Principal Engineer - Data Analytics IV

Software Guidance & Assistance, Inc., (SGA), is searching for a Principal Data Scientist for a direct hire opportunity with one of our premier clients in Oshkosh, WI or New Hudson, MI.
The Principal Data Scientist serves as the technical authority and strategic lead for enterprise artificial intelligence, machine learning, and advanced analytics initiatives across Enterprise Client. In this role, you will architect cutting-edge AI solutions to optimize smart manufacturing, predictive maintenance, aftermarket parts and sales and supply chain operations.


Core requirements

• 8+ years of experience is the manager's expectation for the principal level.
• Proven experience delivering analytics or AI projects tied to business outcomes, with demonstrated impact on revenue growth or margin improvement.
• Strong business or domain expertise in manufacturing, supply chain, operations, sales, or lifecycle services. Candidates from fields such as automotive, energy, CPG, or healthcare may also fit if they bring relevant business acumen.
• Experience working between business teams and IT/analytics: engaging senior business leaders (AVP level and above), gathering requirements, translating them into technology problems, and explaining solutions back to the business.
• Strong communication, business acumen, and ability to influence, including handling challenging conversations with senior leaders.
• Demonstrated experience mentoring junior team members.

• Awareness of and openness to market-based or vendor-led AI solutions-not assuming every solution must be built in-house.
• A consultative, outcome-focused approach: able to deliver a solution by building it, partnering with a vendor or consultancy, or using managed services.
• Define the technical roadmap and architecture for enterprise AI/ML initiatives aligned with business objectives.
• Partner with executive leaders across Access, Defense, Fire & Emergency, and Commercial segments to identify high-value analytics opportunities.
• Champion best practices for MLOps, model governance, ethical AI, and scalable data products.
• Lead the end-to-end design, development, and deployment of complex predictive, prescriptive, and generative AI models.
• Translate complex business challenges into production-ready data science frameworks
• Provide technical mentorship and guidance to senior, mid-level, and associate data scientists and machine learning engineers.
• Collaborate closely with data engineering, cloud infrastructure, and software teams to ensure robust model deployment and monitoring.
• Communicate complex analytical concepts and ROI metrics clearly to technical and non-technical stakeholders.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience with industrial IoT, telematics, edge AI, or time-series sensor data from heavy machinery, automotive, or aerospace domains.
• Background in computer vision (CV), autonomous vehicle tech, or robotics.
• 8+ years of progressive levels of responsibility in analytics and AI in any business organization
• Programming: Advanced proficiency in Python and SQL; experience with R, Scala, or C++ is a plus.
• ML/AI Frameworks: Deep experience with Scikit-learn, PyTorch, TensorFlow, XGBoost, and Hugging Face.
• Big Data & Cloud: Strong hands-on experience with cloud ecosystems (Azure or AWS), Databricks, Snowflake, and Apache Spark.
• MLOps & DevOps: Demonstrated expertise in Docker, CI/CD pipelines, MLflow, model registry, monitoring, and automated retraining workflows.
• Familiarity with Agile/Scrum delivery frameworks within large enterprise environments.

Industry Experience

• Experience working in a portfolio company with multi-business units; preferably a manufacturing company
• Bring domain expertise in Supply chain, Manufacturing or Lifecycle services
• Consulting (nice to have)

Personal Characteristics

• Exceptional problem-solving, strategic thinking, and architectural design skills.
• Strong business acumen with the ability to link algorithmic output to measurable industrial impact
• AI and Business savvy person who understands how businesses make money and how AI tools can help businesses solve real business problems
• Strong EQ with the demonstrated ability to relate to both data scientists and business leaders
• A strong listener with strong written, and verbal communication skills
• Change agent who can lead via inspiration and motivation, subject knowledge, and demonstrating a "roll up your sleeves" approach to working

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in data science, mathematics, economics, statistics, engineering, or information management
• Advanced Degree (MBA and/or PhD)
• Background in computer vision (CV), autonomous vehicle tech, or robotics.
• Familiarity with Agile/Scrum delivery framework

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States for the duration of the assignment. This position is not available for C2C arrangements, and the company is unable to provide visa sponsorship.

By applying for a job with SGA, you agree to allow SGA to process your application for this and future opportunities in accordance with our Privacy Policy. Also, to ensure timely processing, you agree to be contacted by our AI recruiter via email, text, or phone. Message frequency varies and data rates may apply, but you can reply STOP to any SMS message to opt-out of texts and may contact SGA at to opt-out of AI communications. The choice not to engage with AI will not adversely impact your consideration for placement. AI is not used to make any hiring determinations.


SGA is a technology and resource solutions provider driven to stand out. We are a women-owned business. Our mission: to solve big IT problems with a more personal, boutique approach. Each year, we match consultants like you to more than 1,000 engagements. When we say let's work better together, we mean it. You'll join a diverse team built on these core values: customer service, employee development, and quality and integrity in everything we do. Be yourself, love what you do and find your passion at work. Please find us at .


SGA is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of Race, Color, Sex, Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, Religion, National Origin, Disability, Veteran Status, Age, Marital Status, Pregnancy, Genetic Information, or Other Legally Protected Status. We are committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, and our services, programs, and activities. Please visit our company to request an accommodation or assistance regarding our policy.


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