Data Scientist, Manufacturing Analytics

About the Role

Ford is looking for a Data Scientist to support Manufacturing Analytics within its Global Data Insight & Analytics organization. The role focuses on turning data into practical insights that help leaders make timely, evidence-based decisions. You will work on analytics products that combine visualization, AI/ML, statistics, and optimization, while partnering with data engineers, software engineers, product leaders, and manufacturing stakeholders.

This position is part of a team that helps shape data-driven outcomes across the business by building robust analytics solutions and aligning them with manufacturing needs, processes, and product goals.

What You'll Do

• Advance the use of analytics and machine learning across the Manufacturing Analytics product portfolio.
• Work with data scientists, data engineers, and software engineers to strengthen analytic and ML practices within product teams.
• Partner with the Product Manager and Product Owner to convert business priorities into analytics deliverables and, when appropriate, software products.
• Collaborate hands-on with internal partners to deliver solutions that match customer needs.
• Act as a trusted advisor to the business rather than simply executing requests.
• Find the right balance between speed and quality by managing risk, proposing options, educating stakeholders, and taking on justified technical debt when needed.

What You Need

• A bachelor’s degree in a quantitative discipline such as Data Science, Engineering, Operations Research, Industrial Engineering, Statistics, Mathematics, or Computer Science.
• At least 2 years of hands-on experience with mathematical programming, machine learning, artificial intelligence, optimization or simulation methods, or statistical analysis.
• At least 1 year of experience delivering analytics solutions.
• At least 1 year of experience working in an Agile team setup.
• Strong technical capability in data analytics, AI/ML, operations research, and/or optimization.

Preferred Background

• Advanced degree such as a master’s or PhD in a quantitative or related field is preferred.
• Experience working with OGC and related functions such as Compliance, Litigation, and Regulatory.
• Experience building data products or solutions within Ford’s data ecosystem.
• Familiarity with a Product Driven Operating Model or Agile Product Development Process.
• Proven ability to develop and deploy analytic models in a team setting while supporting customers or end users.
• Comfort working on problems that may not be fully defined upfront.
• Strong communication, leadership, and stakeholder-management skills, including the ability to explain complex ideas clearly.
• Ability to work independently, stay organized, and operate with limited supervision.
• Curious mindset and willingness to learn new tools and techniques.
• Hands-on experience deploying data products or analytical models in Ford’s on-prem environment and/or Google Cloud Platform.
• Ability to translate real business problems into analytical approaches and explain results to non-analytics partners.
• Working knowledge of legacy Manufacturing IT systems such as FIS, Maximo, and QLS.
• Understanding of the Common Data Model standard used by Manufacturing.
• Knowledge of IIoT platform architecture, including MQTT.

Work Model

This role is hybrid for candidates within commuting distance of a Ford hub location, with onsite work four days per week. Non-local candidates may be considered for remote work.

Compensation and Benefits

The salary grade for this position is 5 through 8, with an annual base pay range of $68,300 to $192,900. The final salary grade and base pay will depend on the candidate’s experience, skills, scope of responsibility, and market factors.

Ford offers a broad benefits package that includes immediate medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage; flexible family care days; paid parental leave; new parent ramp-up programs; subsidized backup child care; family-building support such as adoption and surrogacy reimbursement and fertility treatments; employee and family vehicle discounts and management leases; tuition assistance; active employee resource groups; paid time for individual and team community service; a paid holiday schedule that includes the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day; and paid time off with the option to buy additional vacation time.

Additional Information

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States, and employment eligibility will be verified at the time of hire.

Ford is an equal opportunity employer and considers all qualified applicants without discrimination based on race, religion, color, age, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status, or protected veteran status. Candidates who need a reasonable accommodation for the online application process due to a disability can call 1-888-336-0660.

Applicants are encouraged to apply even if they do not meet every qualification, as different experience paths may still add value to the team.