Career Area:
Information Analytics
Job Description:
Caterpillar uses quantitative methods such as business simulations, data mining, modeling and advanced statistical techniques to solve problems. The Senior Data Scientist contributes to this mission by acting as the technical lead of analytics project teams tasked with solving problems of low to medium complexity or business impact.
Caterpillar uses quantitative techniques to solve problems. Typical problems include maximizing OPACC through improvements in Inventory Costs, Material Costs, NPI costs, etc.; determining the principal drivers of health care costs; recommending the optimal supplier for a part; identifying sales, rental, and service opportunities for Caterpillar dealers; and developing simulation/optimization capabilities to model a new facility or product feature. In addition, analytics experts also provide assistance to high-profile enterprise-wide projects such as the Engineered Value Chain.
The principal responsibility of Senior Data Scientist is to move from being an individual contributor on analytic teams to acting as the technical lead on such teams. He or she will participate on cross-functional project teams, provide overall guidance to the technical direction of the project, and mentor Jr Information Scientists on the technical approaches being used in order to solve a problem presented by a Caterpillar Business Unit or Service Organization, a Caterpillar Dealer, or a Caterpillar Customer.
The Senior Data Scientist will:
- Demonstrate a breadth of knowledge in the application statistical methods and/or digital methods to solve business problems
- Coach and mentor other Data Scientists in the creation, validation, and application of statistical models, as well as in implementing digital solutions
- Participate on 3-4 projects concurrently
- Demonstrate thorough knowledge of Caterpillar Inc.; its products and services; its internal systems, processes, and procedures; and its relevant external influences (competitors, laws and regulations, market conditions, etc.) to meet or exceed customer expectations.
- Demonstrate strong initiative to research and apply new methods to exceed customer expectations.
- Have a strong focus on continual learning in the Analytics field
Significant challenges of this position are working with people; enhancing the team's creativity; maintaining knowledge of approaches used in similar projects; and pushing the technical bounds of experimentation while meeting customer commitments. The Senior Data Scientist acts as overall technical lead for the team in establishing a sound analytic approach for solving the problem at hand. The incumbent will develop good networks within the technical community to enable them to collaborate on technical solutions, obtain resources and cooperation needed, and remove roadblocks so that they can ensure the success of their team.
The Senior Data Scientist reports to an Information and Analysis Supervisor and bears primary responsibility for solving the business problem presented through applied analytics.
The Senior Data Scientist demonstrates thorough statistical and/or digital technology knowledge and the ability to solve low to medium complexity problems. He or she demonstrates very good communication skills, being able to explain conclusions to customers with limited knowledge and experience with quantitative analytical methods. As the first Senior technical analytic position, they are not expected to have previous experience leading teams, but they should exhibit strong communications, a penchant for innovation, above average initiative, people development, and interpersonal skills. The incumbent should also have a comprehensive knowledge of Caterpillar Inc. and a general understanding of Caterpillar's external customers, competitors, and market influencers.
Basic Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree, preferably in statistics, economics, mathematics, or a similar field with quantitative coursework, and 3 plus years of professional experience utilizing quantitative analysis is required
Must be comfortable working in MS Office, and industry standard statistics and data visualization packages.
Top Candidates Will Also Have:
Must demonstrate strong leadership, initiative, interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate effectively.
Several years' experience with one or more of the following programming languages: Julia, Python, R.
Familiarity with basic database design and intermediate-level SQL skills.
An understanding of the key differences between a proof-of-concept project and a production-level project.
Experience with various types of data science problems such as prediction, clustering, and semi-supervised learning and relevant data structures (e.g., hierarchical, multi-instance, and multi-output data formats).
Experience with writing fast and memory-efficient code as well as with various types of parallel processing: threading, multi-core/forking, multiple session, and cluster computing.
The ability to explain their findings in both practical terms and using machine learning explanation methods.
#LI-Hybrid
This employer is not currently hiring foreign national applicants that require or will require sponsorship tied to a specific employer, such as H, L, TN, F, J, E, O. As a global company, Caterpillar offers many job opportunities outside of the U.S. which can be found through our employment website at www.caterpillar.com/careers
EEO/AA Employer. All qualified individuals - Including minorities, females, veterans and individuals with disabilities - are encouraged to apply.
