Lead Data Scientist

Role: Principal Data Scientist Locations: 900 S. Fremont Ave., Alhambra, CA, 91803 (Hybrid) Duration: 12+ Months contract Role Overview The Principal Data Scientist works to establish a comprehensive Data Science Program to advance data-driven decision-making, streamline operations, and fully leverage modern platforms including Databricks, or similar, to meet increasing demand for predictive analytics and AI solutions. The Principal Data Scientist will guide program development, provide training and mentorship to junior members of the team, accelerate adoption of advanced analytics, and build internal capacity through structured mentorship. The Principal Data Scientist will possess exceptional communication abilities, both verbal and written, with a strong customer service mindset and the ability to translate complex concepts into clear, actionable insights; strong analytical and business acumen, including foundational experience with regression, association analysis, outlier detection, and core data analysis principles; working knowledge of database design and organization, with the ability to partner effectively with Data Management and Data Engineering teams; outstanding time management and organizational skills, with demonstrated success managing multiple priorities and deliverables in parallel; a highly collaborative work style, coupled with the ability to operate independently, maintain focus, and drive projects forward with minimal oversight; a meticulous approach to quality, ensuring accuracy, reliability, and consistency in all deliverables; and proven mentorship capabilities, including the ability to guide, coach, and upskill junior data scientists and analysts. Required Experience • Five (5)+ years of professional experience leading data science initiatives, including developing machine learning models, statistical analyses, and end-to-end data science workflows in production environments. • Three (3)+ years of experience working with Databricks and similar cloud-based analytics platforms, including notebook development, feature engineering, ML model training, and workflow orchestration. • Three (3)+ years of experience applying advanced analytics and predictive modeling (e.g., regression, classification, clustering, forecasting, natural language processing). • Two (2)+ years of experience implementing MLOps practices, such as model versioning, CI/CD for ML, MLflow, automated pipelines, and model performance monitoring. • Two (2)+ years of experience collaborating with data engineering teams to design data pipelines, optimize data transformations, and implement Lakehouse or data warehouse architectures (e.g., Databricks, Snowflake, SQL-based platforms). • Two (2)+ years of experience mentoring or supervising junior data scientists or analysts, including code reviews, training, and structured skill development. • Two (2)+ years of experience with Python and SQL programming, using data sources such as SQL Server, Oracle, PostgreSQL, or similar relational databases. • One (1)+ year of experience operationalizing analytics within enterprise governance frameworks, partnering with Data Management, Security, and IT to ensure compliance, reproducibility, and best practices. Education This classification requires possession of a Master’s degree or higher in Data Science, Statistics, Computer Science, or a closely related field. Additional qualifying professional experience may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis. At least one of the following industry-recognized certifications in data science or cloud analytics, such as: • Microsoft Azure Data Scientist Associate (DP-100) • Databricks Certified Data Scientist or Machine Learning Professional • AWS Machine Learning Specialty • Google Professional Data Engineer • or equivalent advanced analytics certifications. The certification is required and may not be substituted with additional experience. Additional Information • California Resident Candidates Only. • This position is HYBRID (2 days onsite, 2 days telework). • Interviews will be conducted via Microsoft Teams. • The work schedule follows a 4/40 (10-hour days, Monday–Thursday), with the specific shift determined by the program manager. • Shifts may range between 7:15 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.