About the RoleThe Lead Supply Chain Data Scientist will drive advanced analytics and data science initiatives to optimize supply chain operations, with a focus on Materials Requirements Planning (MRP) system accuracy, inventory optimization, and production scheduling. This role combines deep supply chain domain expertise with advanced statistical modeling, machine learning, and AI capabilities to transform complex datasets into actionable business insights. The position requires both technical excellence in data science and strategic leadership in supply chain analytics.
About YouOur mission is driven by an unyielding commitment to advancing space-based technology in service of our customers and safeguarding national security. We seek individuals who are passionate about innovating beyond boundaries and relentlessly pursuing solutions that protect, preserve and empower - to join us in this critical mission.
We're looking for team members who align with our values, mission and goals - while also meeting the minimum qualifications below. The preferred qualifications are a bonus, not a requirement.
Key Responsibilities- Strategic Analytics & AI Leadership
- Develop and execute analytics strategies aligned with business and supply chain objectives, translating complex data into actionable insights
- Apply advanced statistical and machine learning techniques to analyze complex supply chain datasets
- Develop and scale Generative AI and Agentic AI capabilities, including copilot, RAG, and workflow automation solutions for supply chain applications
- Drive technical strategy, best practices, AI governance, and adoption of enterprise AI capabilities
- Generate actionable insights from data analysis to support strategic business decisions
- Provide data insight to support and improve processes to enhance service quality, efficiency, and customer satisfaction
- Supply Chain Performance & Analytics
- Develop, manage, and maintain key supply chain performance and financial metrics, including on-time delivery, supplier quality, Purchase Order projections, Goods Receipt projections, Purchase Price Variance trend, and Excess & Obsolescence trend
- Develop and maintain a Supply Chain Metrics platform for use by leadership at multiple levels of the organization
- Support the Sales, Inventory, and Operations Planning (SIOP) process by compiling, analyzing, and presenting supply chain data to cross-functional stakeholders
- Monitor and report on inventory levels, identifying trends, risks, and opportunities for optimization
- Utilize AI/BI tools to analyze MRP outputs (planned orders, exception messages) and perform what-if simulations to forecast material shortages or excesses
- MRP System Strategy & Optimization
- Configure, maintain, and optimize MRP parameters (e.g., safety stock, lot sizes, lead times, safety time) within the ERP system (SAP) to maximize service levels while minimizing inventory investment
- Own the accuracy, performance, and optimization of the Materials Requirements Planning system
- Analyze large datasets to identify bottlenecks in replenishment and production scheduling
- Data Quality, Governance & Technical Excellence
- Ensure data accuracy, completeness, and consistency across supply chain systems and reporting platforms
- Comprehensive understanding of IT systems, software development data, CI/CD, engineering, and business processes
- Strong understanding of database environments and upgrades
- Utilize SQL, Python, R, PowerBI, and other analytics/data platforms to manipulate large datasets, perform root cause analysis, and automate reporting
- Cross-Functional Leadership & Collaboration
- Partner with supply chain, manufacturing, procurement, quality, and engineering teams to solve complex business problems
- Serve as the primary liaison between Procurement, Production, Business Development, and IT to align MRP strategies with customer demand and capacity planning
- Collaborate with engineering teams to operationalize solutions using modern cloud and MLOps platforms
- Process Improvement & Innovation
- Identify opportunities for automation, system integration, and process optimization to improve MRP efficiency and decision-making speed
- Identify areas for improvement, develop improvement plans, and lead implementation thereof
- Proven track record of process improvement and implementation
- Team Leadership & Mentorship
- Mentor, coach, and manage a team of analysts, data scientists, or planners
- Provide thought leadership across analytics and AI initiatives
- May supervise, mentor, and/or coach other business systems analysts
Minimum Qualifications- Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Analytics, Data Science, Operations, Engineering, Statistics, Computer Science, or a related field (or equivalent work experience in lieu of degree; Masters degree with 6+ years of experience also qualifies)
- Typically 8+ years of progressive experience combining:
- Material planning, production planning, or supply chain analytics
- Data science, statistical modeling, and machine learning applications
- Focus on system optimization and process improvement
- Strong experience with SAP MRP and advanced data visualization tools (Power BI or similar tools)
- Advanced Excel skills (modeling, VBA) and SQL knowledge to extract and manage data
- Expertise in programming languages such as Python, R, and SQL
- Comprehensive understanding of IT systems, software development data, CI/CD, and business processes
- Strong understanding of database environments and upgrades
Preferred Qualifications- Advanced degree (Masters or PhD) in Data Science, Statistics, Operations Research, Industrial Engineering, Supply Chain Management, or related field
- Technical Skills - Advanced
- Experience with machine learning frameworks and libraries such as TensorFlow, PyTorch, and scikit-learn
- Strong knowledge of statistical analysis and data mining techniques
- Experience with big data technologies such as Hadoop, Spark, and Kafka
- Familiarity with data visualization tools such as Power BI, Tableau, or Looker
- Experience with cloud-based data platforms such as AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud
- Strong understanding of CI/CD pipelines and tools such as Jenkins, GitLab CI, or CircleCI
- Experience with version control systems like Git
- Experience with MLOps platforms and model deployment best practices
- Certifications
- APICS CPIM (Certified in Production and Inventory Management) or CSCP (Certified Supply Chain Professional) certification is highly desirable
- Leadership & Domain Expertise
- Proven track record of leading analytics initiatives and driving measurable business impact
- Experience in supervising, mentoring, and coaching other analysts and data scientists
- Deep understanding of supply chain operations, inventory management, and production planning principles
- Experience with Sales, Inventory, and Operations Planning (SIOP) processes
Compensation:Pay Range:
$128,648.00 - $176,891.00
Your actual base compensation will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on job-related knowledge and skills, education, experience, internal equity and market competitiveness.
We also offer a generous benefit package, including medical, dental, and vision plans, 401(k) with 150% match up to 6%, life insurance, 3 weeks paid time off, and more.
Application Deadline: This role will remain posted until a qualified pool of candidates is identified.
Please note: Sierra Space does not accept unsolicited resumes from contract agencies or search firms. Any unsolicited resumes submitted to our website or to Sierra Space team members not through our approved vendor list or Talent Acquisition will be considered property of Sierra Space, and we will not be obligated to pay any referral fees. 
