JOB DESCRIPTION

Description

JOB PURPOSE:  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.

JOB DUTIES:

Caterpillar uses quantitative techniques to solve problems.  Typical problems include maximizing profitability through improvements in Inventory Costs, Material Costs, NPI costs, Improve forecast accuracy, simplify processes, 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 act as the technical lead on cross-functional analytic teams. He or she will provide overall guidance to the technical direction of the project, provide analytic solutions, 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 of statistical methods and/or digital methods to solve business problems

-     Coach and mentor other Information Scientists in the creation, validation, and application of statistical, machine learning, and/or optimization 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 moderately complex 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 ideal candidate will have a minimum of two years’ experience in an eCommerce environment, applying advanced analytics to eCommerce metrics and developing web insights.  As a plus the candidate will  also have knowledge of Caterpillar Inc.; its products and services; its internal systems, processes, and procedures; and a general understanding of Caterpillar’s external customers, competitors, and market influencers. 

Qualifications

BACKGROUND/EXPERIENCE:  Typically requires a Bachelor’s degree, preferably in statistics, economics, mathematics, or a similar field with quantitative coursework, and 7-10 years of professional experience utilizing quantitative analysis, a Master’s degree and 4-6 years of experience, or a PhD and 1-3 years of relevant experience.  Must be comfortable working in MS Office, and industry standard statistics and data visualization packages.  Must have proficiency in Python. Experience in AWS, AWS SageMaker, Snowflake, and/or ReactJS is preferred.  Must demonstrate strong leadership, initiative, interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate effectively. Must be comfortable using industry standard data visualization and statistics packages. Demonstrate strengths in leadership, initiative, innovation, delegation, judgment, planning and organizing, and the ability to communicate effectively with multiple levels of management, as well as with team members. 

Caterpillar is proud of the role we play in building the world's infrastructure. The work we do drives progress for millions of people around the globe.



All qualified individuals – including minorities, females, veterans and individuals with disabilities – are encouraged to apply.