Lead Data Scientist (Service Events & Insights)

About the Role

Your work shapes the world at Caterpillar Inc. When you join Caterpillar, you're joining a global team who cares not just about the work we do—but also about each other. We are the makers, problem solvers, and future world builders who are creating stronger, more sustainable communities. Our Product Support and Logistics Division (PSLD) is one of the most innovative divisions within Caterpillar, touching nearly every element of the services value stream. PSLD is responsible for Aftermarket Parts Distribution, Integrated Logistics, and Global Services supporting Caterpillar dealers and customers.

The Global Service organization within PSLD provides world-class support to Cat® dealers across the globe. As the Lead Data Scientist – Service Events & Insights, you will perform analytical tasks and initiatives on large amounts of data to support data-driven business decisions and development.

Location: Peoria, IL (United States)
Required Travel: Up to 10% (Domestic & International)

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and execution of advanced analytics and data science initiatives, translating large-scale Service Events data into actionable business insights.
• Direct data acquisition, transformation, and modeling efforts across complex, high-volume datasets to enable scalable and reliable analytics solutions.
• Define problem statements, analytical approaches, and success criteria in collaboration with business stakeholders to ensure alignment with strategic objectives.
• Develop, deploy, and optimize machine learning models and statistical analyses to improve service outcomes, forecasting, and decision-making accuracy.
• Apply advanced techniques such as natural language processing, text analytics, and predictive modeling to extract value from structured and unstructured service data.
• Lead investigation into data model optimization, algorithm performance, and analytical methodologies to continuously improve solution effectiveness.
• Communicate insights and recommendations through data visualization and storytelling, enabling informed decision-making at multiple levels of the organization.
• Serve as a technical thought leader, guiding best practices in data science, analytics, and experimentation across cross-functional teams.
• Collaborate with dealers and multiple teams across Caterpillar (Cat Trade COE, Cat Insurance Services, Cat Legal, Division Compliance, and Distribution Services Divisions) to mitigate risk and ensure compliance with applicable regulations.

Requirements

• Accuracy and Attention to Detail: Understanding the necessity and value of accuracy; ability to complete tasks with high levels of precision.
• Analytical Thinking: Knowledge of techniques and tools that promote effective analysis; ability to determine the root cause of organizational problems and create alternative solutions.
• Machine Learning: Knowledge of principles, technologies, and algorithms of machine learning; ability to develop, implement, and deliver related systems, products, and services.
• Programming Languages: Knowledge of basic concepts and capabilities of programming; ability to use tools, techniques, and platforms to write and modify programming languages.
• Business Statistics: Knowledge of the statistical tools, processes, and practices to describe business results in measurable scales; ability to use statistical tools and processes to assist in making business decisions.
• Query and Database Access Tools: Knowledge of data management systems; ability to use, support, and access facilities for searching, extracting, and formatting data for further use.

Qualifications

• 4-year college degree in Business, Engineering, Data Science, Mathematics, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• Deep expertise in statistical analysis and machine learning techniques, with the ability to apply advanced methodologies to solve complex business problems.
• Strong proficiency in programming languages (e.g., Python, R, SQL) and data processing frameworks, with experience developing and productionizing analytical solutions.
• Advanced knowledge of data modeling, database systems, and query optimization, including experience working with large-scale, distributed datasets.
• Demonstrated ability to lead end-to-end machine learning initiatives, including model selection, training, evaluation, and performance monitoring.
• Proven expertise in translating complex analytical findings into clear, actionable insights for both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Strong analytical thinking and problem-solving capabilities, including the ability to decompose complex challenges and evaluate multiple solution paths.
• Experience with Service Events Domain data, including dealer Work Orders, SMCS hierarchies, service response, fluid sampling, inspection, and Cat Interact to drive practical, customer-focused outcomes.
• Ability to coach, mentor, and influence others in data science best practices, raising the overall technical capability of the organization.
• Demonstrated ability to balance analytical rigor with business impact, ensuring solutions are both technically sound and commercially viable.

Pay

Pay Range: $128,470.00 - $208,770.00

Benefits

Subject to plan eligibility, terms, and guidelines. This is a summary list of benefits:

• Medical, dental, and vision benefits
• Paid time off plan (Vacation, Holidays, Volunteer, etc.)
• 401(k) savings plans
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
• Health Lifestyle Programs
• Employee Assistance Program
• Voluntary Benefits and Employee Discounts
• Career Development
• Incentive bonus
• Disability benefits
• Life Insurance
• Parental leave
• Adoption benefits
• Tuition Reimbursement

These benefits also apply to part-time employees.

Schedule

This position requires working onsite five days a week.