Overview The Product Quality Analytics team operates within the Global Quality, Safety, Sustainability and Regulatory Compliance organization and provides data, analytics, insights, and data‑driven decision support across Mattel brands. We are seeking a Lead Data Scientist to drive advanced analytics and AI initiatives within this organization. The role sits at the intersection of data science, product quality, and business strategy and is responsible for leading high‑impact initiatives that transform complex data into scalable insights and intelligent systems. Responsibilities Lead the design and execution of advanced analytics and machine learning initiatives aligned to product quality and consumer insights. Partner with key stakeholders to define high‑value business problems and translate them into scalable data science solutions. Act as a thought leader in AI and machine learning, driving adoption of modern techniques including generative AI, natural language processing, and predictive modeling. Develop and deploy models such as classification, forecasting, anomaly detection, natural language processing, and causal inference. Apply statistical techniques such as regression, time series analysis, and experimentation to solve complex business challenges. Build frameworks for early signal detection, quality risk prediction, and root cause analysis. Collaborate with data engineering to productionize models using Google Cloud Platform tooling such as Agent Platform, Cloud Run, and Dataform. Contribute to scalable data products and pipelines that enable self‑service analytics. Ensure models are monitored, maintained, and continuously improved with an MLOps mindset. Partner with analytics and business teams to align on priorities, data needs, and solution design. Work across teams to ensure data consistency, shared understanding of metrics, and scalable solutions. Bridge technical and non‑technical stakeholders by communicating clearly and driving adoption of data science solutions. Qualifications Degree in Data Science, Statistics, Applied Mathematics, Computer Science, or a related field. 5 or more years of experience in data science with demonstrated ownership of end‑to‑end projects. Experience leading projects or mentoring team members in a formal or informal capacity. Strong programming skills in Python or R. Advanced SQL and experience working with large‑scale datasets. Experience with machine learning frameworks. Familiarity with cloud platforms, preferably Google Cloud (BigQuery, Vertex AI). Experience working with unstructured data such as documents, videos, or images is a strong plus. Deep knowledge of statistical modeling techniques including regression, experimentation, and forecasting. Experience with A/B testing, causal inference, and predictive modeling. Strong problem‑solving skills with the ability to connect data insights to business strategy. Experience with prompt and context engineering. Experience with agentic workflows and platforms. Proven ability to influence stakeholders and drive decisions through data. Strong communication skills with the ability to simplify complex topics. Comfortable working in ambiguous and fast‑paced environments. Demonstrated a growth mindset by staying curious and continuously learning, embracing challenges, and improving themselves. Benefits The pay range is indicative of the projected hiring range; base pay will be determined based on a candidate’s work location, skills, and experience. Mattel offers competitive total pay programs, comprehensive benefits, and resources to help empower a culture where every employee can reach their full potential. Equal Opportunity Employer Mattel is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, veteran and protected veteran status, disability status, and or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state or local law. Pursuant to the Los Angeles Fair Chance Ordinance and the California Fair Chance Act, qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment. #J-18808-Ljbffr