Lead Data Scientist (Service Events & Insights)

Caterpillar Inc.; Peoria (IL); On-site; USD 128,000 - 209,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision

401(k) plan

Health Savings Account

Flexible Spending Accounts

Career development

Incentive bonus

Parental leave

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Caterpillar Inc. is seeking a Lead Data Scientist – Service Events & Insights to develop high-quality analytics within the Service Events Domain. You will translate large datasets into actionable business insights, guiding data acquisition, transformation, and modeling for scalable solutions.

The role emphasizes ML deployment, NLP techniques, and collaboration with business stakeholders to drive improved service outcomes and forecast accuracy. Onsite work required in Peoria, IL.

Qualifications

• Demonstrates strong statistical and ML knowledge to solve business problems.
• Ability to translate complex analyses into actionable insights for stakeholders.
• Experience building production-grade analytics and ML solutions.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and execution of advanced analytics for Service Events domain.
• Direct data acquisition, transformation, and modeling for scalable analytics.
• Define problem statements and success criteria with stakeholders.
• Develop, deploy, and optimize ML models and statistical analyses.
• Apply NLP, text analytics, and predictive modeling to unstructured data.
• Guide best practices in data science across cross-functional teams.
• Communicate insights via data visualization and storytelling.
• Mentor others and balance rigor with business impact.

Skills

Analytical Thinking

Machine Learning

Programming (Python)

Programming (R)

Programming (SQL)

Data Modeling

Statistical Analysis

Communication

Problem Solving

Attention to Detail

Education

4-year college degree in Business, Engineering, Data Science, Mathematics, or related field

Tools

Python

R

SQL

Job description

Job Description

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.

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.

Career Area

Technology, Digital and Data

Job Description

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, 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.

Additional Information

• Location: Peoria, IL (United States)
• Required Travel: Up to 10% (Domestic & International)
• Relocation Assistance Offered: None
• US Work Sponsorship Offered: None

What You Will Do

As the Lead Data Scientist – Service Events & Insights, you will develop high quality, actionable insights within the Service Events Domain by:

• Leading the design and execution of advanced analytics and data science initiatives, translating large-scale Service Events data into actionable business insights
• Directing data acquisition, transformation, and modeling efforts across complex, high-volume datasets to enable scalable and reliable analytics solutions
• Defining problem statements, analytical approaches, and success criteria in collaboration with business stakeholders to ensure alignment with strategic objectives
• Developing, deploying, and optimizing machine learning models and statistical analyses to improve service outcomes, forecasting, and decision-making accuracy
• Applying advanced techniques such as natural language processing, text analytics, and predictive modeling to extract value from structured and unstructured service data
• Leading investigation into data model optimization, algorithm performance, and analytical methodologies to continuously improve solution effectiveness
• Communicating insights and recommendations through data visualization and storytelling, enabling informed decision-making at multiple levels of the organization
• Serving as a technical thought leader, guiding best practices in data science, analytics, and experimentation across cross-functional teams

What You Have (Basic Requirements)

• Accuracy and Attention to Detail: Understanding the necessity and value of accuracy; ability to complete tasks with high levels of precision.
• Analytical Thinking: 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.
• Machine Learning: Knowledge of principles, technologies and algorithms of machine learning; ability to develop, implement and deliver related systems, products and services.
• Programming Languages: Knowledge of basic concepts and capabilities of programming; ability to use tools, techniques and platforms to write and modify programming languages.
• Business Statistics: Knowledge of the 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.
• Query and Database Access Tools: Knowledge of data management systems; ability to use, support and access facilities for searching, extracting and formatting data for further use.

What Will Set You Apart (Top Candidates Will Have)

• 4-year college degree in Business, Engineering, Data Science, Mathematics, or a related field, or equivalent experience
• Deep expertise in statistical analysis and machine learning techniques, with the ability to apply advanced methodologies to solve complex business problems
• Strong proficiency in programming languages (e.g., Python, R, SQL) and data processing frameworks, with experience developing and productionizing analytical solutions
• Advanced knowledge of data modeling, database systems, and query optimization, including experience working with large-scale, distributed datasets
• Demonstrated ability to lead end-to-end machine learning initiatives, including model selection, training, evaluation, and performance monitoring
• Proven expertise in translating complex analytical findings into clear, actionable insights for both technical and non-technical audiences
• Strong analytical thinking and problem-solving capabilities, including the ability to decompose complex challenges and evaluate multiple solution paths
• Experience with Service Events Domain data, including dealer Work Orders, SMCS hierarchies, service response, fluid sampling, inspection, and Cat Interact to drive practical, customer-focused outcomes
• Ability to coach, mentor, and influence others in data science best practices, raising the overall technical capability of the organization
• Demonstrated ability to balance analytical rigor with business impact, ensuring solutions are both technically sound and commercially viable

What You Will Get

You’ll have the opportunity to work with dealers and multiple teams across Caterpillar (Cat Trade COE, Cat Insurance Services, Cat Legal, Division Compliance, and Distribution Services Divisions) to mitigate risk and ensure all aspects of warranty claiming comply with applicable regulations.

Through it all, we are one team – creating and delivering world-class components and solutions superior to the competition. Learn more about the Caterpillar Experience.

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.

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

This position requires working onsite five days a week.

Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position.

Posting Dates

October 2, 2026 - October 16, 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.