Rail Data Science & Risk Lead

Sperry Rail; Shelton (CT); On-site; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Sperry Rail seeks a Lead Data Scientist, Rail Data and Risk, to build the company’s view of track risk. You will lead analyses from descriptive analytics of defect trends to predictive risk assessments and cost implications, collaborating with commercial teams and customers.

You will hire and mentor a data scientist and a software engineer, delivering actionable insights and scalable processes. You will translate complex data into defensible technical answers, set team direction, and own

Qualifications

• Proven ability to translate business problems into defensible technical answers.
• Experience applying statistical methods to physical/engineered systems such as rail or related disciplines.
• Demonstrated ability to manage staff and deliver outcomes across the full employee lifecycle.

Responsibilities

• Trend multi‑modal test data over time to assess defect growth and surface degradation.
• Connect raw measurements to physical conditions they represent.
• Apply risk-based models to estimate probability and consequence of failure.
• Own KPIs for internal reviews and customer account discussions.
• Hire and line manage two more roles in the data pod and guide their work.
• Write and maintain transferable analysis documentation.

Skills

Statistics depth

Time series analysis

Hypothesis testing

Regression analysis

Descriptive analytics

Data storytelling

Strong communication

Autonomy and leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree in applied mathematics/statistics/physics/engineering

Tools

SQL

Python

Job description

Sperry Rail seeks a Lead Data Scientist, Rail Data and Risk, to build the company’s view of track risk. You will lead analyses from descriptive analytics of defect trends to predictive risk assessments and cost implications, collaborating with commercial teams and customers.

You will hire and mentor a data scientist and a software engineer, delivering actionable insights and scalable processes. You will translate complex data into defensible technical answers, set team direction, and own