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Principal Data Scientist Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

We are looking for an FCAS to join the American Modern Predictive Analytics team as a Principal Data Scientist and play a key leadership role in advancing pricing model strategy. American Modern ...

We are looking for an FCAS to join the American Modern Predictive Analytics team as a Principal Data Scientist and play a key leadership role in advancing pricing model strategy. American Modern ...

We are looking for an FCAS to join the American Modern Predictive Analytics team as a Principal Data Scientist and play a key leadership role in advancing pricing model strategy. American Modern ...

$180K - $260K/yr

Principal Scientist, Data Science and AI Location: Princeton, NJ We are seeking an accomplished Principal Scientist to serve as a technical cornerstone for our Data Science and AI initiatives. With a ...

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Principal Data Scientist information

See Michigan salary details

$59.7K

$125.5K

$166K

How much do principal data scientist jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal data scientist in Michigan is $125,517.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $102,400.00 and $147,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a principal data scientist?

Principal Data Scientists are senior-level professionals who lead data science projects and teams within an organization. They are responsible for designing and implementing complex analytical models to solve business problems, mentoring other data scientists, and setting strategic direction for data initiatives. Principal Data Scientists often collaborate with stakeholders to define project goals, interpret findings, and translate data insights into actionable recommendations. Their deep expertise in statistics, machine learning, and programming allows them to tackle high-impact challenges and drive innovation across the organization.

What are some typical challenges principal data scientists face when leading cross-functional data projects?

Principal Data Scientists often navigate challenges such as aligning diverse stakeholder expectations, managing project scope, and ensuring data quality across multiple sources. They are responsible for translating complex business needs into actionable data strategies while mentoring junior team members and fostering collaboration between data, engineering, and business teams. Balancing hands-on technical work with high-level project oversight and communication is key to driving impactful outcomes in this role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a principal data scientist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Principal Data Scientist, you need advanced expertise in statistics, machine learning, and data analysis, typically supported by a graduate degree in a quantitative field and extensive experience in data science roles. Proficiency with programming languages like Python or R, cloud platforms, big data tools (such as Spark or Hadoop), and experience with data visualization and ML frameworks are essential. Leadership, strategic thinking, and strong communication skills help you guide teams and translate complex analytics into actionable business insights. These skills ensure you can design impactful solutions, drive innovation, and deliver measurable value to organizations.

What is the difference between Principal Data Scientist vs Data Scientist?

AspectPrincipal Data ScientistData Scientist
Required CredentialsAdvanced degrees (Master's/PhD), extensive experienceBachelor's or Master's in related field
Work EnvironmentStrategic, leadership-focused, cross-team collaborationHands-on data analysis, model development
Employer & Industry UsageTech, finance, healthcare, large organizationsStartups, mid-sized companies, research roles

The Principal Data Scientist typically holds advanced degrees and extensive experience, focusing on strategic leadership and guiding data initiatives. Data Scientists are more involved in hands-on analysis and model building. While both roles require strong technical skills, the Principal Data Scientist operates at a higher strategic level within organizations.

How much does a principal data scientist make?

A principal data scientist typically earns between $120,000 and $180,000 annually, with total compensation often including bonuses and stock options. Salaries vary based on experience, industry, location, and company size, and advanced skills in machine learning and big data tools can influence pay levels.

What are popular job titles related to Principal Data Scientist jobs in Michigan?

For Principal Data Scientist jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Principal Data Scientist job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 6% Internship, 88% Full Time, and 6% Part Time. Highlights an 94% In-person, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $125,517 per year, or $60.3 per hour.

$143K - $229K/yr

Other

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 28 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Lead the development and testing of hypotheses across all functional data sets

  • Design and develop scalable, efficient data pipeline processes for data ingestion, cleansing, transformation, integration, and validation

  • Identify actionable insights, suggest recommendations, and communicate results to cross-functional groups


Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 13 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

197th of 315 rated insurance


Job description

Job Description

The Principal Data Scientist will serve as the principal lead to provide accurate and quality analyses that translate data in sound organizational decisions. In this role you will provide strategic thought leadership and partner with other functional areas to deliver collaborative work products that align with divisional and enterprise strategy. You will own delivery of multiple large and/or complex data science and engineering projects.

What You'll Do

  • Lead in the development and testing of hypotheses across all functional data sets

  • Lead requirements gathering sessions with business and technical staff to distill technical requirement from business requests

  • Define and implement integrated data models, allowing integration of data from multiple sources

  • Design and develop scalable, efficient data pipeline processes to handle data ingestion, cleansing, transformation, integration, and validation

  • Define and implement data stores based on system requirements and consumer requirements

  • Design and develop models to understand and solve multiple complex business solutions using a variety of methods including data mining, statistical analysis, predictive modeling and analysis, stochastic modeling, pattern recognition, probability analysis, and network analysis

  • Design and implement production models leveraging technologies such Python, and R

  • Leverage existing data sets and engineer new data sets including development of SQL queries, data integration and resolution of data quality issues

  • Apply advanced conceptual understanding of Big Data systems to data set engineering and analytic model implementation

  • Lead development and reviews of complex analytic models and algorithms

  • Identify actionable insights, suggest recommendations, and influence business direction by effectively communicating results to cross functional groups

  • Document and test analytic processes including performance and thorough data validation and verification

  • Engage with enterprise business areas to incorporate feedback into audit process including but not limited to Payment Integrity, SIU, Provider, Behavioral Health, Med Policy, Claims, Pharmacy
  • Articulate analytic methods and drive business outcomes with responsible business areas
  • Consult with executive level leadership across the organization- with responsibility to drive CoC ideation for Commercial and Medicare
  • Informally lead other analysts and synthesize information and make recommendations to executive leadership
What You Bring
  • Bachelor's degree or advanced degree (where required)

  • 8+ years of experience in related field.

  • In lieu of degree, 10+ years of experience in related field.

  • Strong Analytic/Data Science skills:

  • Experience with Snowflake

  • Experience building AI Agents

  • Understand Bell curve analysis

  • Incorporate Industry benchmarks into analysis

  • Perform outlier detection

  • Strong healthcare experience with Payment Integrity/FWA business knowledge is required

  • understanding of FWA concepts, CMS guidelines, Medical/Reimbursement Policy are all strongly preferred

Salary Range

At Blue Cross NC, we take great pride in a fair and equitable compensation package that reflects market-price and our starting salaries are typically planned near the middle of the range listed. Compensation decisions are driven by factors including experience and training, specialized skill sets, licensure and certifications and other business and organizational needs.Our base salary is part of a robust Total Rewards package that includes an Annual Incentive Bonus*, 401(k) with employer match, Paid Time Off (PTO), and competitive health benefits and wellness programs.

*Based on annual corporate goal achievement and individual performance.

$143,616.00 - $229,786.00

Skills

Big Data, Complex Data Analysis, Data Analysis, Data Engineering, Data Mining, Data Modeling Techniques, Data Science, Data Visualization, Machine Learning (ML), Predictive Analytics, Predictive Modeling, Python (Programming Language), Statistical Analysis, Statistical Models

_____________________________________________________________________
JOB ALERT FRAUD: We have become aware of scams from individuals, organizations, and internet sites claiming to represent Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina in recruitment activities in return for disclosing financial information. Our hiring process does not include text-based conversations or interviews and never requires payment or fees from job applicants. All our career opportunities are published on https://bcbsnc.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/BCBSNC. If you have already provided your personal information that you suspect is fraudulent activity, please report it to your local authorities. Any fraudulent activity should be reported to: HR.Staffing@BCBSNC.com.


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