Senior Data Scientist

Senior / Principal Data Scientist Location: Charlottesville, VA Employment Type: 12 Month Contract-to-hire About Us Our client is an engineering consultancy delivering advanced testing, analytics, and consulting services to organizations worldwide. Our mission is to leverage cutting-edge technology and data-driven insights to improve safety and performance in sports and related industries. Role Overview We are seeking a Senior / Principal Data Scientist to lead modeling and analytics initiatives across diverse domains, including: • Computer Vision: Detect and interpret events from game video. • Sensor Data Analysis: Event detection from athlete-worn devices. • Generative AI: Develop solutions to deliver actionable insights to end users. You will design and implement machine learning models, build simulation-based tools, and create dashboards that provide injury risk assessments and mitigation strategies. This role involves research, algorithm development, and presenting findings to executive stakeholders. Key Responsibilities • Develop and implement advanced machine learning models and algorithms. • Build analytical tools and dashboards using frameworks like Shiny, Dash, or Streamlit. • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver actionable insights. • Present research and analytics to leadership and clients. Qualifications • Education: MS or PhD in Computer Science, Statistics, or related STEM field. • Strong understanding of machine learning theory and structure. • Proficiency in Python or R and experience with common ML libraries. • Experience with SQL/NoSQL databases and distributed processing. • 5+ years of post-graduate experience in engineering, consulting, or leadership roles. Preferred: • Background in biomechanics or sports analytics. • Publications or conference contributions in relevant fields. • Experience with professional sports organizations. • Consulting experience with executive-level presentations. Ideal Candidate You are passionate about applying data science to enhance athlete safety and performance. You thrive in collaborative environments and enjoy building innovative solutions that make a real-world impact.