Our Data Science teams help to provide NIQ’s clients with the most complete understanding of the market and its consumers. With a footprint in over 100 countries across the globe, our expansive data and measurement capabilities provide market context, confidence, and methodological rigor. We are constantly innovating to keep pace with emerging market trends and the increasingly diverse, demanding, and connected consumer. 

The Data Science Team provides expertise across NIQ in panel development, estimation methodologies, and data processing standards. We are responsible for defining and upholding best practices in projection, weighting, and aggregation to ensure technical integrity, global consistency, and trust in our measurement systems. Our core value of integrity applies not only to our processes and client deliverables, but to how we govern methodological standards across markets. 

As a Principal Engineer you will serve as a global business partner and governance lead supporting NIQ’s most strategic clients. You will structure and oversee the handling of complex DSci-related inquiries and escalations, driving rigorous root cause analysis and documentation of resolution pathways with clarity and accountability. While regions retain ownership of client-level resolution, you will drive cross-regional alignment, identify recurring themes, and ensure common root causes are addressed in a sustainable and consistent manner. You will partner with Methods, Product, and Operations leaders to translate systemic issues into durable improvements that strengthen global credibility and methodological consistency. 

What you’ll do 

• Act as a strategic business partner to Commercial, Product, and Operations leaders in support of NIQ’s most strategic global clients. 

• Structure and oversee the handling of complex DSci-related inquiries and escalations, ensuring disciplined investigation, clear ownership, and documented root cause analysis by regional teams. 

• Provide authoritative technical and methodological guidance to internal teams and, where appropriate, to global clients. 

• Hold regional teams accountable for consistent application of DSci methodologies, statistical standards, and resolution documentation. 

• Identify recurring themes and systemic risk drivers across markets and elevate these to the appropriate functional leaders for structural resolution. 

• Partner with Methods, Product, and Operations to drive coordinated, sustainable solutions to common root causes. 

• Promote global consistency in interpretation of projection, weighting, estimation, and tolerance frameworks. 

• Contribute to the evolution of standardized escalation governance processes, documentation frameworks, and reporting visibility. 

• Bachelor’s degree in Statistics, Economics, Actuarial Science, Operations Research, Econometrics, Data Science, or a related quantitative discipline; advanced degree preferred. 

• 7+ years of experience in data science, statistical methodology, or analytics roles, preferably within FMCG, retail measurement, or related industries. Knowledge of NIQ reports and methodologies is preferred. 

• Deep expertise in projection methodologies, estimation theory, weighting frameworks, and statistical precision concepts. 

• Demonstrated ability to operate with authority in a matrixed environment — influencing senior stakeholders, enforcing accountability, and driving resolution of complex, cross-regional issues within a global, matrixed organization. 

• Established credibility serving as a methodological authority in executive-level discussions. 

• Proven ability to drive cross-functional alignment across Product, Operations, Commercial, and Methodology teams. 

• Demonstrated ability to influence senior stakeholders and hold teams accountable without direct authority. 

• Experience contributing to governance frameworks, structured documentation standards, or escalation management systems. 

• Strong data manipulation skills and proficiency with statistical tools (R, Python, or similar) and sufficient technical depth to engage credibly with expert teams. 

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate complex statistical concepts into clear, structured messaging for business stakeholders. 

• Strong organizational discipline, sound judgment, and ability to manage multiple high-priority issues in ambiguous or high-pressure environments. 

• Familiarity with machine learning and AI concepts in applied measurement contexts. 

Our Benefits

• Flexible working environment
• Volunteer time off
• LinkedIn Learning
• Employee-Assistance-Program (EAP)

NIQ may utilize artificial intelligence (AI) tools at various stages of the recruitment process, including résumé screening, candidate assessments, interview scheduling, job matching, communication support, and certain administrative tasks that help streamline workflows. These tools are intended to improve efficiency and support fair and consistent evaluation based on job-related criteria. All use of AI is governed by NIQ’s principles of fairness, transparency, human oversight, and inclusion. Final hiring decisions are made exclusively by humans. NIQ regularly reviews its AI tools to help mitigate bias and ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations. If you have questions, require accommodations, or wish to request human review were permitted by law, please contact your local HR representative. For more information, please visit NIQ’s AI Safety Policies and Guiding Principles: https://www.nielseniq.com/global/en/ai-safety-policies.

About NIQ

NIQ is the world’s leading consumer intelligence company, delivering the most complete understanding of consumer buying behavior and revealing new pathways to growth. In 2023, NIQ combined with GfK, bringing together the two industry leaders with unparalleled global reach. With a holistic retail read and the most comprehensive consumer insights—delivered with advanced analytics through state-of-the-art platforms—NIQ delivers the Full View™. NIQ is an Advent International portfolio company with operations in 100+ markets, covering more than 90% of the world’s population.

For more information, visit NIQ.com

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Our commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

At NIQ, we are steadfast in our commitment to fostering an inclusive workplace that mirrors the rich diversity of the communities and markets we serve. We believe that embracing a wide range of perspectives drives innovation and excellence.  All employment decisions at NIQ are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws. We invite individuals who share our dedication to inclusivity and equity to join us in making a meaningful impact. To learn more about our ongoing efforts in diversity and inclusion, please visit the https://nielseniq.com/global/en/news-center/diversity-inclusion