About the role

The Senior Structures Data Scientist will serve as the primary data steward for the Structures Division, overseeing data analytics, modeling, and management to drive automation and infrastructure optimization. They will collaborate with cross-functional teams to deploy predictive models and translate complex technical findings into actionable business cases.

What they look for

Data analytics Data modeling Data management Python R SQL VBA ETL pipelines Data quality Predictive modeling Lifecycle cost analysis Data visualization Power BI ArcGIS Machine learning Cloud engineering

Requirements

Candidates must hold a Bachelor’s degree or higher in a relevant field and possess at least six years of professional experience in data analytics. Proficiency in Python, R, and SQL is essential, along with the ability to pass a criminal history background check.

Benefits

Health coverage Retirement choice 401k Pension Paid time off Dental insurance Vision insurance

Full description

Senior Structures Data Scientist

The Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) is seeking a forward-thinking, highly motivated professional with exceptional communication skills and deep technical expertise to serve as our Senior Structures Data Scientist.

About the Role

In this role, you will act as the primary data steward for the Structures Division, spearheading data analytics, data modeling, and data management to optimize workflows, drive automation, and inform critical decisions.

Position Information

Here is some important information about this position:

Salary Range: $41.09 - $65.15
FT/PT Status: Full Time
Background Check: You must successfully pass a criminal history check.
Schedule Code: B - Competitive Career Service (12 month probationary period)
Location: Calvin Rampton Building – 4501 South 2700 West, Taylorsville, Utah
Recruiter: Jill Barela I jbarela@utah.gov I 385-202-4484
Application Deadline: 08/10/2026• *This job posting may close at any time after the minimum advertising period of three (3) business days has passed, should a sufficient applicant pool be received. Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible.

Key Responsibilities

Advanced Analytics• Build interpretable, "white-box" predictive models to identify structural deterioration patterns. Use rigorous statistical methods to establish and validate causal relationships.
Integrate deterioration models with Lifecycle Cost Analysis (LCCA) to determine optimal intervention windows, maximizing ROI and infrastructure lifespan.
Assess how environmental, structural, and operational stresses impact degradation over time.
Align model outputs with FHWA NBI metrics and UDOT’s TAMP standards to justify asset management budgets and federal funding requests.
Translate complex findings, statistical anomalies, and technical limitations into clear, actionable business cases for various stakeholders.

Data Engineering and Governance• Oversee and report on data quality. Champion improvement to data quality, consistency, and accuracy.
Architect and maintain automated ETL/ELT pipelines to ingest, clean, standardize and validate datasets from diverse sources.
Develop automated data quality and validation frameworks to detect anomalies in real-time, ensuring infrastructure datasets are reliable and compliant before entering production.
Establish standardized documentation framework to eliminate technical silos and preserve institutional continuity.

Production, Deployment and Collaboration• Collaborate with cross-functional software and cloud engineering teams to automate the deployment, real-time monitoring, and scaling of models in production.
Act as the primary technical liaison, driving collaboration between the Structures Division, Division of Technology Services (DTS), cloud engineering, and external partners.
Translate validated algorithms into interactive dashboards, real-time APIs, and fully automated asset-scoring engines to deliver actionable, real-time insights for the division.
Research, investigate, and recommend technologies including web, mobile and other new or emerging technologies.
Meet with vendors on new and existing products, evaluate usefulness and cost of products and make recommendations.

Qualifications

A Bachelor’s degree (or higher) from an accredited institution in Data Management, Business Administration, Math, Information Science, or another related field AND at least six (6) years of professional relevant experience in data analytics or other related field.• Note: Directly related professional experience may be substituted for the education requirement on a year-for-year basis (e.g., 10 years of total related experience if no degree is held).

Preferred Qualifications

Preference may be given to candidates who possess one or more of the following:

Structural Engineering/Bridge Related Experience: Background in bridge design, in-service inspection, load ratings, construction, and/or the long-term monitoring of concrete, steel or other materials used in bridge construction
Data Visualization Tools: Experience using Microsoft Power BI, Looker Data Studio, or ArcGIS Online.
AI and Machine Learning: Experience applying artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) techniques to data management challenges.
Google Suite of Tools: Advanced experience utilizing Google Workspace, including, but not limited to, AppSheets, Google Drive, or other related data capture and storage tools
UDOT: Prior experience navigating and leveraging existing UDOT data sets.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

In order to be successful, the following are essential:

Technical Proficiency: Professional, hands-on experience programming in Python or R, alongside strong proficiency in writing complex SQL queries for relational databases.
Legacy Tooling: Familiarity with Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) in Excel to create, maintain, and optimize macros.

Why You Should Join Our Team

A Mission That Matters – At UDOT, our mission is to “Enhance quality of life through transportation." We help the traveling public get where they want, when they want, as safely as possible. By joining our team, you contribute to the framework of Good Health, Connected Communities, Better Mobility, and a Strong Economy for all of Utah.

Our Culture and Values – We aren't just a state agency; we are a team built on an internal culture of Trust, Teamwork, and Flexibility. We live by the values of Respect, Integrity, and Caring. If these values resonate with you, you will find a home here!

The Agency

For more information on the Utah Department of Transportation, click here.

Benefits at A Glance

Exceptional Health Coverage: We offer some of the most competitive medical premiums in the industry, including comprehensive family plans with very low out-of-pocket costs and HSA options.
Retirement Choice: Flexibility between a 10% employer-paid 401(k) (no match required) or a Pension/401(k) Hybrid plan.
Generous Paid Time Off: 12 paid holidays per year plus 8 hours of combined leave (4 annual and 4 sick) accrued each pay period.
Dental & Vision: Multiple high-quality plan options to fit your needs.

EEO Statement

The State of Utah is committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, or Veteran status. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. For accommodations, please contact (801) 957-9390.