Data Scientist, Upstream Operations
Spring, TX, US, 77389
What role you will play in our team
- Work on complex data science and AI/ML use cases focused on upstream oil & gas operations — from ideation and discovery through deployment and sustainment — as part of integrated, enterprise-level teams.
- Collaborate with ExxonMobil operations engineers, field personnel, and subject matter experts to drive data-driven decision-making across upstream production and operational workflows.
- Support the transition and integration of upstream digital analytics capabilities into the Modeling, Optimization, and Data Science (MODS) organization, ensuring continuity and enhancement of existing solutions.
What you will do
- Lead the design, development, and deployment of advanced AI/ML solutions for upstream oil & gas operations, including production optimization, predictive maintenance, anomaly detection, and operational efficiency improvements.
- Analyze production data, well performance metrics, sensor/IoT data, and operational logs to identify patterns, forecast outcomes, and uncover opportunities for value creation.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams — including production engineers, reservoir engineers, and field operations staff — to translate operational challenges into mathematical frameworks and data-driven solutions.
- Build and deploy end-to-end AI/ML solutions in one or more upstream operations domains, applying best practices for data quality, explainability, and governance.
- Develop GenAI applications (chatbots, copilots, multi-agent workflows) and/or time series, optimization, or predictive analytics models tailored to upstream operational needs.
- Apply domain knowledge and physical principles to improve model accuracy and reliability in production and operations contexts.
- Ensure production readiness through MLOps practices (CI/CD, MLflow, monitoring, cost optimization).
- Work closely with business stakeholders to understand operational problems, communicate analytical findings, and drive adoption of data science solutions.
- Contribute to the migration and enhancement of upstream digital analytics (UDA) tools, models, and workflows into the MODS framework.
- Mentor peers and contribute to internal AI capability building.
About you
Minimum Skills & Qualifications:
- 5+ years of direct experience delivering production AI/ML solutions, preferably in an upstream oil & gas or heavy industrial operations environment.
- Experience applying data science to upstream operations workflows, including production monitoring, well performance analysis, equipment reliability, process optimization, or operational planning.
- Demonstrated ability to work directly with business and operations teams to identify opportunities, scope analytical solutions, and deliver measurable impact.
- Strong foundations in statistics, probability, and algorithm design.
- Proficiency in Python and ML frameworks (PyTorch, TensorFlow, scikit-learn); experience with Databricks/Spark.
- Familiarity with GenAI frameworks (LangChain, Promptflow) and/or optimization libraries.
- Experience with MLOps, model governance, and explainable AI techniques (e.g., SHAP, LIME).
- Excellent communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills.
Preferred Knowledge & Skills:
- Experience in the energy industry, specifically in upstream production operations, thermal/heavy oil operations (e.g., SAGD, CSS), or similar asset-intensive environments.
- Cloud platforms (Azure ML, Azure OpenAI, Databricks).
- Knowledge graphs, hybrid search/RAG, and semantic technologies.
- Experience with time series analysis, anomaly detection, or predictive maintenance solutions for industrial operations.
- Familiarity with production data systems (e.g., SCADA, PI/OSIsoft, production databases).
- Agile development and software engineering best practices.
Educational Background Recommended:
- Master's or PhD in Data Science, Computer Science, Engineering, Applied Math, or related field.
Your benefits
An ExxonMobil career is one designed to last. Our commitment to you runs deep: our employees grow personally and professionally, with benefits built on our core categories of health, security, finance, and life.
We offer you:
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Pension Plan: Enrollment is automatic and at no cost to you. The basic benefit is a monthly annuity to be paid to you in retirement for the rest of your life.
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Savings Plan: You can contribute between 6% and 20% of your pay and are encouraged to enroll right away. If you contribute at least 6% to your savings plan, the Company will contribute a 7% match.
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Workplace Flexibility: We have several programs such as “Flex your Day”, providing ad-hoc flexibility around when and where you work, as well as longer-term programs such as leaves of absence and part-time work.
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Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans.
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Culture of Health: Programs and resources to support your wellbeing.
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Employee Health Advisory Program: Provides confidential professional counseling for you and your family, including tools and resources promoting mental health and resiliency at no additional cost to you.
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Disability Plan: Income replacement for when you cannot work due to illness or injury occurring on or off the job. Enrollment is automatic and at no cost to you.
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More information on our Company’s benefits can be found at www.exxonmobilfamily.com
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Please note benefits may be changed from time to time without notice, subject to applicable law.
Nearest Major Market: Houston
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