Staff Data Scientist

About the role

Lead transformative AI initiatives across Valero’s refining and commercial business units. Shape the future of AI from conventional machine learning to cutting-edge generative AI. Partner with business leaders to identify high-value opportunities, architect scalable solutions, and drive projects from ideation to deployment and continuous optimization.

Responsibilities

• Design custom algorithms and advanced data analytics to deliver new insights into operational and commercial questions.
• Drive cross-functional collaboration to ensure successful execution of high-impact AI initiatives, aligning efforts across Refining Operations, Supply & Trading, Planning & Economics, and Strategic Development & Technology.
• Define and monitor key performance metrics to evaluate the effectiveness of AI/ML solutions, ensuring they deliver measurable improvements to operational efficiency and business outcomes.
• Serve as Valero’s corporate subject matter expert on applied Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, providing guidance on best practices, model interpretation, and advanced analytical methodologies.
• Research and evaluate emerging AI/ML tools, platforms, and methodologies, ensuring their adoption aligns with established governance frameworks and best practices, while providing feedback to enhance compliance, scalability, and responsible use across the enterprise.
• Support and advise employees across the organization on statistical and data analysis projects, developing standards and frameworks for implementing advanced analytical solutions at scale.
• Mentor and develop junior data scientists, fostering technical excellence and building organizational AI/ML capability.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s or higher-level degree - in a Quantitative Field such as: Mathematics, Engineering, Data Science or Computer Science or related field.
• 10+ years of experience in programming & data mining.
• Able and willing to work on-site, in-person at the Valero San Antonio location, required.
• Master’s or higher-level degree – in a Quantitative Field such as: Mathematics, Engineering, Data Science, or Computer Science or related field (equivalent).
• Experience applying data science to refining related applications.
• Refining Industry experience.

Preferred Requirements

• Master’s or higher-level degree – in a Quantitative Field such as: Mathematics, Engineering, Data Science, or Computer Science or related field (equivalent).
• Experience applying data science to refining related applications.
• Refining Industry experience.

Benefits

• Competitive Pay and Annual Bonus Program
• 100% match on 401(K) up to 7%, with immediate vesting
• Company-sponsored Pension Plan
• Comprehensive Healthcare and Wellness Programs
• Onsite Daycare Center
• Onsite Employee and Family Wellness Centers (Physician & Pediatrician)
• Onsite Pharmacy
• State-of-the-art 24-hour Fitness Center free for employees and spouses with access to Tennis and Basketball Facilities
• Onsite cafeteria open for breakfast and lunch
• Sprawling campus with walking paths and access to biking trails

Pay

Salaried exempt status, meaning you are not eligible for overtime pay.

Schedule

Not specified.