Lead Data Scientist – Advanced AI & Machine Learning for Retail Analytics (Remote – U.S.)

About arenaflex

arenaflex is a forward‑thinking leader in the retail technology space, delivering data‑driven solutions that transform how merchants understand their customers, optimize inventory, and accelerate growth. With a culture rooted in innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning, arenaflex empowers its teams to push the boundaries of artificial intelligence, statistical modeling, and large‑scale data engineering. As a remote‑first organization, arenaflex supports flexible work arrangements, invests heavily in professional development, and fosters an inclusive environment where every voice is heard.

Why This Role Matters

Retail is undergoing a seismic shift driven by real‑time analytics, predictive modeling, and AI‑powered decision engines. As the Lead Data Scientist at arenaflex, you will be at the epicenter of this transformation, shaping the next generation of intelligent retail solutions. Your work will directly influence product strategy, drive measurable business outcomes, and empower retailers nationwide to make data‑backed decisions with confidence.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and productionize end‑to‑end AI and machine‑learning pipelines that ingest, clean, and analyze massive retail data sets (billions of rows, terabytes of storage).
• Lead the creation of advanced statistical models and deep‑learning architectures to forecast demand, optimize pricing, and personalize customer experiences.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams—including product managers, software engineers, and domain experts—to translate business problems into scalable data solutions.
• Mentor and guide a growing team of data scientists, analysts, and engineers, fostering a culture of best practices, rigorous experimentation, and reproducible research.
• Develop and maintain robust data pipelines using technologies such as Hadoop, Hive, Spark, and modern cloud‑based data warehouses.
• Perform exploratory data analysis (EDA) on complex time‑series and transactional data, uncovering hidden patterns and actionable insights.
• Communicate findings through clear visualizations, dashboards, and executive‑level presentations that drive strategic decision‑making.
• Stay abreast of emerging AI research, evaluate new algorithms, and integrate cutting‑edge techniques into arenaflex’s product roadmap.
• Ensure model governance, monitoring, and continuous improvement through automated testing, drift detection, and performance tracking.
• Champion data security, privacy, and compliance standards across all analytics initiatives.

Essential Qualifications

• Ph.D. or Master’s degree in Mathematics, Statistics, Computer Science, or a closely related quantitative field.
• Minimum 4 years of hands‑on experience as a data scientist or AI researcher, with a proven track record of delivering production‑grade models in a retail or e‑commerce environment.
• Deep expertise in statistical modeling, machine learning, and deep learning frameworks (TensorFlow, PyTorch, Keras).
• Proficiency in programming languages and tools: Python, R, SQL, Scala, Java, and familiarity with SAS or MATLAB is a plus.
• Extensive experience with big‑data technologies such as Hadoop, Hive, Spark, and cloud platforms (AWS, GCP, Azure).
• Demonstrated ability to work with large, high‑velocity data sets, including time‑series, clickstream, and transactional data.
• Strong problem‑solving skills, with the ability to translate ambiguous business challenges into concrete analytical solutions.
• Excellent communication skills—both written and verbal—and the ability to convey complex technical concepts to non‑technical stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience leading a data science team or managing cross‑functional AI projects.
• Publications or contributions to open‑source AI/ML libraries.
• Hands‑on experience with natural language processing (NLP) and computer vision techniques applied to retail data.
• Knowledge of MLOps practices, including CI/CD pipelines, containerization (Docker, Kubernetes), and model monitoring tools.
• Familiarity with A/B testing frameworks and causal inference methods for evaluating model impact.

Core Skills & Competencies

• Analytical Rigor: Ability to conduct thorough statistical analysis, hypothesis testing, and validation of model assumptions.
• Technical Mastery: Expertise in data engineering, feature engineering, and model deployment at scale.
• Collaboration: Proven track record of partnering with product, engineering, and business teams to deliver integrated solutions.
• Leadership: Experience mentoring junior talent, fostering a learning culture, and driving high‑performance outcomes.
• Innovation Mindset: Curiosity to explore emerging AI research and translate it into practical, revenue‑generating products.
• Communication: Ability to craft compelling narratives around data insights, influencing executive decision‑making.

Career Growth & Learning Opportunities

At arenaflex, your career trajectory is limited only by your ambition. You will have access to:

• Annual learning stipend for conferences, certifications, and advanced coursework.
• Mentorship programs pairing you with senior leaders in AI, product, and engineering.
• Opportunities to publish research, file patents, and present at industry events.
• Clear promotion pathways from Lead Data Scientist to Principal Scientist, Director of AI, or VP of Analytics.
• Cross‑functional rotations that broaden your expertise across product, engineering, and go‑to‑market teams.

Work Environment & Culture at arenaflex

arenaflex embraces a remote‑first philosophy, allowing you to work from any location within the United States. Our culture is built on:

• Flexibility: Flexible hours that respect work‑life balance, with a results‑oriented performance model.
• Inclusivity: A diverse workforce where every perspective is valued; we provide accommodations in line with the ADA.
• Collaboration: Regular virtual “coffee chats,” hackathons, and team‑wide retrospectives that keep ideas flowing.
• Innovation: Dedicated “innovation sprints” where you can experiment with cutting‑edge technologies without production constraints.
• Well‑Being: Comprehensive health, dental, and vision plans, generous paid time off, mental‑health resources, and a wellness stipend.

Compensation, Perks & Benefits

arenaflex offers a competitive compensation package that reflects your expertise and impact, including:

• Hourly rate ranging from $20 to $30, commensurate with experience and performance.
• Performance‑based bonuses tied to project milestones and business outcomes.
• Equity participation through stock options, aligning your success with the company’s growth.
• Full‑coverage health, dental, and vision insurance for you and your dependents.
• Retirement savings plan with company matching contributions.
• Generous paid parental leave, sick leave, and vacation time.
• Professional development budget, conference travel, and access to online learning platforms.
• Home office stipend to equip your remote workspace with ergonomic furniture and high‑speed internet.

Application Process

If you are passionate about leveraging AI to solve real‑world retail challenges, thrive in a collaborative remote environment, and are ready to lead a high‑impact data science team, we want to hear from you. To apply, please submit your resume, a cover letter highlighting your most relevant projects, and any portfolio or GitHub links that showcase your work.

Join arenaflex Today

At arenaflex, you will be part of a mission‑driven organization that values curiosity, integrity, and impact. Your expertise will shape the future of retail analytics, empower merchants worldwide, and accelerate your own professional growth. Take the next step in your career—apply now and become a catalyst for change at arenaflex.

Apply!