Caterpillar
Chennai
Industrial Manufacturing
Career Area:
Information Analytics
Job Description:
JOB PURPOSE: Caterpillar uses quantitative methods such as business simulations, data mining, modeling and advanced statistical techniques to solve problems. The Lead Data Scientist contributes to this mission by acting as the technical lead of analytics project teams tasked with solving problems of medium to high complexity and may also be viewed as a technical expert in a particular analytics approach, related digital technology, or business domain.
JOB RELATED STATISTICS:
Volume: technical lead for approx. 4 projects per year
Financial impact: typically more than $500,000
Complexity: Moderate-High
Scope: spans across multiple functional areas and BU’s
Geographic scope: multi-region impact
JOB DUTIES:
Caterpillar uses quantitative techniques to solve problems for internal and external Caterpillar customers. Typical problems include maximizing OPACC through improvements in Inventory Costs, Material Costs, NPI costs, etc…; optimizing supply chains and logistics; assurance of supply; forecasting procurement trends; analyzing supplier health; predicting quality related metrics; 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 the Lead Data Scientist is to move from being a technical lead on low to medium complexity analytics projects to acting as the technical lead on analytics projects of medium to high complexity. In addition, the Lead Data Scientist may be viewed as a Caterpillar expert in the use of a particular analytics technique, associated digital technology, or in the application of analytics in a particular business domain. The Lead Data Scientist is viewed as one of the most experienced technical experts in the organization whose breadth of knowledge in analytic techniques may be called upon to help on a multitude of business problems. Under the direction of their leader, this position will participate on cross-functional project teams, provide overall guidance to the technical direction of the project, and mentor Jr Data 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.
- Demonstrate a breadth and depth of knowledge in the application of statistical and/or digital methods to solve business problems
- Demonstrate competency in coaching and mentoring Jr. 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.)
- Demonstrate strong initiative to research and apply new methods and digital technologies to exceed customer expectations.
- Have a strong focus on continual learning in the Analytics field
- Demonstrate strong customer focus in the application of Analytics techniques and digital technologies to solve business problems
- Demonstrate significant knowledge in the use of Data Analytics software solutions
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 Lead Data Scientist acts as the overall technical lead for a project team in establishing a sound approach for solving the problem at hand. The incumbent will have 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 insure the success of their team.
The Lead Data Scientist bears primary responsibility for solving the business problem presented through applied analytics. In addition, the Lead Data Scientist may be identified as an expert in a particular analytic approach, associated digital technology, or in the application of analytics in a particular business domain.
The Lead Data Scientist demonstrates thorough statistical and/or digital technology knowledge as well as the ability to solve complex problems. He or she demonstrates very good communication skills and the ability to explain conclusions to customers with limited knowledge and experience with quantitative analytical methods. Candidates for this position will be expected to have previous experience as the technical lead on project teams, and should exhibit strong communication skills, a penchant for innovation, and above average initiative, people development, and interpersonal skills. He or she should also have a comprehensive 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.
BACKGROUND/EXPERIENCE: Typically requires a Bachelor’s degree, preferably in analytics, data science, statistics, economics, mathematics, engineering or a similar field with quantitative coursework, and 10-12 years of professional experience utilizing quantitative analysis is required, a Master’s degree and 7-9 years of experience, or a PhD and 4-6 years of relevant experience. Must be comfortable working in industry standard statistics and data visualization software and packages (Python/R, SQL etc.). Must demonstrate a breadth and depth of knowledge in analytics techniques and related digital technologies, and strengths in initiative, innovation, interpersonal skills and people development.
Caterpillar is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EEO).
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