Data Scientist

Nelnet is a diversified and innovative company committed to enriching lives through the power of service as a student loan servicer professional services company consumer loan originator and servicer payments processor renewable energy solutions and K-12 and higher education expert. For over 40 years Nelnet has been serving its customers associates and communities.

The perks of working at Nelnet go beyond our benefits package. When you join the Nelnet team youre part of a community invested in the success of each individual. That support comes through in our work as we are united by our mission of creating opportunities for people where they live learn and work.

US Citizenship and the ability to obtain a Federal security clearance are required for this role.

Nelnet believes in a hybrid work environment that accommodates both in-office and remote work. This model promotes a positive work-life balance and culture enabling in-person collaboration when possible while also providing benefits associated with remote work. The standard hybrid work schedule includes a 24/16 hour (in-office/work-from-home) split for associates that reside within 30 miles of an is subject to change based on manager discretion.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Build enhance and validate financial and statistical models that support forecasting performance analysis and strategic decision-making.

2. Conduct deep-dive analyses to uncover trends drivers risks and opportunities within financial and operational data.

3. Develop predictive models algorithms and analytical tools using Python and related data science libraries.

4. Work with large complex datasets across SQL databases AWS environments internal systems external APIs and flat files.

5. Clean transform join and engineer data to support robust scalable modeling and analytics solutions.

6. Identify and evaluate new data sources from internal external and public datasets to strengthen models and analyses.

7. Create dashboards visualizations and reporting tools in Power BI or ShadCN to communicate insights clearly and effectively.

8. Present findings and recommendations to stakeholders at all levels including senior leadership.

9. Improve team efficiency by automating manual processes and building reusable analytical workflows.

10. Stay current on emerging techniques in data science financial analytics machine learning and AI.

11. Contribute to a collaborative team environment by mentoring junior team members and sharing best practices.

EDUCATION:
Bachelors degree required in a Quantitative or Programming discipline. Quantitative disciplines are those that require a heavy amount of mathematics statistics or analysis including (but not limited to) fields such as Math Physics Finance or Economics.

EXPERIENCE:

- Data Scientist I: 2 years of relevant experience in data analysis modeling or data science or completion of a bachelors/masters degree program specifically in Data Science or a related field with strong applied project experience

- Data Scientist II: 5 years of relevant experience in data science analytics modeling or a closely related discipline

- 2 years of hands-on programming experience preferably in Python

- Experience working with large complex datasets and modern analytics tools

COMPETENCIES SKILLS/KNOWLEDGE/ABILITIES:
1. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to synthesize complex data into clear recommendations
proficiency in SQL and Python. Experience working with database and ETL tools. Experience with JavaScript especially visualization packages like ShadCN is a plus.
3. Experience building testing deploying and monitoring predictive or statistical models in a business setting
4. Strong understanding of statistical methods modeling techniques and quantitative analysis
5. Experience with financial modeling forecasting scenario analysis or related business modeling frameworks
6. Experience with data pipelines ETL processes and relational databases
7. Familiarity with cloud-based environments preferably AWS
8. Experience with business intelligence and visualization tools preferably Power BI or ShadCN
written verbal and interpersonal skills for coordinating across teams. Polished presentation skills preferred.

10. Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment with a high degree of ownership and accountability

Starting Salary Range for this Role: $80k - $115k Annually DOE

Our benefits package includes medical dental vision HSA and FSA generous earned time off 401K/student loan repayment life insurance & AD&D insurance employee assistance program employee stock purchase program tuition reimbursement performance-based incentive pay short- and long-term disability and a robust wellness program. Click here to learn more about our benefits: LINK.

Nelnet is committed to providing a welcoming and respectful workplace where all associates have the opportunity to succeed. As an Equal Opportunity Employer we ensure that all qualified applicants are considered for employment. Employment decisions are made without regard to race color religion/creed national origin gender sex marital status age disability use of a guide dog or service animal sexual orientation military/veteran status or any other status protected by federal state or local law. We value the unique contributions of every team member and believe that a positive work environment benefits everyone.

Qualified individuals with disabilities who require reasonable accommodations in order to apply or compete for positions at Nelnet may request such accommodations by contacting Corporate Recruiting at or.

Nelnet is a Drug Free and Tobacco Free Workplace.