Data Scientist

Job Description - Staff Data Scientist (2600180)

Job Description

Staff Data Scientist - 2600180

Description

Valero is the best‑in‑class producer of essential fuels and products that are foundational to modern life. We invite you to join our ~10,000 employees to drive exceptional results for our company, the energy industry and our community.

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.

Problem Solving

Initiative

Results Orientation

Interpersonal Skills

At Valero, we are committed to advancing the future of energy through innovation, ingenuity and unmatched execution. You can help achieve this goal if you can:

• 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.

This position is salaried exempt status, which means you are not eligible for overtime pay.

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 programming & data mining.

• Able and willing to work on‑site, in‑person at the Valero San Antonio location, required.

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.

Need more reasons to work for a company that is both professionally challenging and culturally rewarding? Take a look at some of our best‑in‑class benefits:

• Competitive Pay and Annual Bonus Program
• 100% match on 401(K) up to 7%, with immediate vesting
• Company‑sponsored Pension Plan
• Comprehensive Healthcare and Wellness Programs
• Onsite Employee and Family Wellness Centers (Physician & Pediatrician)
• Onsite Pharmacy
• State‑of‑the‑art 24‑hour Fitness Center free…