Lead Data Scientist - Mining Analytics

Placements24; Mossel Bay; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote-first culture

Competitive salary

Performance bonuses

Stock options

Professional development budget

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Data Scientist for a mining technology client. This fully remote role offers global collaboration and impactful data analytics leadership.

You will design and deploy ML models, mentor teammates, and partner with engineering and operations to drive predictive maintenance and efficiency across mining operations.

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Data Science, CS, Statistics, Mathematics or related field.
• 8+ years of data science experience with ML model development and deployment in industrial settings.
• Proven track record applying data science to mining, energy, or heavy industry sectors.
• Proficient in Python or R and ML libraries such as scikit-learn, TensorFlow or PyTorch.
• Strong SQL/NoSQL database experience and big data tech (Spark/Hadoop).
• Excellent data visualization skills using Tableau/Power BI/Matplotlib.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and remote-communication skills.
• Demonstrated leadership and mentoring experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, development, and deployment of ML models and analytics for mining.
• Analyze large multimedia datasets from sensors, logs, geological data to identify trends.
• Develop predictive models for equipment health, production forecasting, resource estimation.
• Create dashboards and visualizations to communicate findings to technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Mentor junior data scientists and analysts in the team.
• Collaborate with engineering, operations, and IT to integrate data-driven solutions.
• Stay updated on cutting-edge data science developments and mining applications.
• Define data strategy and governance for mining data assets.

Skills

Leadership

Data science expertise

Machine learning deployment

Communication

Education

Master's or PhD in Data Science or related field

Tools

Python

R

scikit-learn

TensorFlow

PyTorch

SQL

NoSQL

Spark

Hadoop

Tableau

Power BI

Matplotlib

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a forward-thinking leader in the mining technology space, is looking for a highly skilled and visionary Lead Data Scientist to spearhead their data analytics initiatives. This is a fully remote position, offering the flexibility to work from anywhere while collaborating with a global team. You will be instrumental in leveraging advanced data science techniques to extract actionable insights from vast datasets generated by mining operations. Your expertise will drive innovation in areas such as predictive maintenance, operational efficiency, safety improvements, and resource optimization. This role requires a deep understanding of machine learning, statistical modeling, and data visualization, coupled with a passion for solving complex problems within the mining industry.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and deployment of machine learning models and analytical solutions for mining applications.
• Analyze large, complex datasets from various sources (e.g., sensors, operational logs, geological data) to identify trends, patterns, and opportunities for improvement.
• Develop predictive models for equipment failure, production forecasting, and resource estimation.
• Create compelling data visualizations and dashboards to communicate complex findings to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Mentor and guide junior data scientists and analysts within the team.
• Collaborate with engineering, operations, and IT teams to integrate data-driven solutions into existing workflows.
• Stay abreast of cutting‑edge developments in data science, artificial intelligence, and their applications in the mining sector.
• Define data strategy and governance frameworks for mining‑related data assets.

Requirements

• Master's or Ph.D. in Data Science, Computer Science, Statistics, Mathematics, or a related quantitative field.
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in data science, with a significant portion focused on developing and deploying ML models in an industrial context.
• Proven experience applying data science techniques to solve problems in the mining, energy, or heavy industry sectors.
• Expertise in programming languages such as Python or R, and proficiency with relevant libraries (e.g., scikit-learn, TensorFlow, PyTorch).
• Strong experience with SQL and NoSQL databases, as well as big data technologies (e.g., Spark, Hadoop).
• Excellent data visualization skills using tools like Tableau, Power BI, or Matplotlib.
• Exceptional analytical, problem‑solving, and communication skills, essential for a fully remote role.
• Demonstrated leadership capabilities and experience mentoring teams.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and performance‑based bonuses.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Generous stock options or equity participation.
• Flexible remote work arrangement.
• Professional development budget for conferences, courses, and certifications.
• Opportunity to shape the future of data‑driven decision‑making in the mining industry.
• Access to cutting‑edge technology and resources.