Principal Data Scientist (Big Data Analytics)

Placements24; Randburg; On-site; ZAR 1,500,000 - 2,100,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 in Randburg, Gauteng, seeks a Principal Data Scientist to lead big data analytics initiatives. You will harness massive datasets to extract insights, build predictive models, and shape strategic decisions.

You will mentor junior data scientists, drive production ML deployments, and collaborate with diverse teams to advance data strategy and best practices across the organisation. The role offers cutting-edge technology and significant autonomy.

Qualifications

• PhD or Master’s in Data Science or related field.
• 8+ years in data science with big data analytics and ML.
• Proven ML model deployment experience.
• Hands-on with Spark, Hadoop, Kafka.
• Strong Python or R and data science libraries.
• SQL and NoSQL expertise.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and implementation of advanced analytics solutions.
• Develop and deploy ML models in production.
• Translate business challenges into data science problems.
• Build robust data pipelines for large volumes of data.
• Evaluate and select algorithms and tools for tasks.
• Communicate complex findings clearly to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Mentor junior data scientists and foster technical excellence.
• Stay updated on data science and big data advancements.
• Contribute to data strategy and best practices.

Skills

Leadership

Mentoring

Communication

Analytical thinking

Education

PhD in Data Science

Master's degree

Tools

Spark

Hadoop

Kafka

Python

R

SQL

NoSQL

AWS

Azure

GCP

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leader in data-driven solutions for diverse industries, is seeking a highly accomplished Principal Data Scientist with extensive experience in Big Data Analytics to join their elite team in Randburg, Gauteng . This senior position requires a candidate who can harness the power of massive datasets to extract actionable insights, build predictive models, and drive strategic business decisions. You will lead complex analytical projects, mentor junior data scientists, and contribute significantly to the innovation and technological direction of the company. This is an unparalleled opportunity to work with cutting-edge technologies and solve challenging problems at scale.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and implementation of advanced analytics solutions using big data technologies (e.g., Spark, Hadoop, Kafka).
• Develop and deploy sophisticated machine learning models, statistical analyses, and data mining techniques to uncover trends and patterns in large datasets.
• Collaborate with stakeholders across business units to understand their challenges and translate them into data science problems.
• Build robust data pipelines for ingestion, transformation, and processing of large volumes of structured and unstructured data.
• Evaluate and select appropriate algorithms and tools for specific analytical tasks.
• Communicate complex findings and recommendations clearly and concisely to both technical and non-technical audiences through visualizations and presentations.
• Mentor and guide junior data scientists, fostering a culture of learning and technical excellence.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in data science, machine learning, and big data technologies.
• Contribute to the development of data strategy and best practices within the organization.
• Ensure the quality, integrity, and security of data used for analysis.

Requirements

• Ph.D. or Master's degree in Data Science, Statistics, Computer Science, Mathematics, or a related quantitative field.
• A minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in data science, with a strong focus on big data analytics and machine learning.
• Proven expertise in developing and deploying machine learning models in production environments.
• Hands-on experience with big data platforms such as Apache Spark, Hadoop ecosystem (HDFS, MapReduce), and distributed databases.
• Proficiency in programming languages like Python or R, and experience with data science libraries (e.g., scikit-learn, pandas, NumPy).
• Strong knowledge of SQL and experience with NoSQL databases.
• Experience with cloud platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure, GCP) for big data processing and analytics.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Outstanding communication and presentation skills, with the ability to explain complex concepts effectively.
• Experience leading projects and mentoring junior team members is essential.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive salary, commensurate with experience, alongside a generous performance bonus structure and comprehensive benefits package. This includes excellent medical, dental, and vision insurance, as well as a robust retirement savings plan. Employees benefit from ample opportunities for professional development, including access to advanced training, certifications, and industry conferences. The role is based in Randburg, Gauteng , providing a stimulating and collaborative work environment with significant potential for career advancement. Join a forward-thinking company and make a significant impact through data-driven innovation.