Job Description
Job Overview
The Lead Data Scientist provides technical and people leadership for enterprise Manufacturing AI, Machine Learning, and Industry 4.0 initiatives supporting the Digital Manufacturing organization. This role is responsible for developing and deploying scalable AI-driven solutions that improve safety, quality, reliability, productivity, asset performance, and Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) across a multi-plant manufacturing network.
The ideal candidate would be located in the Chicago, Charlotte, Atlanta, or Dallas area.The position partners with Operational Excellence, Asset Care, Engineering, IT, Supply Chain, Plant Leadership, and Digital Manufacturing teams to build enterprise analytics capabilities and accelerate the organization's digital transformation strategy.
Key Responsibilities
Manufacturing AI & Industry 4.0
- Lead the enterprise Manufacturing AI roadmap supporting predictive, prescriptive, and autonomous manufacturing.
- Develop AI/ML solutions for predictive maintenance, process optimization, quality prediction, energy optimization, and throughput improvement.
- Drive adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies including connected assets, IIoT, digital manufacturing platforms, and advanced analytics.
- Identify high-value AI use cases and deliver measurable business value across multiple manufacturing sites.
Digital Manufacturing Platforms
- Develop solutions leveraging Microsoft Fabric, Azure AI, Azure Machine Learning, Azure Databricks, PI System, Insight, Vorne, MES platforms, ERP systems, and Industrial IoT data.
- Integrate historian, machine, quality, maintenance, and operational data into scalable analytics solutions.
- Establish enterprise standards for data governance, model lifecycle management, and reusable AI assets.
People Leadership
- Lead, coach, mentor, and develop Data Scientists and Analytics professionals.
- Provide technical direction, code reviews, model reviews, and career development.
- Build a high-performing analytics team and foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement.
- Manage project prioritization, workload planning, and resource allocation.
Business Leadership
- Partner with leadership to define the Digital Manufacturing analytics roadmap.
- Translate business strategy into AI and analytics initiatives aligned with Operational Excellence objectives.
- Present recommendations and business cases to senior executives.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Engineering, Statistics, Industrial Engineering, or related field required.
- Master's degree preferred
- 8+ years of Data Science, AI, or Machine Learning experience.
- 3–5 years leading technical teams or Data Scientists.
- Manufacturing, industrial automation, or process manufacturing experience required.
Technical Expertise
- Python, SQL, Spark/PySpark, R, Git
- Machine Learning, Deep Learning, Time Series Forecasting, Computer Vision, Optimization, MLOps
- Microsoft Fabric, Azure AI Foundry/Azure AI Services, Azure Machine Learning, Azure Databricks
- OSIsoft PI System, Insight, Vorne, MES, ERP, Industrial IoT platforms
- Power BI, Tableau, enterprise dashboard development
Leadership Competencies
- Strategic Leadership
- Enterprise Digital Transformation
- Manufacturing AI
- Industry 4.0
- Operational Excellence
- Cross-functional Influence
- Executive Communication
- Coaching & Talent Development
- Innovation
- Business Acumen
Success Measures
- Accelerate enterprise AI adoption across manufacturing.
- Improve OEE, reliability, quality, and cost through deployed AI solutions.
- Establish standardized Manufacturing AI architecture and governance.
- Develop a high-performing Data Science team.
- Deliver measurable financial impact supporting the Digital Manufacturing strategy.
Compensation:
A reasonable estimate of the current range is $135,000 - 160,000 + bonus + benefits. The range displayed on each job posting reflects the minimum and maximum target salaries for the position across all US locations. Within the range, individual pay is determined by job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. At Novolex, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at the top of the range for their role and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case.
The benefits for this role include 401(k) plan with company match, comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, flexible spending and health savings accounts, paid vacation, and sick days, paid parental leave, paid holidays and wellness program.
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