Senior/Lead Data Scientist, Data & Analytics (Seattle, WA)

Starbucks; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

Disability

Parental leave

Vacation days

Sick time

Holidays

Personal days

401(k) match

Stock program

Tuition coverage

Job summary

Starbucks is hiring a Senior/Lead Data Scientist in Seattle to guide business decisions by building statistical and machine learning models. You will partner across functions to translate ambiguous questions into measurable solutions and deliver insights that plug into real workflows.

Ideal candidates have 4+ years in data science, proficiency in Python or R and SQL, and a BA/BS in a quantitative field. Preference given to experience deploying models in production and cloud platforms.

Qualifications

• 4+ years in data science, analytics, or related field.
• BA/BS in a quantitative field (or equivalent practical experience).
• Proficiency with Python or R and SQL.

Responsibilities

• Develop and apply analytical models to improve decision‑making and outcomes.
• Translate business problems into data science solutions and communicate recommendations to stakeholders.
• Operationalize work by creating repeatable pipelines and improving model performance over time.

Skills

Python

R

SQL

Data science

Education

BA/BS in quantitative field

Job description

Now Brewing – Senior/Lead Data Scientist

From the beginning, Starbucks set out to be a different kind of company. One that not only celebrated coffee and rich tradition, but that also brought a feeling of connection. We are known for developing extraordinary leaders who share this passion and are guided by their service to others.

As a Data Scientist, you’ll help guide business decisions by building and applying statistical and machine learning approaches to solve high‑impact problems. You’ll partner cross‑functionally to turn ambiguous questions into measurable solutions—delivering insights and models that can be adopted into real business workflows.

Responsibilities

• Develop and apply analytical models (statistical and/or machine learning) to improve decision‑making, performance, and customer/partner outcomes.
• Translate business problems into data science solutions by defining approach, sourcing/validating data, and communicating clear recommendations to technical and non‑technical stakeholders.
• Operationalize your work by creating repeatable analysis/model pipelines, improving model performance over time, and contributing to shared standards (documentation, version control, reproducibility).

Qualifications

• 4+ years in data science, applied analytics, or a closely related field
• BA/BS in a quantitative field (or equivalent practical experience)
• Proficiency with Python or R and SQL

Preferred Qualifications

• MS/PhD in a quantitative discipline (or equivalent advanced experience)
• Experience deploying or maintaining models in production environments (monitoring, retraining, performance measurement)
• Experience with cloud analytics platforms (e.g., AWS or Azure) and/or distributed computing (e.g., Spark)
• Familiarity with experiment design / causal inference and translating results into business actions
• Demonstrated ability to mentor others and influence cross‑functional partners toward adoption

Benefits

As a Starbucks partner, you (and your family) will have access to medical, dental, vision, basic and supplemental life insurance, and other voluntary insurance benefits. Partners have access to short‑term and long‑term disability, paid parental leave, family expansion reimbursement, paid vacation from date of hire*, sick time (accrued at 1 hour for every 25 hours worked), eight paid holidays, and two personal days per year. Starbucks also offers eligible partners participation in a 401(k) retirement plan with employer match, a discounted company stock program (S.I.P.), Starbucks equity program (Bean Stock), incentivized emergency savings, and financial well‑being tools.

Additionally, Starbucks offers 100% upfront tuition coverage for a first‑time bachelor’s degree through Arizona State University’s online program via the Starbucks College Achievement Plan, student loan management resources, and access to other educational opportunities. You will also have access to backup care and DACA reimbursement. Starbucks will comply with any applicable state and local laws regarding employee leave benefits, including, but not limited to providing time off pursuant to the Colorado Healthy Families and Workplaces Act, and in accordance with its plans and policies. This list is subject to change depending on collective bargaining in locations where partners have a certified bargaining representative.

If you are working in CA, CO, IL, LA, ME, MA, NE, ND or RI, you will accrue vacation up to a maximum of 120 hours (190 in CA) for roles below director and 200 hours (316 in CA) for roles at director or above. For roles in other states, you will be granted vacation time starting at 120 hours annually for roles below director and 200 hours annually for roles director and above.

Compensation

The actual base pay offered to the successful candidate will be based on multiple factors, including but not limited to job‑related knowledge/skills, experience, geographical location, and internal equity. At Starbucks, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at the high end of the range for their role, and compensation decisions are dependent upon the facts and circumstances of each position and candidate.

We believe we do our best work when we’re onsite four days a week.

How to Apply

Join us and inspire with every cup. Apply today!

Equal Opportunity

Starbucks Coffee Company is an equal‑opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Qualified applicants with criminal histories will be considered for employment in a manner consistent with all federal, state and local ordinances. Starbucks Coffee Company is committed to offering reasonable accommodations to job applicants with disabilities. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please contact us at applicantaccommodation or 1(888) 611-2258.