Data Scientist at Gusto

About Gusto

At Gusto, we are dedicated to transforming the small business economy by providing comprehensive payroll, health insurance, 401(k)s, and HR solutions. Our mission is to handle the complex and time-consuming aspects of business operations, enabling small business owners to focus on their craft and serve their customers better. With a presence in Denver, San Francisco, and New York, we proudly support over 400,000 small businesses across the United States. Our commitment extends beyond services; we are building an inclusive workplace that reflects and celebrates the diverse community of entrepreneurs we serve. Gusto’s Total Rewards philosophy emphasizes employee growth, well-being, and a collaborative culture that fosters innovation and excellence.

About The Role

Gusto is seeking a highly experienced and motivated Principal Data Scientist specializing in product analytics and strategic insights. With over 10 years of industry experience, the ideal candidate will leverage advanced statistical inference, experimentation, and causal analysis to influence key business decisions. As a Principal Data Scientist, you will serve as a trusted advisor, translating complex data into compelling narratives that drive organizational growth and product excellence. You will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams including Product, Engineering, Design, and Finance to develop a deep understanding of our payroll, benefits, and HR data, and to define metrics that accurately reflect business performance. Your role will involve integrating AI-assisted analytics to enhance insights, streamline processes, and scale impact across the organization. This position offers an opportunity to lead analytical initiatives that shape the future of Gusto’s products and services, making a tangible difference for small businesses nationwide.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in Data Science within a product-focused software environment
• Proficiency in SQL and Python programming languages
• Strong expertise in statistical methods, causal inference, and experimental design
• Experience developing and deploying Machine Learning models (preferred)
• Exceptional communication skills with a proven ability to influence cross-functional teams and leadership
• Experience leading large-scale, technically complex projects with measurable business impact
• Proactive problem-solving skills with the ability to independently structure ambiguous challenges into actionable insights
• Passion for mentoring and elevating the analytical capabilities of team members
• BS/MS/PhD in Statistics, Economics, Computer Science, Applied Math, or a related quantitative field, or equivalent industry experience

Responsibilities

• Shape and lead the analytical strategy for major products or business areas, identifying high-impact opportunities and aligning stakeholders around data-driven priorities
• Drive the execution of organizational analytical roadmaps to support company-wide strategic initiatives
• Develop scalable frameworks for experimentation, causal analysis, and metric design that influence multiple teams and organizational decision-making
• Act as a trusted advisor to senior leaders, anticipating data needs, defining success metrics, and advocating for data-informed strategies
• Push the boundaries of statistical modeling, experimentation, and AI-driven analytics to enhance business insights and operational efficiency
• Design and implement innovative tools and methods to expand Gusto’s data utilization and impact
• Mentor, coach, and develop junior data scientists, fostering a culture of analytical excellence and storytelling
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure data integrity, consistency, and rigorous analysis standards

Benefits

• Competitive salary package aligned with experience and location
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans
• Retirement savings options including 401(k) plans
• Generous paid time off and holiday leave
• Professional development opportunities and continuous learning support
• Flexible work arrangements with hybrid work options
• Inclusive and diverse workplace culture that values innovation and collaboration

Equal Opportunity

Gusto is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex (including pregnancy and related conditions), marital status, ancestry, disability, veteran status, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected characteristic.