSF technologies, identifying opportunities for modernization, automation, and AI‑enhanced performance improvements. Lead the development of models and analytical solutions using scientific, mathematical, and machine‑learning techniques to predict outcomes, assess risk, and support strategic decision‑making.
- Project & Program Leadership: Lead matrixed project teams composed of business SMEs, engineers, analysts, and offshore/onshore development partners. Oversee end‑to‑end project lifecycle activities including planning, requirements analysis, sprint management, execution, risk mitigation, and status reporting. Incorporate agile methodologies and project management best practices to ensure timely delivery of high‑quality, secure, and scalable solutions.
- Data Engineering & Advanced Analytics: Design and implement predictive models, statistical frameworks, automated decision engines, and data pipelines to generate actionable insights for enterprise stakeholders. Build, refine, and operationalize NLP‑based tools for text classification, claims interpretation, and enhanced customer‑service automation.
- Mentorship, Collaboration & Communication: Provide technical expertise and mentoring to IT and business professionals, supporting continuous improvement and innovation across MSF. Communicate technology opportunities, risks, and project status to stakeholders at multiple levels of the organization.
Additional functions:
- Lead large, complex projects that include both onsite and remote business/technical teams.
- Prepare technical reports, project specifications, and documentation supporting design decisions, system
- Support user training and adoption of newly developed analytic tools, AI engines, and system enhancements.
- Store, retrieve, and manipulate data to drive continuous improvement in enterprise analytics and predictive capabilities.
Required Skills
About You:
To find success and satisfaction in this role, candidates will possess the following traits:
- A seasoned engineering professional who thrives at the intersection of architecture, analytics, and solution design, and is energized by solving complex, enterprise‑scale technical challenges.
- Skilled at analyzing large, interconnected systems, developing technical specifications, and designing solutions that meet both business needs and architectural standards.
- A thoughtful leader who can guide matrixed project teams, communicate across technical and non‑technical audiences, and incorporate agile methodologies to drive strong, timely outcomes.
- Someone who brings curiosity, innovation, and a forward‑looking perspective, comfortable integrating emerging technologies, including AI, predictive modeling, and NLP, into MSF’s systems.
- A collaborative mentor who supports colleagues’ growth, shares knowledge generously, and strengthens organizational capability through clear communication and technical guidance.
- A reliable and detail‑focused contributor who values system integrity, data accuracy, and delivering high‑quality work that improves MSF’s analytical power and operational performance.
At Montana State Fund, how we do our jobs matters to us as much as what we do. To support our customer-centered workplace, successful candidates are team players who possess:
- Customer and growth mindset
- Empathy
- Accountability
- Adaptability
- Resiliency
- Communication skills
Required Experience
Minimum Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in engineering, technology or related field, and
- Seven (7) years of directly related work experience, and
- Experience with at least one analytical programming language (Python, R, MATLAB, etc.).
Preferred:
- Master’s degree in engineering, technology or related field.
- Experience in the insurance industry or similar.
About Montana State Fund:
Montana State Fund is more than just an insurance company. We are a team of dedicated professionals committed to making a positive impact. Our mission is to partner with employers and their employees to care for those injured on the job and champion a culture of workplace safety for our fellow Montanans.
Six values guide us in our day-to-day work:
- Do what’s right
- Deliver with heart
- Focus on what matters
- Succeed together
- Find a better way
- Take the long view
Job location:
This position requires occasional presence in the Helena, MT office.
Working conditions:
Fast paced general office environment. Some stress may occur. Requires sitting for extended periods of time, standing, visual acumen, manual dexterity, detailed verbal communications and fine finger manipulation for working with computer keyboards. Regular travel is not expected but may occur occasionally around organizational specific events or during the course of employment.
Compensation and Benefits:
Starting salary for this exempt position begins at $127,800 - $159,700 per year.
Montana State Fund offers excellent benefits, paid time off, and a competitive compensation program, including:
- Comprehensive health insurance with dental, vision, life, long-term disability and more, with optional dependent coverage.
- Flexible spending accounts for dependent care and medical expenses.
- Public employees’ retirement plan tax-deferred contributions with a generous employer match.
- Optional 457(b) deferred compensation to further increase retirement savings.
- Higher education reimbursement and other training and development programs.
- Robust personal leave, paid holidays, and extended leave.
Learn more about working at MSF: click here
Are you interested in this opportunity? Apply today!