Director or Senior Associate, Data Science & Analytics

Job Type: Full-time
Classification: Exempt
Pay: $100,000 - $175,000, based on qualifications and experience
Physical Setting/work location: Columbia, MD or Grand Forks, ND. This position is onsite and may be based in either Vorbeck location depending on candidate qualifications and business needs.

Vorbeck is seeking a Director or Senior Associate for Data Science & Analytics to support data- driven decision making with an emphasis on research and product development, but also including manufacturing and quality functions. This role will be responsible for analyzing complex scientific and testing data sets (as well as production, and quality data) to identify trends, and unique insights that can improve product performance, and support the development of Vorbeck's advanced materials and fluorine-free foam technologies. This role will work closely with R&D and Product Development (along with Quality, Manufacturing, and Leadership) teams to transform data into actionable insights that accelerate innovation and operational excellence.

• Data Analysis & Insights: Be a critical part of the innovation process by developing powerful tools based on unique data insights that can inform R&D decision making. Analyze research, testing, manufacturing, and quality data to identify trends, correlations, and opportunities for product and process improvement. Transform complex datasets into actionable recommendations that support decision-making across the company.
   
• Research & Product Development Support: Partner with R&D and Product Development teams to evaluate experimental data, support formulation development, and assess product performance. Analyze data from laboratory testing, pilot-scale production, and commercial manufacturing to accelerate product development efforts.
   
• Quality & Manufacturing Analytics: Evaluate production and quality control data to improve process consistency, identify sources of variability, and support continuous improvement initiatives. Assist in establishing key performance indicators (KPIs), process control metrics, and quality benchmarks.
   
• Data Visualization & Reporting: Develop tools that allow for collaboration between experimental experts and data-scientists with an initial focus on accelerating simultaneous improvements across multiple product performance dimensions while reducing environmental and health impacts. Develop dashboards, reports, and data visualization tools to communicate analytical findings. Present insights and recommendations that support product development, manufacturing performance, and business objectives.
   
• Statistical Modeling & Advanced Analytics: Apply statistical analysis, predictive modeling, and analytical techniques to support process optimization, product performance evaluation, and operational decision-making. Identify opportunities to leverage advanced analytics and emerging technologies to improve efficiency and product outcomes.
   
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with R&D, Product Development, Quality Control, Manufacturing, and Leadership teams to support strategic initiatives, solve technical challenges, and foster a data-driven culture across the organization.
   
• Data Management & Systems: Support the development and maintenance of data collection, storage, reporting, and analytics processes to improve data accessibility, consistency, and integrity across research, manufacturing, and quality operations.
   
• Other Responsibilities: Support additional projects and initiatives as assigned.
   
• Travel (expected): 10%

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Data Science, Statistics, Applied Mathematics, Computer Science, Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related technical field. Masters degree or Ph.D. is preferred.

Experience

• 5+ years of experience in data analytics, data science, statistical analysis, scientific computing, or a related technical field.
• Experience analyzing complex scientific, engineering, manufacturing, or quality datasets, with demonstrated ability to generate insights that improved technical outcomes, operational performance, or business results.
• Experience developing dashboards, reports, and data visualization tools that support technical and business decision-making.
• Experience working with large, structured and unstructured datasets.
• Experience within advanced materials is preferred.
• Experience supporting research and product development is preferred.

Skills and Abilities

• Exceptional drive and work ethic.
• Strong analytical and quantitative problem-solving skills.
• Experience with database management, data warehousing, and data integration concepts is preferred.
• Ability to interpret complex scientific, manufacturing, and quality datasets and translate findings into actionable insights and collaborative tools.
• Experience with statistical analysis, predictive modeling, data visualization, and data management techniques.
• Strong proficiency with analytical tools such as Python, R, SQL, Power BI, Tableau, Excel, or similar platforms.
• Knowledge of experimental design, statistical process control, and quality analytics methodologies is preferred.
• Excellent verbal, written, and presentation communication skills.
• Ability to communicate technical concepts and analytical findings to both technical and non- technical audiences.
• Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively across cross-functional teams.
• Demonstrated ability to identify opportunities for process improvement and drive data-informed decision-making.

Benefits include:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• 401(k) Program
• Vacation, Personal Time, and 10 Paid Holidays
• Company-sponsored Short-Term Disability, Long-Term Disability, and Life Insurance
• Opportunity for Relocation Assistance

*Vorbeck is an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, lactation, or related medical conditions), marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, disability, veteran status, military or uniformed service member status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, local, or international law. This position will involve work on government contracts and the government requires that qualified candidates must be United States citizens. All personal information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.*