Staff Data Scientist
About The Position
Valero is seeking a high-performing Staff Data Scientist to lead transformative AI initiatives across its refining and commercial business units. In this strategic role, you’ll be entrusted with shaping the future of AI at Valero—from conventional machine learning to cutting-edge generative AI. You’ll partner with business leaders to identify high-value opportunities, architect scalable solutions, and drive projects from ideation to deployment and continuous optimization. As a technical thought leader, you’ll spearhead initiatives in advanced plant optimization, inferential modeling, anomaly detection, and forecasting, delivering measurable impact across operations. You’ll also serve as a bridge between business and technology—researching emerging AI trends, recommending innovative tools, and ensuring alignment with enterprise goals. Beyond project execution, you’ll play a critical role in building organizational capability by mentoring junior data scientists and fostering a culture of technical excellence and experimentation.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s or higher-level degree - in a Quantitative Field such as: Mathematics, Engineering, Data Science or Computer Science or related field.
- 10+ years of experience in programing & data mining.
- Able and willing to work on-site, in-person at the Valero San Antonio location, required.
Nice To Haves
- Master’s or higher-level degree – in a Quantitative Field such as: Mathematics, Engineering, Data Science, or Computer Science or related field o equivalent.
- Experience applying data science to refining related applications.
- Refining Industry experience.
Responsibilities
- Lead the development of solutions for complex analytical challenges across all business units, designing custom algorithms and advanced data analytics to deliver new insights into operational and commercial questions.
- Drive cross-functional collaboration to ensure successful execution of high-impact AI initiatives, aligning efforts across Refining Operations, Supply & Trading, Planning & Economics, and Strategic Development & Technology.
- Define and monitor key performance metrics to evaluate the effectiveness of AI/ML solutions, ensuring they deliver measurable improvements to operational efficiency and business outcomes.
- Serve as Valero’s corporate subject matter expert on applied Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, providing guidance on best practices, model interpretation, and advanced analytical methodologies.
- Drive innovation by researching and evaluating emerging AI/ML tools, platforms, and methodologies, ensuring their adoption aligns with established governance frameworks and best practices, while providing feedback to enhance compliance, scalability, and responsible use across the enterprise.
- Support and advise employees across the organization on statistical and data analysis projects, developing standards and frameworks for implementing advanced analytical solutions at scale.
- Mentor and develop junior data scientists, fostering technical excellence and building organizational AI/ML capability.
Benefits
- Competitive Pay and Annual Bonus Program
- 100%25 match on 401(K) up to 7%25, with immediate vesting
- Company-sponsored Pension Plan
- Comprehensive Healthcare and Wellness Programs
- Onsite Daycare Center
- Onsite Employee and Family Wellness Centers (Physician & Pediatrician)
- Onsite Pharmacy
- State-of-the-art 24-hour Fitness Center free for employees and spouses with access to Tennis and Basketball Facilities
- Onsite cafeteria open for breakfast and lunch
- Sprawling campus with walking paths and access to biking trails
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
