Data Science Lead Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
Data Science Lead roles are among the most consistently sponsored positions in the U.S. tech market. Employers regularly file H-1B visa petitions for this title, and O-1A is a viable path for leads with published research or measurable business impact. For detailed occupation requirements, see the O*NET profile.
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Get Access To All JobsWho We Are:
Since 1906, New Balance has empowered people through sport and craftsmanship to create positive change in communities around the world. We innovate fearlessly, guided by our core values and driven by the belief that conventions were meant to be challenged. We foster a culture in which every associate feels welcomed and respected, where leaders and creatives are inspired to shape the world of tomorrow by taking bold action today.
JOB MISSION:
The Data Science Team at New Balance is the center of excellence for applied data science across our global commercial businesses, creating value through actionable insights, scalable models, and AI-enabled decision support.
As the Data Science Manager, Forecasting & Optimization, you will lead New Balance’s planning-focused data science group and own high-value forecasting and optimization work that improves global planning, inventory, and supply chain decisions. This is a hands-on player/coach role where you will write production-quality code, develop and deploy models, lead and develop data scientists and contractors, partner with stakeholders, and ensure solutions are adopted, monitored, and improved.
MAJOR ACCOUNTABILITIES:
A successful candidate in this role will focus on three core areas:
Technical Excellence
- Develop, deploy, and improve forecasting and optimization models for demand planning, allocation, assortment, inventory, and related planning decisions.
- Write, review, and maintain high-quality Python and SQL code that can scale from experimentation into reliable production workflows.
- Connect model performance metrics such as accuracy, bias, stability, and service levels to business outcomes including sales, inventory productivity, margin, and efficiency.
Business Partnership & Product Delivery
- Partner with stakeholders to define priorities, align roadmaps, and translate business needs into scalable data science products.
- Document model logic, business rules, assumptions, and operating practices so solutions can scale and be supported over time.
- Work with ML engineering and MLOps partners to make models production-ready, monitored, explainable, and maintainable.
Team & Operational Leadership
- Manage and coach a small team (1-3) of data scientists while staying hands-on in model development, code reviews, technical design, and production delivery.
- Create repeatable standards for experimentation, validation, governance, documentation, stakeholder communication, and adoption measurement.
- Build a culture of technical excellence, pragmatic problem-solving, collaboration and stakeholder empathy, and continuous learning.
REQUIREMENTS FOR SUCCESS:
- 6+ years of experience in data science, forecasting, optimization, operations research, or a related field, including hands-on model development and deployment.
- 2+ years leading projects and/or guiding cross-functional delivery while remaining hands-on with technical work.
- 2+ years leading data scientists.
- Deep expertise with forecasting models and optimization techniques across areas such as demand planning, inventory optimization, simulation, or decision science, ideally in a retail environment.
- Strong Python and SQL skills with experience building scalable, production-quality modeling workflows using large datasets.
- Ability to partner with senior stakeholders, define roadmaps, influence priorities, communicate clearly, and drive adoption of analytical or AI-enabled solutions.
- Strong understanding of model evaluation, monitoring, retraining, governance, documentation, and lifecycle management.
- BA/BS in Data Science, Statistics, Computer Science, Mathematics, Economics, Engineering, Operations Research, or a related technical field; Master's or PhD preferred.
- Practical data science experience in retail, consumer products, or supply chain is preferred.
- Experience with Databricks, Snowflake, Azure, AWS, GCP or similar cloud platforms is preferred.
- Experience building production data science products, APIs, dashboards, optimization engines, or decision-support tools.
- Familiarity with Agile delivery, product ownership, roadmap planning, and measurable adoption strategies.
LOCATION:
Boston, MA Headquarters - (NB) Only
Pay Range: $138,500.00 - $173,000.00 - $207,500.00 Annual (actual base pay varying based upon, but not limited to, relevant experience, time in role, internal equity, geographic location, and more.)
Regular Associate Benefits
Our products are only as good as the people we hire, so we make sure to hire the best and treat them accordingly. New Balance offers a comprehensive traditional benefits package including three options for medical insurance as well as dental, vision, life insurance and 401K. We also proudly offer a slate of more nontraditional perks – opportunities like online learning and development courses, tuition reimbursement, $100 monthly student loan support and various mentorship programs – that encourage our associates to grow personally as they develop professionally. You’ll also enjoy a yearly $1,000 lifestyle reimbursement, 4 weeks of vacations, 12 holidays and generous parental leave, because work-life balance is more than just a buzzword – it’s part of our culture.
