Staff Data Scientist

About CharterUP

CharterUP is transforming the $30 billion group transportation industry with cutting‑edge technology and innovative SaaS software. Trusted by most Fortune 500 companies, our platform connects users to thousands of charter bus and minibus operators nationwide, delivering real‑time availability, transparent pricing, and detailed vehicle options for corporate events, company shuttles, weddings, and more.

Why Join Us

• Innovative Impact: Be part of the team revolutionizing group travel and setting new industry standards.
• Growth Opportunities: Join a hyper‑growth company recognized by Inc. and accelerate your career in a fast‑moving environment.
• Driven Team: Collaborate with top minds in tech in a remote‑first setting with a tech hub in Austin, TX.
• Funding and Stability: Our $60 million Series A funding provides a solid foundation for continued expansion.

Role Overview

CharterUP is seeking a founding Staff Data Scientist to launch and build our data science capabilities. As our first dedicated hire, you’ll design and deploy production ML models while establishing the foundations for a scalable data science function.

Responsibilities

• Hands‑on model development: Design, implement, and maintain production ML models focused on pricing and availability; expand into forecasting, automation, and optimization.
• Build and shape the function: Establish principles, infrastructure, and systems for data science, ensuring a scalable foundation that supports long‑term growth.
• Data infrastructure & quality: Drive improvements in data pipelines, modeling, and governance to deliver reliable, high‑quality data for decision‑making.
• Strategic partnering: Collaborate closely with executives and cross‑functional teams to translate complex data into clear insights, metrics, and recommendations.
• Champion a data‑first culture: Promote best practices in experimentation, statistical rigor, and storytelling, while mentoring peers and setting the stage for future team growth.

Key Initial Objectives (6‑12 months)

• Translate pricing and availability insights into scalable systems with engineering teams.
• Build production‑ready pricing and matching levers that optimize customer price acceptance and operator match rates.
• Establish robust testing and monitoring frameworks for controlled experiments on pricing and supply‑matching.
• Accelerate decision‑making with transparency by developing dashboards for Product, Sales, Finance, and Ops.
• Lay the foundation for scalable pricing and operator matching systems.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of data science experience with a track record of building and scaling data‑driven functions in high‑growth or startup environments.
• Hands‑on ML and statistical expertise, including pricing, demand forecasting, and availability optimization; strong skills in AI/ML, LLMs, NLP, experimental design, and advanced analysis.
• Advanced proficiency in SQL, Python or R, large‑scale pipeline development, data modeling, and governance.
• Strategic alignment: Demonstrated ability to connect data initiatives with business goals and drive growth and operational efficiency.
• Collaboration and communication: Excellent communicator with proven influence at the executive level, mentoring, and championing a data‑first culture.

Recruiting Process

• Step 1 – Video call: Talent Acquisition interview
• Step 2 – Video call: Hiring Manager interview
• Step 3 – Video call: Team interviews
• Step 4 – Final case study & presentation
• Step 5 – Offer & reference check
• Welcome aboard!

Compensation

$200,000 USD – $240,000 USD annually.

Benefits & Perks

• Remote‑first flexibility with flexible state coverage for US employees.
• Comprehensive health, dental, vision, mental‑health, and wellness benefits; 100% employee premium coverage in the US.
• Paid time off: 15 PTO days (increasing to 20 after 2 years) plus 8 paid holidays in the US.
• Financial peace of mind: Company‑paid life, short‑term, and long‑term disability insurance where available.
• Performance‑driven culture with 401(k) plan and referral bonuses.
• Top‑tier tech equipment and support for the chosen work setup.

Equal Opportunity Employer

CharterUP is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive, accessible, and respectful workplace. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, ancestry, disability, medical condition, marital status, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws in the United States and Canada. If you require accommodation during the recruitment process, please let us know. CharterUP is committed to providing reasonable accommodations throughout the hiring process.