Data Science Specialist

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 looking for a passionate and technically accomplished Data Scientist to develop and deploy AI solutions that solve real-world challenges across our refining and commercial operations. In this hands-on role, you’ll leverage your deep expertise in machine learning, statistical modeling, and data engineering to design and implement advanced AI systems that drive smarter, faster decision-making.

You’ll work closely with business stakeholders to translate complex requirements into scalable, production-ready models—delivering actionable insights in areas like process optimization, anomaly detection, and predictive forecasting. From data wrangling to model tuning and deployment, you’ll own the full lifecycle of AI solutions, ensuring performance, reliability, and measurable business impact.

As a technical trailblazer, you’ll stay ahead of the curve by exploring emerging tools, frameworks, and methodologies, continuously pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with data science at Valero.

Key Attributes:

• 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:

• Solve complex analytical challenges across Valero’s business units by developing advanced AI and data science solutions that deliver actionable insights into operational and commercial questions.
• Serve as a corporate resource for interpreting data analysis and models, providing expert guidance to ensure accurate understanding and application of results.
• Process and transform structured and unstructured data into formats suitable for advanced analytics and modeling.
• Develop, train, and validate machine learning models to support the implementation of AI-driven solutions across the organization.
• Advise and support employees on statistical and data analysis projects, promoting best practices and technical excellence.
• Contribute to the development and refinement of best practices for implementing advanced analytical solutions at Valero.
• Act as a technical expert in AI tools and collaborates with information systems teams to optimize and enhance system capabilities.
• Provide input on process improvement initiatives by leveraging data-driven insights to reduce costs and improve efficiency across commercial and operational workflows.

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

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor’s or higher-level degree - in a Quantitative Field such as: Mathematics, Engineering, Data Science or Computer Science or related field or equivalent.

• 5+ years of experience in programing & data mining.

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

Preferred Requirements: 

• Master’s or higher-level degree – in a Quantitative Field such as: Mathematics, Engineering, Data Science, or Computer Science or related field or equivalent.

• Experience applying data science to refining related applications preferred.

• 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