Senior Data Scientist - Optimization

Req ID: 370102 

NTT DATA strives to hire exceptional, innovative and passionate individuals who want to grow with us. If you want to be part of an inclusive, adaptable, and forward-thinking organization, apply now.

We are currently seeking a Senior Data Scientist - Optimization to join our team in Remote, Texas (US-TX), United States (US).

NTT DATA is seeking a client-facing senior level Data Scientist with deep expertise in Optimization and Operations Research (OR) to lead high-impact consulting engagements. This role blends advanced quantitative modeling, data science leadership, and executive-level client interaction. You will partner closely with clients to solve complex operational and strategic problems using optimization, analytics, and AI-driven decisioning.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and deliver client-facing data science and optimization engagements, ensuring high satisfaction and measurable business outcomes.
• Define project objectives, scope, timelines, and success metrics in collaboration with client stakeholders and internal teams.
• Establish and maintain strong executive-level client relationships, gaining a deep understanding of business challenges and operational constraints.
• Communicate complex mathematical, optimization, and technical concepts clearly and credibly to non-technical and senior audiences.
• Prepare and deliver executive-ready updates, insights, and recommendations, including sensitivity analyses and scenario-based findings.
• Conduct market research, develop informed perspectives, and communicate thought leadership to clients and internal stakeholders.

• Lead the design, formulation, and delivery of operations research and optimization models for large, complex enterprises.
• Translate ambiguous business problems into rigorous mathematical formulations and scalable optimization solutions.
• Develop and refine models across domains such as:
• Resource allocation
• Scheduling and workforce optimization
• Cost and network optimization
• Vehicle routing
• Strategic planning (e.g., facility opening/closing, multi-period network modeling)
• Apply deep expertise in optimization solvers (e.g., Gurobi preferred, CPLEX or similar) to deliver robust, production-ready solutions.
• Scrutinize model outputs, perform sensitivity and trade-off analyses, and clearly articulate implications and recommendations to stakeholders.

• Handle data sets of varying complexity, including large-scale, distributed, and streaming data environments.
• Assemble, process, and validate large, complex data sets that meet both functional and non-functional requirements.
• Implement batch and real-time model scoring to support operational and strategic decision-making.
• Apply strong business acumen to analyze data, produce insights, and develop impactful reports and analyses.
• Perform ad hoc and exploratory analyses in response to evolving client and business needs.
• Collaborate with data engineers, architects, and business stakeholders to resolve data quality, availability, and information flow issues.

Basic Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience supporting data science projects in a consulting or professional services environment.
• 7+ years of experience across one or more of the following areas: Predictive Analytics, Data Design, Statistics, AI / Machine Learning, MLOps
• 2+ years of hands-on experience in Operations Research, Optimization, and Mathematical Modeling.
• 3+ years of experience using Python, R, and/or C# to analyze disparate datasets and develop analytical solutions.
• Ability to travel up to 25%.

Preferred Qualifications & Skills

• Master’s degree in Operations Research, Industrial Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Data Science, or a related field preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently with minimal guidance while engaging practice leadership as needed.
• Strong consulting mindset with exceptional problem decomposition, prioritization, and solutioning skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to influence senior and executive stakeholders.
• Consistently demonstrates strong teamwork, professionalism, and a results-driven work ethic.
• Maintains a flexible, "can-do" attitude and commitment to client and team success.

Location & Work Arrangement

• United States, with a preference for Atlanta, GA; Louisville, KY; or New Jersey.
• Primary work location is remote, with occasional travel to client sites for key workshops, working sessions, and executive presentations.

Where required by law, NTT DATA provides a reasonable range of compensation for specific roles. The starting pay range for this remote role is $144,975.00 - $241,265.00. This range reflects the minimum and maximum target compensation for the position across all US locations. Actual compensation will depend on a number of factors, including the candidate’s actual work location, relevant experience, technical skills, and other qualifications.

#LI - North America

About NTT DATA

NTT DATA is a $30 billion business and technology services leader, serving 75% of the Fortune Global 100. We are committed to accelerating client success and positively impacting society through responsible innovation. We are one of the world's leading AI and digital infrastructure providers, with unmatched capabilities in enterprise-scale AI, cloud, security, connectivity, data centers and application services. our consulting and Industry solutions help organizations and society move confidently and sustainably into the digital future. As a Global Top Employer, we have experts in more than 50 countries. We also offer clients access to a robust ecosystem of innovation centers as well as established and start-up partners. NTT DATA is a part of NTT Group, which invests over $3 billion each year in R&D.

Whenever possible, we hire locally to NTT DATA offices or client sites. This ensures we can provide timely and effective support tailored to each client’s needs. While many positions offer remote or hybrid work options, these arrangements are subject to change based on client requirements. For employees near an NTT DATA office or client site, in-office attendance may be required for meetings or events, depending on business needs. At NTT DATA, we are committed to staying flexible and meeting the evolving needs of both our clients and employees. NTT DATA recruiters will never ask for payment or banking information and will only use @nttdata.com and @talent.nttdataservices.com email addresses. If you are requested to provide payment or disclose banking information, please submit a contact us form, https://us.nttdata.com/en/contact-us.

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