Principal Data Scientist - Search
About The Position
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.
Requirements
- 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, Sematic Retrieval, Query rewrite etc
- Proven ability to work with large-scale search logs, Product data and build robust future/label pipelines and deploy models thru MLOps/ML platforms and API’s in Cloud environment (AWS/Azure/GCP)
- Extensive experience with 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.
- Extensive 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.
- Extensive knowledge of basic concepts and capabilities of applying Python programming to solve business challenges; ability to use tools, techniques and platforms to write and modify programming languages.
- Working knowledge of tools, methods, and techniques of requirement analysis; ability to elicit, analyze and record required business functionality and non-functionality requirements to ensure the success of a system or software development project.
- 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)
- Working experience with heavy equipment engineering or data analysis.
- 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.
Nice To Haves
- Experience in practical applications of onboard architecture / software (e.g. mini projects using Raspberry Pi or any other architecture is a bonus)
- 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.)
Responsibilities
- Define and implement a long-term technical vision for the search platform to ensure scalability and adaptability to growing data volumes and query complexity.
- Mentor and guide a team of search engineers through technical reviews, best practices, and collaborative problem-solving.
- Introduce advanced capabilities such as NLP, vector search, and personalization to enhance relevance and accuracy.
- Build search capabilities with measurable KPIs (e.g., CTR, Query Distribution, Zero Search) and leverage analytics to continuously improve search performance.
- Partner with product managers, data scientists, and engineering teams to align search initiatives with business objectives
- Profile and tune deep learning algorithms for maximum search efficiency for keyword matching, user data and behavior, preferences, popularity, and more.
- Profile the end-users’ behaviors and signals and fine-tune models to reflect to rearrange the search facet values
- Leverage AI/MI/LLM models to discern user intent and capture in relevant search categories
- Leverage the Graph based models to build fitment recommendation based on Bill of materials.
- Rule based segmentation, ML based recommendation models, PFM – SSL models and Implicit Personalization models to enhance the search
Benefits
- Working with a Fortune 100 leader, you can build your career on a global scale and take advantage of development opportunities with emerging technologies.
- We’ve created an inclusive environment for you to explore your passions, make an impact and do the work that really matters.
- 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
- Relocation is available for this position.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Principal
Number of Employees
5,001-10,000 employees
