Data Scientist - Kearney Activate

Overview

Join Kearney Activate as a Data Scientist, where you'll develop practical expertise across the complete CRISP-DM process, including business understanding, data exploration, feature creation, and statistical modeling. This role centers entirely on data science, distancing from combined analyst or QA duties, emphasizing strong skills in SQL and Python to tackle genuine business challenges. Experience gained through academic projects or prior machine learning/EDA work is welcome.

Key Duties

• Engage hands-on in all CRISP-DM phases: from grasping business needs to feature engineering and model development.
• Utilize strong proficiency in SQL and Python for data analysis, preparation, and statistical/machine learning model construction.
• Develop and assess models with mentorship from senior team members.
• Ensure thorough validation of models and datasets by authoring and executing UAT test cases, and employing automation tools like pytest and RTF.
• Participate in discussions with clients to translate their business challenges into actionable modeling tasks.
• Work collaboratively with the data architecture team to support data understanding and feature extraction without managing pipeline architecture.
• Integrate modern AI and Generative AI tools such as coding assistants and LLM-supported exploratory analysis into daily workflows.
• Produce clear documentation accessible to both technical experts and non-technical stakeholders.

Candidate Profile

• Between no experience to three years in data science, analytics, or related fields; academic or project work in ML/EDA is acceptable instead of professional experience.
• Highly skilled in SQL and Python along with practical statistical modeling and exploratory data analysis capabilities.
• Comfortable managing all CRISP-DM stages comprehensively rather than limiting to a single process segment.
• Possess a meticulous approach to validating models and data, prioritizing thoroughness and accuracy.
• Experienced in client engagement, adept at converting business questions into modeling activities.
• Strong business awareness, able to effectively communicate and interact with stakeholders in small, collaborative team settings.
• Experience in aerospace & defense, heavy construction, manufacturing, supply chain, or S&OP sectors is advantageous but not mandatory at this level.
• Thrive in dynamic, iterative environments involving direct client interaction.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, in English.
• Familiarity or enthusiasm for adopting AI and GenAI tools in everyday work.

Required Credentials

• Current or eligible for U.S. Secret security clearance; prior clearance is favorable.
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Statistics, Mathematics, Engineering, or related discipline, or equivalent practical experience; project-based ML/EDA is considered.

Technical Competencies

• Proficient with CRISP-DM lifecycle fundamentals, specifically business and data understanding as well as feature engineering.
• Experience in statistical modeling and exploratory data analysis.
• Strong command of SQL and Python programming languages.
• Basic knowledge of data pipelines and relational data modeling.
• Preferred skills include familiarity with pytest and RTF for automated model and data validation, experience with ETL tools or cloud platforms such as AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud, version control using Git, and preliminary exposure to LLM-based exploratory data analysis or GenAI workflows.

Location and Work Arrangements

• Preferred location is Washington, D.C. or Arlington, with consideration given to Boston and other East Coast centers.
• Ability to collaborate closely with the team and travel to client sites as necessary.
• Applicants must be based in the United States.

Compensation and Benefits

Kearney offers a competitive salary package complemented by extensive benefits including retirement savings plans, comprehensive healthcare coverage for employees and family, discounts on gym memberships, equity awards for senior roles, structured learning opportunities, and personalized work arrangements to support career growth. Additional perks include paid time off, 401(k) match and profit sharing, backup care, healthcare concierge, home office stipend, and wellness programs.

Diversity and Inclusion

The company fosters an inclusive and equitable work environment where all employees can thrive and contribute meaningfully. Kearney actively seeks to build a diverse workforce and provides equal opportunity regardless of identity, background, or beliefs, with reasonable accommodations as needed. Applications from individuals in underrepresented groups in consulting are strongly encouraged.