Principal Data Scientist

Career Area:

Technology, Digital and Data

Job Description:

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. We don't just talk about progress and innovation here – we make it happen, with our customers, where we work and live. Together, we are building a better world, so we can all enjoy living in it.

Principal Data Scientist – Power the future with AI and Digital Twins

At Solar Turbines, we’re driving smarter decisions through data science and physics—and we’re looking for a Principal Data Scientist to help us push boundaries. In this role, you’ll interact with massive datasets, apply advanced machine learning and physics methods in Python and Matlab, and work on a team to develop core AI products that help our customers achieve industry leading reliability, performance and growth.

What You’ll Do

- Lead data mining, modeling, and analysis of time series data, event data and meta data leading to anomaly detection models to be used within InSight Platform.

- Apply machine learning and physics principles to create, explore and validate hybrid digital twin models using lumped parameter ODE models to approximate PDE model outputs.

- Design and optimize algorithms to improve accuracy, performance, and scalability.

- Build compelling visualizations and present findings to stakeholders using tools like Quicksight or Plotly.

- Collaborate across teams and business segments to define analytical requirements and deliver actionable solutions related to InSight Platform’s digital twin strategy.

- Lead projects from idea to completion with minimal supervision. Work with stakeholders, SMEs and customers to develop project plans and execution schedules.

Technical Expertise

- Machine Learning Experience applying ML algorithms and techniques to solve both physics and/or business problems. Proficient in Python, with knowledge of libraries like pandas, NumPy, SciPy, Scikit-learn, PyTorch, and spaCy.

- Statistical Analysis & Modeling Solid understanding of hypothesis testing, and predictive modeling. Able to validate models using standard statistical measures and interpret results.

- Physics Solid understanding of the physics of 1D heat transfer and fluid mechanics with ability to solve these types of problems using python or matlab libraries.

- Ability to write SQL statements for database access using SQL Alchemy and CX Oracle. Able to write and optimize queries across multiple tables and schemas.

- Programming & Automation Comfortable developing scripts and tools to automate digital twin workflows. Familiar with structured programming practices and debugging techniques.

- Visualization & Communication Excellent communication and visualization skills. Need to feel comfortable creating presentations that make technical concepts easy for non-technical audience members to understand.

Analytical & Business Acumen

- Excellent problem-solving and critical thinking. Ability to take loosely defined requirements or statements of value and turn them into a structured problem that can be solved mathematically. Capable of comparing alternative solutions and making optimal decisions.

Educational Background:

- Bachelor of Science (BS) in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Statistics or Physics is required, masters or PhD preferred.

Top candidates will also have:

- At least 7 years of experience in mechanical engineering roles

- Many years of experience in engineering analysis, including structural, thermal, fluid, and/or performance calculations for the purposes modeling and simulation.

- Many years of experience modeling physical systems starting with first principles equations and implementing ODEs or PDEs in Matlab, Python or similar programming languages.

- Some experience with control theory and applications to dynamic systems and industrial machines.

- Published technical papers at conferences or journals in the engineering and/or physics fields.

Summary Pay Range:

$140,964.00 - $211,446.00

Compensation and benefits offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, job level, market location, job-related knowledge, skills, individual performance and experience. Please note that salary is only one component of total compensation at Caterpillar.

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

This position requires working onsite five days a week.Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position. This employer is not currently hiring foreign national applicants that require or will require sponsorship tied to a specific employer, such as, H, L, TN, F, J, E, O. As a global company, Caterpillar offers many job opportunities outside of the U.S which can be found through our employment website at www.caterpillar.com/careers.

Posting Dates:

Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a drug screen.

Caterpillar is an Equal Opportunity Employer, Including Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities. Qualified applicants of any age are encouraged to apply.

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