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Lead Data Scientist (Service Events & Insights)

Caterpillar · Peoria, IL · $128,470–$208,770 a year · Full time

Posted Oct 2, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about a model you built that changed a business decision.

What they are checking: Whether their work has led to actual impact, not just accurate models nobody used.

Tell me about a time your analysis showed something leaders didn't want to hear.

What they are checking: Whether they can deliver unwelcome findings clearly and stand behind honest analysis.

How do you guide and develop other data scientists on your team?

What they are checking: Whether they can lead others through review, mentoring and setting technical direction.

How do you explain uncertainty in a forecast to someone making an inventory decision?

What they are checking: Whether they communicate risk in a way people can act on rather than hiding it behind a single number.

What would you do

This role focuses on service events and insights. What kinds of questions would you want to answer with service event data?

What they are checking: Whether they can connect data science to real business problems in aftermarket parts and service.

A business partner asks for a dashboard, but you think the real problem needs a model. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they find the real need behind a request and handle the conversation well.

About the work

How would you predict parts demand from service events when data is sparse for many parts?

What they are checking: Whether they can handle intermittent demand and long-tail problems common in parts distribution.

Service records often have messy free-text notes. How would you get useful signals from them?

What they are checking: Whether they can apply text processing or language models to real-world, noisy service data.

How do you decide if a model is good enough to put in front of the business?

What they are checking: Whether they evaluate models against business outcomes and baselines, not only technical metrics.

How do you move a model from a notebook into production and keep it working?

What they are checking: Whether they understand deployment, monitoring and drift, not just experimentation.

Practice this interview out loud.

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The full job description

As published by Caterpillar.

