Chief Data Scientist

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Role Summary

The Chief Data Scientist will lead our global data science organization through bold and visionary-focused execution.  This role is mission critical to driving transformative value through AI and machine learning. 

The Chief Data Scientist will be a core part of the Digital and Innovation Office Leadership team delivering operational excellence, enhancing customer experiences and unlocking new revenue streams at the executive level of the organization to set the course and strategy for the broader organization.

Responsibilities 

Strategic Leadership

• Define and champion the enterprise-wide data science strategy aligned to business priorities and digital transformation

• Act as the senior-most technical authority on AI, ML, and advanced analytics initiatives

• Partner with E-Team leaders to embed data science into strategic roadmaps

AI / ML Strategy

• Develop advanced AI/ML models that deliver measurable outcomes across productivity, automation, and customer insights

• Enable enterprise-scale AI, ensuring robust MLOps, data governance, and ethical AI principles across geographies and platforms, in partnership with the broader Data team

• Ownership of a global data science agenda with ability to influence the executive leadership to shape the future of digital infrastructure through AI

Partnership & Collaboration

• Partner with business and digital product teams to design AI-powered services that strengthen Equinix’s revenue-generating offerings and helping sales and marketing with cross-sell and upsell and base management 

• Collaborate on strategic AI partnerships with hyperscalers, chipset providers, and leading research institutions

• Collaborating across the organization and utilizing access to unparalled datasets and technology partnerships to drive an enterprise-wide transformation

• Anticipate external factors and have insight into cutting edge technology and strategy to inform partnerships in AI solutions 

Team & capability building

• Build and lead a high-performing, diverse global team of data scientists, ML engineers, and research scientists

• Establish standards for model development, validation, deployment, and ethical AI practices

• Develop talent pathways for emerging data science talent and foster a strong internal community of practice

• Lead and evolve the global data science function, shaping team structure, talent strategy, and operating models to meet future need

• Drive impact across internal operations, including predictive maintenance, energy efficiency, supply chain optimization, and digital twin modeling

• Stay ahead of industry trends and translate cutting-edge developments into actionable strategies

• Influence executive leadership and broader teams indirectly and directly through clearly communicated and relatable strategy and north star

Qualifications

Essential skills, knowledge and experience

• Strong intellect, with deep technical foundation in Data Science, Computer Science, Statistics, Physics, Engineering, Applied Math or a related field. Master’s or PhD preferred

• Strong business acumen and ability to bridge strategic vision with operational delivery 20+ years of experience in data science, with at least 5 in a senior global leadership role

• Proven track record of leading multiple successful AI/ML programs​ from project initiation through development and implementation, with quantified success metrics

• Verified experience of applying advanced analytics capabilities to solve ambiguous and complex business problems at global scale, in complex distributed enterprise – ideally across infrastructure, cloud, SaaS environments

• 20+ years of progressive leadership experience in technology, digital, innovation, or

• enterprise operations in a large-scale, complex international B2B technology-centric organization

• Demonstrated track record in operating model design, enterprise transformation, or technology business management

• Deep understanding of modern technology operating models including Agile, product-centricity, data-driven decision making, and cloud-native architecture

Skills and Attributes

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and engage stakeholders at all levels and and articulate complex technical  or mathematical concepts into clear business language

• Strategic thinker with a customer-centric mindset, passion for innovation and capability in story telling

• Can bring together multiple initiatives into a cohesive plan and influence key decision makers along the way

Leadership characteristics

• Is a transformational leader who excels at driving bold and meaningful change at scale and across multiple dimensions

• Leads with a global mindset, across cultures, in a highly matrixed, relationship and consensus-driven environment

• Cultivates Innovation – Creates new and better ways for the organization to be successful. Fosters a climate where innovation can thrive. Encourages innovative risk taking and embraces failure as a part of innovation

The United States targeted pay range for this position in the following location is / locations are:

• San Francisco, CA / Bay Area: $307,000 to $461,000 per year

• California (Non-SF/Bay Area), Connecticut, Maryland, New York, New Jersey, Washington state: $274,000 to $410,000 per year

• Colorado, Nevada, Rhode Island: $274,000 to $410,000 per year

Our pay ranges reflect the minimum and maximum target for new hire pay for the full-time position determined by role, level, and location. Individual pay is based on additional factors including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education and/or training.
This position may be offered in other locations. Your recruiter can share more about the specific pay range for your preferred location during the hiring process.
The targeted pay range listed reflects the base pay only and does not include bonus, equity, or benefits. Employees are eligible for bonus, and equity may be offered depending on the position.
As an employee, you become important to Equinix’s success. Details about our company benefits can be found at the following link:
USA Benefits eBook

Equinix is committed to ensuring that our employment process is open to all individuals, including those with a disability.  If you are a qualified candidate and need assistance or an accommodation, please let us know by completing this form.

Equinix is an Equal Employment Opportunity and, in the U.S., an Affirmative Action employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to unlawful consideration of race, color, religion, creed, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, place of birth, citizenship, sex, pregnancy / childbirth or related medical conditions, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or domestic partnership status, age, veteran or military status, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, political / organizational affiliation, status as a victim or family member of a victim of crime or abuse, or any other status protected by applicable law.