Principal Data Scientist - Search

Role 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.

Cat Digital is the digital and technology arm of Caterpillar Inc., leveraging the latest technologies to build industry leading digital solutions for our customers and dealers. With over 1.5 million connected assets worldwide, our teams use data, technology, advanced analytics, telematics, and AI capabilities to help our customers build a better, more sustainable world.

eCommerce is a key digital enabler to Caterpillar’s aftermarket parts and services growth strategy. Delivering on the Caterpillar brand promise of premium, high-quality solutions is an important element in accelerating the development and deployment of Caterpillar’s expanded capabilities in eCommerce.

The principal data scientist – Search Quality Framework is responsible for architecting and implementing an advanced, AI-driven search quality framework that rigorously validates whether search enhancements deliver the intended outcomes. This role leverages sophisticated data science skills, including designing and deploying machine learning (ML) and deep learning models tailored for search relevance, ranking, and personalization. Key responsibilities involve developing automated evaluation pipelines using statistical analysis, A/B testing, and custom metrics to measure the impact of new algorithms on user experience and business goals. This role combines strategic vision, hands-on AI/ML expertise, and leadership to build scalable, high-performance search algorithms that deliver exceptional user experiences.

Qualifications

• Strong track record to deploy Search related ML models in large industrial /automobile / Manufacturing parts application (Learning-Rank, Lambda MART, Deep Ranking Models)
• Extensive background in building frameworks that continuously monitor and improve search accuracy.
• Proficiency in Fine-tuning and Prompt Engineering for Large Language Models, specifically using Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG), Indexing models BM25, Semantic Retrieval, Query rewrite etc.
• Proven ability to work with large-scale search logs, Product data and build robust future/label pipelines and deploy models through MLOps/ML platforms and APIs in Cloud environment (AWS/Azure/GCP)
• Extensive experience with statistical tools, processes, and practices to describe business results in measurable scales.
• Extensive knowledge of techniques and tools that promote effective analysis.
• Extensive knowledge of basic concepts and capabilities of applying Python programming to solve business challenges.
• Working knowledge of tools, methods, and techniques of requirement analysis.

Requirements

• Typically, a Bachelors, Masters, or PhD degree in Applied Statistics, Data Science, Business Analytics, Predictive Analytics, Business Intelligence & Analytics, Mathematics, Computer Science, Engineering (Aerospace, Electrical, Mechanical, Computer, Industrial, Agricultural, etc.), or equivalent technical degree.
• Extensive experience applying Python (NumPy, SciPy, pandas, etc.) programming to solve business challenges.
• Extensive experience with advanced data analysis, machine learning such as clustering, Log regressions, neural nets and statistical methods such as statistical process control, etc. (typically 8+ years).
• Experience in practical applications of onboard architecture/software (e.g. mini projects using Raspberry Pi or any other architecture is a bonus).
• Working experience with heavy equipment engineering or data analysis.
• Familiarity with A/B testing frameworks for evaluating and improving model-driven features - nice to have.
• Working knowledge with cloud technologies (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud, etc.).
• Advanced experience with version control/repositories such as GitHub.
• Experience operating in an Agile environment.
• Must demonstrate strong initiative, interpersonal skills, and the ability to communicate effectively.

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