Data Science Lead Jobs in Minnesota
Data Science Lead jobs in Minnesota are in active demand, concentrated in financial services, health tech, retail analytics, and enterprise software across the Twin Cities metro, with smaller clusters in Rochester and Duluth. Major employers with a lasting Minnesota presence include UnitedHealth Group, Target, and Mayo Clinic, all of which maintain dedicated data science functions that regularly hire at the lead level. The most sought-after specialties are machine learning engineering, predictive modeling for health and insurance applications, and retail demand forecasting. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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The role – what you’ll do
Barr is looking for a Data Science Intern to join our digital solutions team for 2026–2027! The individual in this role will join a talented and collaborative team of professionals who will support the intern as they explore their interests and build their professional experience at the intersection of computer science, engineering, and environmental science. The intern will support various teams and projects, including data analysis, data infrastructure, artificial intelligence, and automation. The role will support both internal and client-facing initiatives.
Your impact – key responsibilities
Performing data analysis on environmental and engineering datasets
Developing processes that automate data transformation, analysis, and visualization
Working with artificial intelligence and machine learning initiatives, such as working with teams to deploy agentic systems
Collaborating with various teams to collect requirements and user stories to build digital tools and processes
Participating in process improvements and special projects as assigned
About the opportunity
Remote: a remote work arrangement may be considered for this position. A remote arrangement refers to working primarily from a home office. Remote arrangements will be considered based on candidate qualifications, local regulations, and Barr’s needs.
Work schedule: willingness to travel and periodically adjust personal schedule to meet project needs.
About you – required core competencies
Education: ongoing enrollment in management information systems, computer science, data science, or a related program, such as engineering with an emphasis on technology. Must have at least one semester to complete after the internship.
Skills:
Familiarity with coding in Python, SQL, and/or other programming languages
Familiarity with key concepts around artificial intelligence and machine learning
Familiarity with data systems and architectures
Proficiency with Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel
Excellent oral and written communication skills
Strong problem-solving skills and desire to learn
Strong team mentality with a willingness to assist where needed to contribute to the group’s success
Excellent attention to detail, accuracy, time management, and follow-through
Driver’s license: possession of a current, valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record.
Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for sponsorship by Barr, now or in the future.
Helpful additional experience (not required)
Previous relevant internship experience
Experience evaluating environmental data
Compensation: anticipated range of $30.00–$38.00 per hour. Compensation will vary based on relevant experience, education, skill level, and other compensable factors. This position is classified as non-exempt (hourly) under the Fair Labor Standards Act.
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Benefits - what we offer
We are committed to providing an employee experience that attracts and retains top talent. That's why we offer a competitive package of employee benefits - including some unique offerings not found at other companies. At Barr, we also believe that learning doesn't stop when you get your degree, which is why we provide coaching, mentoring, and support for ongoing educational opportunities to foster professional development at every stage of your career.
Competitive, affordable insurance plans: Medical, dental, vision, life, disability, accidental death insurance, and flexible spending accounts for medical and dependent care
Retirement benefits: 401(k) retirement savings plan with company contribution and an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) with company contribution in Barr stock
Profit distribution: Barr has a "no retained earnings" model and distributes all profit to our employees through our annual bonus distribution plan, ESOP, and dividends to shareholders
Professional development benefits: Annual time and expense allowances, mentorship program, and many internal training opportunities
Work/life balance: Paid time off, holidays, overtime for non-exempt/hourly staff, and compensatory time for exempt/salaried staff (time off or pay for extra time worked), paid family leave
Wellness focus: Ergonomic analysis and equipment, Personal Protective Equipment allowance, wellbeing-focused educational opportunities
Please note that benefits eligibility is determined and may change based on part-time, reduced-time, or full-time status.
About us - why choose Barr
At Barr, you'll join a community of engineers, scientists, and professionals who will help you achieve your ambitions and build a meaningful, rewarding career. You'll serve as a trusted advisor to clients who value Barr's tailored solutions and commitment to exceptional service.
