# Director, Data Science (San Mateo)

Hiring organization: [Rakuten.com](https://career.thegoodapps.co/organizations/rakuten-com)

Canonical page: https://career.thegoodapps.co/jobs/c8a0bcce-d640-4135-86fe-2aee01e3c157

Listed on Rakuten.com's own careers site. Applications go to them directly.

- Seniority: Director
- Location: San Mateo, CA
- Salary: 156008 – 291500 USD per year

## Summary

Director of a centralized data science team responsible for developing and scaling machine learning and generative AI solutions that drive measurable business impact across the company. This role suits senior technical leaders with strong ML foundations and 5+ years managing teams who want to shape AI strategy and mentor high-performing data scientists.

_Our summary, not Rakuten.com's wording._

## Skills named

Generative AI, LLMs (Large Language Models), Machine Learning, Python, Retrieval-Augmented Generation, SQL, Statistical Modeling

## Required

- 10+ years in data science, machine learning, or applied AI
- 5+ years leadership experience including managing managers
- Proven track record delivering measurable business impact through production ML/AI systems
- Bachelor's degree
- Strong foundation in machine learning, statistical modeling, optimization, or AI systems
- Experience leading deployment and scaling of models in production
- Familiarity with Python, SQL, cloud platforms, and production ML tooling
- Ability to lead in ambiguous environments and define strategy from first principles
- Strong communication skills with ability to influence senior stakeholders and cross-functional teams
- Balance technical depth with business pragmatism

## Nice to have

- 15+ years in data science, machine learning, or applied AI
- Master's degree
- Experience in e-commerce, ad-tech, marketing science, recommender systems, or related domains
- Experience integrating AI into customer-facing products and internal workflows
- Experience with LLM-based systems, retrieval-augmented generation, and evaluation of generative AI solutions

Apply on Rakuten.com's site: https://rakuten.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/RakutenRewards/job/San-Mateo-California/Director--Data-Science_1033172-1