Career Area: Technology, Digital and Data Job Description: Your Work Shapes the World at Caterpillar Inc. When you join Caterpillar, you're joining a global team who cares not just about the work we do – but also about each other. We are the makers, problem solvers, and future world builders who are creating stronger, more sustainable communities. We don't just talk about progress and innovation here – we make it happen, with our customers, where we work and live. Together, we are building a better world, so we can all enjoy living in it. Your Work Shapes the World at Caterpillar Inc. When you join Caterpillar, you’re joining a global team who care not just about the work we do – but also about each other. We are the makers, problem solvers and future work builders who are creating stronger, more sustainable communities. We don’t just talk about progress and innovation here – we make it happen, with our customers, where we work and live. Together, we are building a better world, so we can all enjoy living in it. Our Product Support and Logistics Division (PSLD) is one of the most innovative divisions within Caterpillar. In PSLD, as within all of Caterpillar, our priority is our customers and helping them build a better world. We touch nearly every element of the services value stream. PSLD is responsible for Aftermarket Parts Distribution of Cat Parts, Integrated Logistics and Global Services supporting Caterpillar dealers and customers. Our teams work together in critical areas that leverage digital capabilities, technology and operational excellence. The Global Service organization within PSLD provides world-class support to Cat® dealers across the globe. The Lead Data Scientist – Service Events & Insights will perform analytical tasks and initiatives on huge amount of data to support data-driven business decision and development. Additional Information: • Location: Peoria, IL (United States) • Required Travel: Up to 10% (Domestic & International) • Relocation Assistance Offered: None • US Work Sponsorship Offered: None What You Will Do: As the Lead Data Scientist – Service Events & Insights, you will develop high quality, actionable insights within the Service Events Domain by: • Leading the design and execution of advanced analytics and data science initiatives, translating large-scale Service Events data into actionable business insights • Directing data acquisition, transformation, and modeling efforts across complex, high-volume datasets to enable scalable and reliable analytics solutions • Defining problem statements, analytical approaches, and success criteria in collaboration with business stakeholders to ensure alignment with strategic objectives • Developing, deploying, and optimizing machine learning models and statistical analyses to improve service outcomes, forecasting, and decision-making accuracy • Applying advanced techniques such as natural language processing, text analytics, and predictive modeling to extract value from structured and unstructured service data • Leading investigation into data model optimization, algorithm performance, and analytical methodologies to continuously improve solution effectiveness • Communicating insights and recommendations through data visualization and storytelling, enabling informed decision-making at multiple levels of the organization • Serving as a technical thought leader, guiding best practices in data science, analytics, and experimentation across cross-functional teams What You Have (Basic Requirements): • Accuracy and Attention to Detail: Understanding the necessity and value of accuracy; ability to complete tasks with high levels of precision. • Analytical Thinking: Knowledge of techniques and tools that promote effective analysis; ability to determine the root cause of organizational problems and create alternative solutions that resolve these problems. • Machine Learning: Knowledge of principles, technologies and algorithms of machine learning; ability to develop, implement and deliver related systems, products and services. • Programming Languages: Knowledge of basic concepts and capabilities of programming; ability to use tools, techniques and platforms to write and modify programming languages. • Business Statistics: Knowledge of the statistical tools, processes, and practices to describe business results in measurable scales; ability to use statistical tools and processes to assist in making business decisions. • Query and Database Access Tools: Knowledge of data management systems; ability to use, support and access facilities for searching, extracting and formatting data for further use. What Will Set You Apart (Top Candidates Will Have): • 4-year college degree in Business, Engineering, Data Science, Mathematics, or a related field, or equivalent experience • Deep expertise in statistical analysis and machine learning techniques, with the ability to apply advanced methodologies to solve complex business problems • Strong proficiency in programming languages (e.g., Python, R, SQL) and data processing frameworks, with experience developing and productionizing analytical solutions • Advanced knowledge of data modeling, database systems, and query optimization, including experience working with large-scale, distributed datasets • Demonstrated ability to lead end-to-end machine learning initiatives, including model selection, training, evaluation, and performance monitoring • Proven expertise in translating complex analytical findings into clear, actionable insights for both technical and non-technical audiences • Strong analytical thinking and problem-solving capabilities, including the ability to decompose complex challenges and evaluate multiple solution paths • Experience with Service Events Domain data, including dealer Work Orders, SMCS hierarchies, service response, fluid sampling, inspection, and Cat Interact to drive practical, customer-focused outcomes • Ability to coach, mentor, and influence others in data science best practices, raising the overall technical capability of the organization • Demonstrated ability to balance analytical rigor with business impact, ensuring solutions are both technically sound and commercially viable What You Will Get: You’ll have the opportunity to work with dealers and multiple teams across Caterpillar (Cat Trade COE, Cat Insurance Services, Cat Legal, Division Compliance, and Distribution Services Divisions) to mitigate risk and ensure all aspects of warranty claiming comply with applicable regulations. Through it all, we are one team  – creating and delivering world-class components and solutions superior to the competition.  Learn more about the Caterpillar Experience . About Caterpillar: Caterpillar Inc. is the world’s leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, off-highway diesel and natural gas engines, industrial gas turbines and diesel-electric locomotives. For nearly 100 years, we’ve been helping customers build a better, more sustainable world and are committed and contributing to a reduced-carbon future. Our innovative products and services, backed by our global dealer network, provide exceptional value that helps customers succeed. #LI #BI Summary Pay Range: $128,470.00 - $208,770.00 Compensation and benefits offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, job level, market location, job-related knowledge, skills, individual performance and experience. Please note that salary is only one component of total compensation at Caterpillar. Benefits: Subject to plan eligibility, terms, and guidelines. This is a summary list of benefits. • Medical, dental, and vision benefits* • Paid time off plan (Vacation, Holidays, Volunteer, etc.)* • 401(k) savings plans* • Health Savings Account (HSA)* • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)* • Health Lifestyle Programs* • Employee Assistance Program* • Voluntary Benefits and Employee Discounts* • Career Development* • Incentive bonus* • Disability benefits • Life Insurance • Parental leave • Adoption benefits • Tuition Reimbursement * These benefits also apply to part-time employees This position requires working onsite five days a week. Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position. Posting Dates: October 2, 2026 - October 16, 2026 Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a drug screen. Caterpillar is an Equal Opportunity Employer, Including Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities. Qualified applicants of any age are encouraged to apply. 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