Temporary associates are provided three options for medical insurance as well as dental and vision insurance and an associate discount.
Part time associates are provided 401k, short term disability, a yearly $300 lifestyle reimbursement and an associate discount.
Flexible Work Schedule
For decades we have fostered a unique culture founded on our values with a particular focus on in-person teamwork and collaboration. Our North American hybrid model encourages rich in-person experiences, showcasing our commitment to teamwork and connection, while maintaining flexibility for associates. New Balance Associates currently work in office three days per week (Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday). Our offices are fully open, and amenities are available across our North American office locations. To continue our focus on hybrid work we have introduced “Work from Anywhere” (WFA) for four weeks per calendar year. This model will help us enhance our culture while continuing to maintain elements of flexibility.
Equal Opportunity Employer
New Balance provides equal opportunities for all current and prospective associates to ensure that employment, training, compensation, transfer, promotion and other terms, conditions and privileges of employment are provided without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, handicap, genetic information and/or status as an Armed Forces service medal veteran, recently separated veteran, qualified disabled veteran or other protected veteran, or any other protected status.
Who We Are:
Since 1906, New Balance has empowered people through sport and craftsmanship to create positive change in communities around the world. We innovate fearlessly, guided by our core values and driven by the belief that conventions were meant to be challenged. We foster a culture in which every associate feels welcomed and respected, where leaders and creatives are inspired to shape the world of tomorrow by taking bold action today.
JOB MISSION:
The Data Science Team at New Balance is the center of excellence for applied data science across our global commercial businesses, creating value through actionable insights, scalable models, and AI-enabled decision support.
As the Data Science Manager, Forecasting & Optimization, you will lead New Balance’s planning-focused data science group and own high-value forecasting and optimization work that improves global planning, inventory, and supply chain decisions. This is a hands-on player/coach role where you will write production-quality code, develop and deploy models, lead and develop data scientists and contractors, partner with stakeholders, and ensure solutions are adopted, monitored, and improved.
MAJOR ACCOUNTABILITIES:
A successful candidate in this role will focus on three core areas:
Technical Excellence
- Develop, deploy, and improve forecasting and optimization models for demand planning, allocation, assortment, inventory, and related planning decisions.
- Write, review, and maintain high-quality Python and SQL code that can scale from experimentation into reliable production workflows.
- Connect model performance metrics such as accuracy, bias, stability, and service levels to business outcomes including sales, inventory productivity, margin, and efficiency.
Business Partnership & Product Delivery
- Partner with stakeholders to define priorities, align roadmaps, and translate business needs into scalable data science products.
- Document model logic, business rules, assumptions, and operating practices so solutions can scale and be supported over time.
- Work with ML engineering and MLOps partners to make models production-ready, monitored, explainable, and maintainable.
Team & Operational Leadership
- Manage and coach a small team (1-3) of data scientists while staying hands-on in model development, code reviews, technical design, and production delivery.
- Create repeatable standards for experimentation, validation, governance, documentation, stakeholder communication, and adoption measurement.
- Build a culture of technical excellence, pragmatic problem-solving, collaboration and stakeholder empathy, and continuous learning.
REQUIREMENTS FOR SUCCESS:
- 6+ years of experience in data science, forecasting, optimization, operations research, or a related field, including hands-on model development and deployment.
- 2+ years leading projects and/or guiding cross-functional delivery while remaining hands-on with technical work.
- 2+ years leading data scientists.
- Deep expertise with forecasting models and optimization techniques across areas such as demand planning, inventory optimization, simulation, or decision science, ideally in a retail environment.
- Strong Python and SQL skills with experience building scalable, production-quality modeling workflows using large datasets.
- Ability to partner with senior stakeholders, define roadmaps, influence priorities, communicate clearly, and drive adoption of analytical or AI-enabled solutions.
- Strong understanding of model evaluation, monitoring, retraining, governance, documentation, and lifecycle management.
- BA/BS in Data Science, Statistics, Computer Science, Mathematics, Economics, Engineering, Operations Research, or a related technical field; Master's or PhD preferred.
