Head of Data Science

Orcrist builds the Orcrist Intelligence Platform (OIP), a Kubernetes-based data intelligence system delivered as SaaS or self-hosted/on-prem (including air-gapped deployments). We run streaming and batch pipelines that power search, ML enrichment, and investigative workflows for mission critical customers.

Role

This role combines people leadership, hands on technical contribution, and active business development. You will lead and develop our Data Science team, ensure high quality delivery across client and internal projects, and play a key role in acquiring and shaping new data driven engagements in the commercial market.

The ideal candidate is a credible technical leader who is equally comfortable mentoring teams, designing data solutions, and representing the company externally to clients, partners, and at industry events.

What you'll do Strategy, Project Planning & Business Development

• Contribute to the strategic development of the data function and its role within the company.
• Actively support project acquisition and pre sales activities, including:
• Estimating scope, effort, and feasibility
• Supporting pricing and delivery models
• Represent the company at industry events, conferences, and trade fairs.
• Build and maintain relationships with commercial clients and partners.
• Bring in own clients and business opportunities where possible and take care of the current clients.
• Ensure smooth handover from sales to delivery and maintain senior oversight throughout project execution.
• Act as disciplinary and functional lead for the Data Science & Analytics team.
• Build, mentor, and develop a high performing team of data professionals.
• Monitor ongoing data projects, ensuring quality, delivery timelines, and alignment with business objectives.
• Establish best practices, standards, and methodologies across data science, analytics, and modeling work.
• Actively contribute hands on to projects, especially in complex or high impact phases.
• Foster a culture of technical excellence, ownership, and continuous learning.

Technical & Project Contribution

• Design and review data science solutions, architectures, and analytical approaches.
• Support teams in translating business problems into robust data models and insights.
• Ensure data quality, scalability, and sustainability of solutions.
• Collaborate closely with product, engineering, and operations teams.
• Act as senior technical sparring partner for both internal stakeholders and clients.

About You

• Proven experience in a senior data leadership role (e.g. Head of Data, Lead Data Scientist, Data Science Manager).
• Strong background in data science, analytics, or applied machine learning, with hands on project experience.
• Hands on development with Python and all relevant Data Science and Analytics libraries
• Experience leading and mentoring data teams, including disciplinary responsibility.
• Ability to balance hands on technical work with leadership and strategic responsibilities.
• Strong understanding of project delivery in client facing or commercial environments.
• Experience in business development, pre sales, or client acquisition is a strong plus.
• Confident and professional presence in client and public settings.
• Strategic mindset combined with pragmatic execution skills.
• Excellent communication skills in English (C1+); German (B2+) is highly desirable

Nice to haves

• Software Development & Software Architecture Experience
• Physics/Math Background
• PhD in a related field

What We Offer

• Remote first in Germany with occasional team events in Berlin.
• Home office budget and great equipment.
• 30 days vacation.
• Direct impact on critical missions across private and public sector customers.