Application Guide

How to Apply for Principal Data Scientist

at Oshkosh Corporation

🏢 About Oshkosh Corporation

Oshkosh Corporation is a leader in innovative industrial technology, designing and manufacturing vehicles and equipment that enhance safety and resilience in communities worldwide. Working here means contributing to mission-critical solutions for defense, firefighting, and infrastructure. The company's commitment to engineering excellence and social impact makes it a unique place for data scientists who want to apply their skills to real-world challenges.

About This Role

As a Principal Data Scientist, you will drive business value by building machine learning models and optimization solutions for scheduling, routing, and sales. You'll collaborate with cross-functional teams to translate complex data into actionable insights, mentor junior data scientists, and stay at the forefront of applied data science. This role is pivotal in shaping Oshkosh's data-driven decision-making and operational efficiency.

💡 A Day in the Life

Your day might start with a stand-up meeting with cross-functional partners to align on business priorities, then diving into Python to refine a routing optimization model. After lunch, you'd review a junior data scientist's analysis, providing feedback on feature engineering. You might end the day by presenting a new ML prototype to stakeholders, translating technical results into business recommendations.

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who Oshkosh Corporation Is Looking For

  • A data scientist with 5+ years of experience who has successfully deployed optimization models (e.g., scheduling, routing) in an industrial or manufacturing context.
  • Strong in Python and R, with proven ability to build end-to-end ML pipelines and integrate with visualization tools like Power BI or Tableau.
  • A strategic thinker who can acquire deep business understanding and translate ambiguous problems into quantifiable solutions.
  • A mentor who enjoys guiding junior team members and fostering a culture of continuous learning in applied data science.

📝 Tips for Applying to Oshkosh Corporation

1

1. Highlight specific optimization projects (e.g., fleet routing, production scheduling) in your resume, quantifying impact (e.g., reduced costs by X%, improved efficiency by Y%).

2

2. Tailor your cover letter to mention Oshkosh's mission of enhancing safety and resilience, connecting your data science work to these values.

3

3. Showcase your experience with data visualization tools like Power BI or Tableau, as the job description emphasizes collaboration and business value generation.

4

4. Include a link to your GitHub or portfolio with code samples from past ML projects, especially those involving Python and statistical modeling.

5

5. Address the Master's degree requirement explicitly in your application materials, even if you have a PhD (which is also relevant).

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Emphasize your experience with optimization solutions in industrial settings, such as routing or scheduling, and how they drove business outcomes.', 'Demonstrate your ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams (engineering, sales, operations) to turn data into actionable insights.', "Highlight your mentoring experience and passion for staying current in data science, showing you can elevate the team's capabilities.", "Express genuine interest in Oshkosh's mission to build safer, more resilient communities, and how your work can contribute to that goal."]

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → 1. Explore Oshkosh's product lines (e.g., JLG aerial work platforms, Pierce fire trucks, Oshkosh Defense vehicles) to understand where data science can add value.
  • → 2. Read recent news or press releases about Oshkosh's innovation initiatives, such as autonomous vehicles or telematics systems.
  • → 3. Look into Oshkosh's corporate social responsibility programs to align your application with their values of safety and community resilience.
  • → 4. Check if Oshkosh has published any data science case studies or whitepapers; if so, reference them in your interview.

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 1. Describe a time you built a scheduling or routing optimization model. What was the business problem, and how did you measure success?
2 2. How do you approach acquiring business understanding from stakeholders who may not be data-savvy?
3 3. Explain a complex machine learning model you've deployed. What challenges did you face in production?
4 4. How do you mentor junior data scientists? Give an example of a skill you helped develop in a team member.
5 5. Oshkosh operates in industrial sectors like defense and firefighting. How would you handle data privacy or safety-critical models in these domains?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • 1. Submitting a generic resume without highlighting optimization or industrial experience; Oshkosh values domain-specific applications.
  • 2. Overlooking the mentoring aspect; the job requires guiding others, so failing to mention leadership or teaching experience can be a missed opportunity.
  • 3. Ignoring the company's mission; Oshkosh emphasizes safety and resilience, so a purely technical application without connecting to their impact may seem disconnected.

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Oshkosh Corporation!

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