Lead Data Scientist, Cat Digital

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.
Cat® Digital is the digital and technology arm of Caterpillar Inc., leveraging the latest technologies to build industry leading digital and analytics solutions for our customers and dealers. Working with a Fortune 100 leader, you can build your career on a global scale and take advantage of development opportunities with emerging technologies. We've created an inclusive environment for you to explore your passions, make an impact and do the work that really matters.
Job Summary:
As a Lead Aftermarket Data Scientist in the global aftermarket analytics team of Cat Digital, you will be tasked with enabling services growth by collaborating with other teams such as aftermarket leads and insights, business segments, and Cat Digital Analytics to maximize the value extraction of our digital products and services. With over 1.5M connected assets worldwide, using the latest technology, data is generated continuously by Cat® equipment in our business and in the industries we serve. Your responsibility will be using advanced analytics and AI capabilities on this vast amount of data to help our customers build a better world. To accomplish these daunting challenges, this role will require a skillset in advanced statistical techniques (machine learning, AI, etc.) as well as existing or ability to quickly gain domain knowledge of heavy equipment, industries we serve, and the business practices therein
What You Will Do:

• Participate on 3-4 projects concurrently exploring, implementing, and promoting advanced statistical methods and/or digital methods to solve medium to complex business problems.
• Holds team accountable for driving and achieving results and owns all aspects of assigned projects
• Proactively prioritizes and drives opportunities with very minimal managerial support
• Work with and use Caterpillar's Aftermarket data to understand and develop analytical solutions for medium to complex business problems.
• Develops exceptionally compelling messaging, written documents, and presentation materials, and is a compelling speaker in a wide variety of situations
• Leads interactions with cross-functional teams to engage diverse participants and ensure effective consensus and collaboration
• Demonstrate good knowledge of Caterpillar Inc.; its products and services; its internal systems, processes, and procedures; and its relevant external influences (competitors, laws and regulations, market conditions, etc.) to meet or exceed customer expectations.

What You Will Have

• Analytical Thinking: Extensive knowledge of techniques and tools that promote effective analysis; ability to determine the root cause of organizational problems and create alternative solutions that resolve these problems. Expert ability to use logic and intuition to make inferences about the meaning of the data or unexpected results in data, and arrives at actionable conclusions and implements the corresponding actions.
• Leadership & Collaboration in Analytics: Expert level experience in autonomously working closely with cross-functional teams, providing data-driven insights, collaborating on projects, developing good communication, and effectively presenting material to solve medium to complex business challenges.
• Business Statistics: Extensive experience with statistical tools, processes, and practices to describe business results in measurable scales; ability to use statistical tools and processes to assist in making business decisions.
• Machine Learning: Extensive knowledge of principles, technologies and algorithms of machine learning; ability to develop, implement and deliver related systems, products and services.
• Programming Languages: Expert knowledge of basic concepts and capabilities applying Python (NumPy, SciPy, Pandas, etc) programming; ability to use tools, techniques and platforms in order to write and modify programming languages.

Considerations for Top Candidates:

• Masters or PhD degree preferably in data science, statistics, mathematics, or a similar field with quantitative coursework.
• Typically, 3-5 years of professional experience utilizing quantitative analysis, or a PhD degree and 2+ years of experience.
• Extensive experience taking an approach from a POC state to production, driving actionable results in the business
• Extensive experience with projects connecting data from various business domains and providing forecasts and insights to run the business profitably
• Extensive experience with data analysis and statistical methods such as regression, hypothesis testing, ANOVA, statistical process control, etc.
• Extensive experience in practical applications of machine learning techniques such as Clustering, Logistic Regression, CART, Random Forests, SVM or Neural Networks.
• In-depth technical and problem-solving skills and evidence of continuous learning in the analytics field
• Advanced experience with version control / repositories such as GitHub
• Experience operating in an Agile environment
• Must demonstrate strong initiative, interpersonal skills, and the ability to communicate effectively.
• Extensive experience applying Python (NumPy, SciPy, pandas, etc.) programming to solve business challenges.
• Experience with cloud technologies (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud, etc)
• Must demonstrate strong initiative to research and apply new methods and digital technologies to exceed customer expectations.
• Must demonstrate strong initiative, interpersonal skills, and the ability to communicate effectively.

What You Will Get:
Working with a Fortune 100 leader, you can build your career on a global scale and take advantage of development opportunities with emerging technologies. We've created an inclusive environment for you to explore your passions, make an impact and do the work that really matters. Join Us.
Additional Details:

• This position has the option to be based out of either our Chicago, IL; Peoria, IL; or Champaign, IL offices
• Relocation Assistance is NOT available for this role

About Caterpillar
Caterpillar Inc. is the world's leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, off-highway diesel and natural gas engines, industrial gas turbines and diesel-electric locomotives. For nearly 100 years, we've been helping customers build a better, more sustainable world and are committed and contributing to a reduced-carbon future. Our innovative products and services, backed by our global dealer network, provide exceptional value that helps customers succeed.
#LI
#BI (used to post on Built In Chicago)
Summary Pay Range:
$128,470.00 - $208,770.00
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
Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position.
Posting Dates:
August 28, 2026 - September 13, 2026
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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