Lead Data Scientist — Remote, Flexible Hours

COMPETERA LIMITED; San Mateo (CA); Remote; USD 170,000 - 230,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote-first

Flexible hours

Remote work in US

Paid holidays

Training budget

Coworking reimbursement

Job summary

COMPETERA LIMITED is seeking a Lead Data Scientist to bridge advanced R&D with production delivery across Service & Delivery (S&D) and Research & Development (R&D). You will shape the data science vision, build a scalable roadmap, and mentor a cross-functional team of data scientists to deliver measurable business impact.

The role requires strong Python/SQL, Databricks and Spark experience, and excellent communication skills.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in Data Science with production delivery.
• Strong Python and SQL; ability to write modular, readable code for experiments and prototypes.
• Familiarity with Databricks and Apache Spark.
• General familiarity with Data Mesh approach and ability to leverage best practices with data engineers.
• Solid mathematical background, preferably in a Computer Science-related field.
• Proficiency with NumPy, pandas, scikit-learn, and either Keras/TensorFlow or PyTorch.
• Upper-intermediate or higher English and strong public speaking skills.
• Focus on value delivered to users and the business, not only mathematical model behavior.
• Ability to translate complex technical concepts into business language for stakeholders.
• Own data requirements and build efficient processes for integration and data engineering, including data integration and validation requirements.
• Willingness to experiment, pivot, and make data-driven decisions in a dynamic environment.
• Proactively contribute ideas to the Product Backlog based on technical knowledge and capabilities.
• Entrepreneurial mindset and curiosity with a drive to continuously learn.

Responsibilities

• Define and maintain a clear Data Science vision and strategy for the organization.
• Shape the technical roadmap based on business needs, team capacity, and long-term strategy.
• Gradually scale the data science function as the company grows.
• Define the hiring profile, lead and mentor a cross-functional team of Data Scientists, and grow an R&D culture focused on scientific rigor and measurable business impact.
• Manage resources across both Delivery (S&D) and Research (R&D) squads.
• Act as the main bridge between R&D and S&D by translating business requirements into research tasks.
• Help teams convert complex prototypes into stable, production-ready solutions.
• Architect client solutions by selecting models and assortment strategies to solve business problems.
• Serve as a quality gatekeeper: conduct code reviews, verify A/B test designs, and ensure Definition of Done.
• Drive key DS metrics including research-to-production time, experiment velocity, and price recommendations quality.
• Communicate results to product managers, engineers, and clients to align on next steps.

Skills

Python

SQL

Databricks

Apache Spark

NumPy

pandas

scikit-learn

Keras

TensorFlow

PyTorch

A/B testing

Time Series Forecasting

Data Mesh

Causal Inference

Public speaking

English

Tools

Databricks

Apache Spark

TensorFlow

Keras

PyTorch

Job description

COMPETERA LIMITED is seeking a Lead Data Scientist to bridge advanced R&D with production delivery across Service & Delivery (S&D) and Research & Development (R&D). You will shape the data science vision, build a scalable roadmap, and mentor a cross-functional team of data scientists to deliver measurable business impact.

The role requires strong Python/SQL, Databricks and Spark experience, and excellent communication skills.