Manufacturing Data Scientist

Ford; Dunton Bassett; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Ford's Powertrain Manufacturing Engineering (PTME) Europe team seeks a data scientist to advance machine learning and analytics across our manufacturing network in Dunton. You will identify opportunities, develop analytical solutions and drive data-driven decision making from problem definition through deployment.

You will build models, design scalable data pipelines in Python and GCP, and collaborate with engineers, suppliers and business stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Degree in data-related field or equivalent experience.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain ML, forecasting models to optimise processes.
• Design scalable data pipelines using Python and Google Cloud Platform.
• Interface and translate manufacturing and business challenges into analytical frameworks.
• Mentor peers and document knowledge to support capability growth.
• Collaborate with engineers, data teams and stakeholders to ensure outcomes.

Skills

Python

Data analysis

Machine learning

Statistical modelling

Google Cloud Platform

Data engineering

Stakeholder management

Manufacturing domain knowledge

Education

Degree in Data Science, CS, Engineering or Mathematics

Tools

Google Cloud Platform

Job description

Department

The Powertrain Manufacturing Engineering (PTME) Europe team is at the forefront of innovation, dedicated to equipping our manufacturing plants with world-leading systems. We are committed to modernising our business by designing and installing advanced manufacturing solutions that enable our plants to efficiently deliver our diverse portfolio of propulsion systems and cutting‑edge battery solutions for vehicles.

As manufacturing becomes increasingly connected and data-driven, PTME plays a critical role in combining engineering expertise, advanced analytics and digital technologies to improve quality, productivity, equipment performance and operational excellence across our manufacturing network.

To support this mission, we are a travelling department with regular opportunities to work alongside manufacturing plants and suppliers across Ford's global operations.

Opportunity

As a key member of our PTME team, you will play a crucial role in shaping the future of automotive manufacturing through machine learning, advanced analytics and data-driven decision making.

You will be responsible for identifying opportunities, developing analytical solutions and delivering measurable business outcomes across the full project lifecycle. This role offers the unique opportunity to combine technical data science expertise with real-world manufacturing problem solving.

You will apply machine learning, statistical modelling and advanced analytics techniques to unlock insights from connected manufacturing data while working alongside a collaborative team of engineers, manufacturing specialists and business stakeholders.

PTME is looking for an individual who can help expand the use of data science throughout the organisation. You will collaborate with a team of over 100 manufacturing engineers and must be comfortable working directly with stakeholders both in our Dunton office and at manufacturing facilities.

This is not a traditional analytics role focused solely on model development. Successful candidates will be expected to take ownership from problem definition through data acquisition, solution development, deployment support and business adoption.

Travel & Availability

• Hybrid Worker (minimum 4 days on-site per week)
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally as required

Your role will:

• Develop and Maintain: Build machine learning, statistical and forecasting models to optimise manufacturing processes and extract actionable intelligence from equipment, process and operational data.
• Design and Build: Create and manage scalable data pipelines using Python and Google Cloud Platform (GCP) to ingest, transform and prepare complex manufacturing data for analysis and deployment.
• Interface and Translate: Work directly with internal and external stakeholders to translate manufacturing and business challenges into structured analytical frameworks and data-driven solutions.
• Facilitate: Act as a strong facilitator to gather requirements, manage stakeholder expectations, validate analytical outputs and support organisational adoption of analytical solutions.
• Standardise: Perform data reconciliation, cleansing and standardisation across diverse manufacturing systems to ensure high data quality, consistency and analytical integrity.
• Support Launches: Provide technical assistance and data‑driven insight during the launch of new manufacturing processes, equipment and programmes.
• Communicate: Present analytical findings and actionable recommendations clearly, adapting communication styles for both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Collaborate: Work closely with innovation, software, data engineering and enterprise data teams to ensure analytical solutions are scalable, deployable and aligned with broader technology strategies.
• Mentor and Document: Teach, coach and mentor peers while documenting technical knowledge, analytical approaches and best practices to support long‑term capability growth.
• Drive Continuous Improvement: Foster a culture of continuous learning, collaboration, technical excellence and data‑driven decision making.
• On‑Site Execution: Travel to Ford manufacturing plants and supplier locations globally, as required by project and programme needs, to understand operational challenges, support implementations and collaborate directly with on‑site teams.

Experience and skills for being effective in the role are:

• Technical Proficiency: Strong proficiency in Python for data analysis, machine learning and statistical modelling (e.g. pandas, NumPy, scikit‑learn), alongside familiarity with cloud‑based data platforms, preferably Google Cloud.
• Analytical Modelling: Proven experience developing analytical, statistical or machine learning solutions within complex operational environments, coupled with a strong desire to continuously improve model performance, data quality and business outcomes.
• Project Execution: Demonstrated ability to lead analytical projects from problem definition through development, deployment and business adoption.
• Communication & Stakeholder Management: Excellent communication and facilitation skills, with the ability to manage stakeholder expectations, influence decision making and work effectively in complex environments.
• Data Engineering: Hands‑on experience building and maintaining scalable data pipelines and analytical data products using structured data engineering practices.
• Problem Solving: Ability to translate complex business problems into structured analytical frameworks, supported by a passion for uncovering insights and solving challenging real-world manufacturing problems.
• Manufacturing Acumen & Domain Knowledge (Preferred): Direct experience working with manufacturing, industrial, IoT, connected equipment or Industry 4.0 data environments. Experience within automotive, battery, propulsion systems or other advanced manufacturing sectors would be advantageous.

You will have:

• Degree in Data Science, Computer Science, Engineering, Mathematics or a related quantitative discipline.
• If you do not hold a degree but possess relevant skills and experience equivalent to this level of education, we would still welcome your application.

Additional Information

• Ability to travel periodically to Ford manufacturing plants and suppliers globally is essential.
• This position is based in Dunton and it is expected the successful candidate will typically attend the office or manufacturing facilities a minimum of four days per week.
• We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone can contribute and succeed.

The Company is committed to diversity and equality of opportunity for all and is opposed to any form of less favourable treatment or harassment on the grounds of race, religion or belief, sex, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment or disability.

As part of our pre‑employment checks process, successful candidates will be required to undergo a criminal record check. This will be conducted in line with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and applied only to unspent convictions.