Jr Data Scientist

Job#: 3020731

Job Description:

Entry-Level Data Scientist

Fully onsite in St. Louis, MO

12 month contract to hire

We are seeking an entry-level Data Scientist (I/II) to help integrate generative AI into enterprise QA testing. You will build proof-of-concept (POC) models and workflows that augment test analysis, test-case generation, execution support, and defect triage across client's testing ecosystem. This is a hands-on applied AI role emphasizing prompt engineering, LLM/RAG, and predictive/regression modeling over traditional test-automation frameworks.

What You'll Do (Key

Responsibilities)

AI-Augmented QA POCs: Design and deliver small, iterative POCs that apply LLMs, prompt engineering, and RAG to QA use cases (e.g., requirements analysis, test-case drafting, defect summarization, flaky-test triage, and bill-impact narratives).

Modeling & Metrics: Build regression and other predictive models to support mid-year predictive metrics for leadership (quality trends, risk indicators, and release health).

Operationalization (Lightweight): Help stand up evaluation loops, prompt-versioning, and simple A/B tests; document assumptions, limits, and acceptance criteria for handoff.

IP & Documentation: Support internal patentable innovations (Brandon's ongoing patent initiative), maintain thorough design notes, and author reproducible notebooks/playbooks.

Enablement: Provide primers, examples, and short guides to help QA analysts safely use AI tools; assist with onboarding of new AI utilities in this space.

Minimum Qualifications (Data Scientist I)

0-2 years relevant experience (internships acceptable) applying Python to data science or applied AI.

Demonstrated prompt engineering with LLMs (e.g., prompt chains, function/tool calling, safety/guardrails).

Exposure to RAG (vector stores, embeddings, retrieval), and the ability to explain when RAG helps vs. hurts.

Modeling: Hands-on experience building regression models

Coding: Proficient in Python and SQL; able to write clean, reviewable code

Comfortable developing POCs without needing a full SDLC pipeline; able to iterate quickly and document trade-offs.

Interest in QA/testing and willingness to learn the domain (no heavy test-automation background required).

Preferred Qualifications (Data

Scientist II)

2-4 years applied data science or ML experience (industry or research), ideally with LLM augmentation in production-adjacent settings.

Practical knowledge of agentic patterns (tool-use, planning, multi-step workflows) and LLM evaluation (prompt evals, toxicity/hallucination checks, factuality tests).

Experience with document stores/vector DBs (e.g., FAISS, Chroma, pgvector), embedding models, and chunking strategies.

Understanding of governance for AI in enterprises (data privacy, PII handling, access controls, audit trails).

Prior exposure to billing/operations data (nice to have, not required).

Core Tools & Libraries

(You'll Likely Use)

Python: pandas, numpy, scikit-learn, matplotlib/seaborn, jupyter

LLM/RAG: LangChain or LlamaIndex (or equivalent), OpenAI/Azure OpenAI/Anthropic SDKs, embedding APIs

Data/SQL: PostgreSQL/SQL Server; basic ETL with Python

Versioning & Ops: Git, lightweight CI, prompt registries/eval notebooks

Internal: Nova (AI add-on), FAME (automation/scheduling) - with teams for access and integration

Apex Systems is a world-class IT services company that serves thousands of clients across the globe. When you join Apex, you become part of a team that values innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning. We offer quality career resources, training, certifications, development opportunities, and a comprehensive benefits package. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in many awards, including ClearlyRated's Best of Staffing in Talent Satisfaction in the United States and Great Place to Work in the United Kingdom and Mexico. Apex uses a virtual recruiter as part of the application process. Click for more details.

Apex Benefits Overview: Apex offers a range of supplemental benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and other insurance plans that offer an optional layer of financial protection. We offer an ESPP (employee stock purchase program) and a 401K program which allows you to contribute typically within 30 days of starting, with a company match after 12 months of tenure. Apex also offers a HSA (Health Savings Account on the HDHP plan), a SupportLinc Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with up to 8 free counseling sessions, a corporate discount savings program and other discounts. In terms of professional development, Apex hosts an on-demand training program, provides access to certification prep and a library of technical and leadership courses/books/seminars once you have 6+ months of tenure, and certification discounts and other perks to associations that include CompTIA and IIBA. Apex has a dedicated customer service team for our Consultants that can address questions around benefits and other resources, as well as a certified Career Coach. You can access a full list of our benefits, programs, support teams and resources within our 'Welcome Packet' as well, which an Apex team member can provide.