Senior Data Scientist

PPG; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 120,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

PPG, located in Pittsburgh, is seeking a Senior Data Scientist to lead high-impact AI/ML initiatives across multiple domains. This role requires a Ph.D. and over 5 years of experience in delivering AI/ML solutions in production environments.

The ideal candidate will build high-quality machine learning models and communicate findings to technical and non-technical stakeholders while working with modern data ecosystems and Agile teams.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience delivering AI/ML solutions in production environments.
• Proven experience building scalable, production-grade ML systems.
• Experience working in Agile or product-oriented teams.

Responsibilities

• Devising machine learning techniques to solve business problems.
• Building production-grade machine learning solutions.
• Communicating findings to technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Skills

Machine learning and deep learning

Statistical modeling and optimization

Python and modern ML frameworks

Education

Ph.D. in Data Science, Computer Science, Engineering, Chemistry, Physics, or related field

Tools

Azure ML

AWS SageMaker

GCP Vertex AI

Spark

Databricks

Job description

PPG Digital Organization is accelerating enterprise-wide transformation by embedding advanced AI, machine learning, and data products across multiple domains, including formulation development (R&D), manufacturing, supply chain, commercial, and customer experience.

We are seeking a Senior Data Scientist who is deeply technical, hands‑on, and passionate about building high‑quality machine learning models and production‑ready solutions to lead high‑impact AI/ML initiatives across the enterprise. You will work at the intersection of data science, applied AI, and software engineering, delivering solutions that are both scientifically rigorous and production‑ready.

Key Responsibilities

• Devising and applying state‑of‑the‑art machine learning, deep learning, and modern AI techniques (including Generative AI, LLMs and Multimodal AI) to solve business and scientific problems.
• Evaluate AI/ML readiness and provide data acquisition recommendations to bridge gaps; build production‑grade machine learning solutions, not just prototypes.
• Own the development of end‑to‑end AI/ML projects, including deployment into production environments, and monitoring for continuous improvement.
• Design, develop, and maintain software components of internal data science platforms, enabling chemists, engineers, and business users to leverage AI/ML models through intuitive tools, APIs, and applications.
• Work with modern data ecosystems (cloud platforms, distributed data systems, and real‑time pipelines).
• Communicate findings, assumptions, and model performance to both technical and non‑technical stakeholders.
• Work with global teams to translate innovative ideas into deployable digital products and services with quantifiable business impact.
• Stay current on emerging technologies in AI/ML, software engineering, and applied data science.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Data Science, Computer Science, Engineering, Chemistry, Physics, or related field.
• 5+ years of experience delivering AI/ML solutions in production environments.
• Strong expertise in:
  • Machine learning and deep learning
  • Statistical modeling and optimization
  • Python and modern ML frameworks
• Proven experience building scalable, production‑grade ML systems.
• Experience working in Agile or product‑oriented teams.
• Preferred qualifications:
  • Strong software engineering skills:
    • System design and architecture
    • API development and microservices
    • Code quality, testing, and maintainability
  • Experience in:
    • Generative AI (LLMs, prompt engineering, retrieval‑augmented generation)
    • Cloud‑native AI platforms (Azure ML, AWS SageMaker, GCP Vertex AI)
    • Distributed data systems (Spark, Databricks)
  • Experience leading or mentoring teams and driving cross‑functional initiatives.

Benefits & Equal Opportunity

PPG provides equal opportunity to all candidates and employees. We offer an opportunity to grow and develop your career in an environment that provides a fulfilling workplace for employees, creates an environment for continuous learning, and embraces the ideas and diversity of others. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, pregnancy, race, color, creed, religion, national origin, age, disability status, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression.

If you need an adjustment due to a disability, please email [e-mail].

PPG pay ranges and benefits can vary by location which allows us to compensate employees competitively in different geographic markets. PPG considers several factors in making compensation decisions including, but not limited to, skill sets, experience and training, qualifications and education, licensure and certifications, and other organizational needs. Other incentives may apply.

Our employee benefits programs are designed to support the health and well‑being of our employees. Any insurance coverages and benefits will be in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans and associated governing plan documents. Benefits will be discussed with you by your recruiter during the hiring process.