Senior AI/ML Scientist
Vanguard Open · verified Oct 21, 2026 At a glance
Senior AI Research role at Vanguard. Malvern · full-time · no salary stated · we estimate $160,550–$249,500 across the United States.
Vanguard has not published a salary for this role. The figure below is our estimate, not theirs.
aimlroles summary, based on the employer's posting.
What you'll do
- Work with business partners to select high-value problems for AI, then define use cases, success measures and delivery plans
- Build agentic systems that reason, plan and act across tools, workflows and data, including multi-agent solutions for complex processes
- Work with engineering teams to deploy scalable, secure AI, with checks for reliability, bias, drift and failure modes
- Guide teams on where agentic AI and LLMs fit, shape reusable practices and mentor colleagues in applied AI
What you bring
- A master's or doctoral degree in computer science, machine learning, data science or another related quantitative field
- At least three years delivering AI or ML solutions in production, plus five years of hands-on Python work
- Practical experience designing agents and building enterprise LLM applications, such as RAG, tool use, orchestration or evaluation
- Strong NLP experience with unstructured text and language-based workflows, and a record of solving business problems with AI
Who this fits
This senior role suits someone who can turn business needs into production AI systems and explain technical choices to both technical and non-technical audiences. You’ll work across enterprise teams and mentor peers. The role is based in Malvern, and visa sponsorship is unavailable. The position follows a hybrid working model.
From the employer
Responsibilities:
Solve Business Problems with AI
- Partner with business stakeholders to identify, frame, and prioritize high‑value problems that can be addressed using Agentic AI, LLMs, and NLP.
- Translate business needs into clear AI use cases, success metrics, and delivery plans.
- Focus on business outcomes, not just model performance.
Design & Build Agentic AI Solutions
- Architect and develop agentic AI systems that can reason, plan, and take actions across tools, workflows, and data sources.
- Design multi‑agent and tool‑augmented LLM solutions to automate complex, multi‑step processes.
- Ensure solutions are reliable, explainable, and governed for enterprise use.
Scalable & Responsible AI
- Collaborate with engineering teams to deploy AI solutions with scalability, security, and performance in mind.
- Implement evaluation, monitoring, and guardrails for LLM and agentic systems, including bias, drift, and failure modes.
- Align solutions with enterprise risk management, compliance, and responsible AI standards.
Thought Leadership & Collaboration
- Act as a trusted AI advisor, helping teams understand where Agentic AI and LLMs add value—and where they do not.
- Contribute to AI best practices, reusable patterns, and strategic direction.
- Mentor peers and teammates on applied AI and business‑driven problem solving.
Qualifications:
- Agentic AI: Experience designing AI agents that reason, plan, and act across systems.
- Large Language Models (LLMs): Hands‑on experience building enterprise LLM applications (e.g., RAG, tool use, orchestration, evaluation).
- Natural Language Processing (NLP): Strong experience working with unstructured text and language‑driven workflows.
- MS or PhD in Computer Science, Machine Learning, Data Science, or a related quantitative field.
- 3+ years delivering AI/ML solutions in production environments.
- 5+ years of hands‑on Python experience; experience with distributed data processing is a plus.
- Strong ability to solve business problems using AI, not just build models.
- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to explain complex concepts to both technical and non‑technical audiences.
- Experience working in cross‑functional, enterprise environments.
Special Factors
Sponsorship
Vanguard is not offering visa sponsorship for this position.About Vanguard
At Vanguard, we don't just have a mission—we're on a mission.
To work for the long-term financial wellbeing of our clients. To lead through product and services that transform our clients' lives. To learn and develop our skills as individuals and as a team. From Malvern to Melbourne, our mission drives us forward and inspires us to be our best.
How We Work
Vanguard has implemented a hybrid working model for the majority of our crew members, designed to capture the benefits of enhanced flexibility while enabling in-person learning, collaboration, and connection. We believe our mission-driven and highly collaborative culture is a critical enabler to support long-term client outcomes and enrich the employee experience.