As part of our employee-owned firm, you'll contribute to a culture of commitment and camaraderie where staff can thrive as professionals. We value diverse perspectives and experiences and believe an inclusive workplace is critical to our success.
To learn more about Barr's culture and values, visit: https://www.barr.com/Careers/Our-culture
Open positions at Barr Engineering Co. do not have application deadlines. Barr Engineering Co. is an equal opportunity employer, and all applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.
See All 14 Data Science Lead Jobs in Minnesota
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Find Data Science Lead JobsData Science Lead Jobs by City in Minnesota
Where Minnesota roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Data Science Lead Job Market in Minnesota
A snapshot from current Minnesota openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring



Top Industries Hiring
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What Minnesota Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in data science lead jobs across Minnesota.
- Bachelor's or master's degree in data science, statistics, computer science, or a related quantitative field
- Five or more years of applied data science experience with at least two years in a team lead or technical lead role
- Proficiency in Python or R alongside SQL and experience with cloud platforms such as AWS or Azure
- Demonstrated ability to translate complex analytical findings into decisions for non-technical business stakeholders
- Experience managing or mentoring junior data scientists and setting modeling standards across a team
- Familiarity with machine learning frameworks such as scikit-learn, TensorFlow, or PyTorch in production environments
Data Science Lead Jobs in Minnesota: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a data science lead in Minnesota?
Data science lead is not a licensed profession in Minnesota, so there is no state board or exam required. Most hiring managers in the Twin Cities and Rochester expect a bachelor's degree in a quantitative field and several years of hands-on modeling work before a lead title is considered. Building a portfolio of end-to-end projects, earning cloud certifications from AWS or Google, and contributing to team mentorship in a senior individual-contributor role are the most common steps Minnesota employers look for before promoting or hiring at the lead level.
How much do data science leads make in Minnesota?
Data science leads in Minnesota earn a median of about $128,800 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $65,730 for the lowest 10% to over $179,640 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire data science leads in Minnesota?
Minnesota data science lead roles are posted by Mayo Clinic, Polaris Industries, and Optum and others right now, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. Minnesota's concentration of large health insurers, national retailers headquartered in the Twin Cities, and medical device and health system employers in Rochester creates unusually consistent demand for senior data science talent year-round.
Which Minnesota cities have the most data science lead jobs?
Minneapolis, Rochester, and Medina account for the greatest concentration of data science lead openings in Minnesota. The Twin Cities metro drives the majority of demand through corporate headquarters in financial services, retail, and health insurance, while Rochester's market is shaped heavily by large health system and medical research employers that maintain substantial analytics teams.
Are there remote data science lead jobs in Minnesota?
Yes, and more than most fields. About 71% of data science lead openings tied to Minnesota are remote or hybrid as of September 2026, reflecting how well the role's core work, including modeling, code review, and stakeholder presentations, transfers to distributed teams. The portions of the job most likely to remain fully on-site are onboarding, cross-functional strategy sessions, and hands-on collaboration with engineering or product teams at major Minnesota headquarters.
How can I get hired as a data science lead in Minnesota with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is moving into a junior or associate data scientist role first, then building toward a lead title over time. Large Minnesota employers such as UnitedHealth Group and Target run rotational analytics programs and early-career data science tracks that accept candidates without prior professional experience but with strong academic portfolios. Lateral moves from analyst, business intelligence developer, or statistician roles are also common. A completed end-to-end project portfolio, a relevant master's degree, or a cloud machine learning certification gives Minnesota candidates a measurable edge in early screening.
Where can I find and apply to data science lead jobs in Minnesota?
You can find and apply to data science lead jobs in Minnesota on Migrate Mate, which lists current Minnesota openings. Search the available roles, find the ones that match your background and location preference, and apply directly to the employers posting them.
See All 14 Data Science Lead Jobs in Minnesota
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