- Practical data science experience in retail, consumer products, or supply chain is preferred.
- Experience with Databricks, Snowflake, Azure, AWS, GCP or similar cloud platforms is preferred.
- Experience building production data science products, APIs, dashboards, optimization engines, or decision-support tools.
- Familiarity with Agile delivery, product ownership, roadmap planning, and measurable adoption strategies.
LOCATION:
Boston, MA Headquarters - (NB) Only
Pay Range: $138,500.00 - $173,000.00 - $207,500.00 Annual (actual base pay varying based upon, but not limited to, relevant experience, time in role, internal equity, geographic location, and more.)
Regular Associate Benefits
Our products are only as good as the people we hire, so we make sure to hire the best and treat them accordingly. New Balance offers a comprehensive traditional benefits package including three options for medical insurance as well as dental, vision, life insurance and 401K. We also proudly offer a slate of more nontraditional perks – opportunities like online learning and development courses, tuition reimbursement, $100 monthly student loan support and various mentorship programs – that encourage our associates to grow personally as they develop professionally. You’ll also enjoy a yearly $1,000 lifestyle reimbursement, 4 weeks of vacations, 12 holidays and generous parental leave, because work-life balance is more than just a buzzword – it’s part of our culture.
Temporary associates are provided three options for medical insurance as well as dental and vision insurance and an associate discount.
Part time associates are provided 401k, short term disability, a yearly $300 lifestyle reimbursement and an associate discount.
Flexible Work Schedule
For decades we have fostered a unique culture founded on our values with a particular focus on in-person teamwork and collaboration. Our North American hybrid model encourages rich in-person experiences, showcasing our commitment to teamwork and connection, while maintaining flexibility for associates. New Balance Associates currently work in office three days per week (Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday). Our offices are fully open, and amenities are available across our North American office locations. To continue our focus on hybrid work we have introduced “Work from Anywhere” (WFA) for four weeks per calendar year. This model will help us enhance our culture while continuing to maintain elements of flexibility.
Equal Opportunity Employer
New Balance provides equal opportunities for all current and prospective associates to ensure that employment, training, compensation, transfer, promotion and other terms, conditions and privileges of employment are provided without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, handicap, genetic information and/or status as an Armed Forces service medal veteran, recently separated veteran, qualified disabled veteran or other protected veteran, or any other protected status.
See all 4,302+ Data Science Lead Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Data Science Lead roles.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Data Science Lead Jobs
Position your degree field carefully on applications
H-1B approval for Data Science Lead requires a degree in a directly related field, statistics, computer science, mathematics, or data science. A business or economics degree alone is unlikely to satisfy the specialty occupation standard for this role.
Document the leadership scope of your role
USCIS scrutinizes Lead-level titles. Your job description should clearly distinguish your responsibilities from individual contributors, team oversight, roadmap ownership, and cross-functional decision-making all support the specialty occupation argument for your petition.
Target employers with a history of H-1B approvals
Not all companies file with equal success. Larger tech employers and established data-driven firms have higher H-1B approval rates for data science roles. Search Migrate Mate to filter for companies actively sponsoring Data Science Lead positions right now.
Consider the O-1A if you have measurable impact
Published research, conference presentations, patents, or documented business outcomes, revenue lifted, models deployed at scale, can support an O-1A petition. This path bypasses the H-1B lottery entirely and suits experienced data science leads well.
Get the LCA job zone right before applying
Data Science Lead sits in O*NET Job Zone 4 or 5, requiring specialized preparation. Employers filing an LCA must certify the prevailing wage tier accurately. Misclassification at the LCA stage is a common early error that can derail the entire petition.
Start employer conversations about sponsorship early
H-1B cap-subject petitions can only be filed in April for an October start. Raising sponsorship late in a hiring process often kills the offer. Bring it up after initial interviews confirm fit, before reaching the offer negotiation stage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Data Science Lead a specialty occupation for H-1B purposes?
Yes, when the role requires a bachelor's degree or higher in a specific technical field such as statistics, computer science, or data science. The challenge comes when job postings list degree requirements loosely or accept any quantitative field. USCIS will review the actual duties, the employer's degree requirement history, and industry norms. Roles with vague degree language are more likely to receive a Request for Evidence.
Do employers actually sponsor H-1B visas for Data Science Lead roles?
Yes, data science is one of the most actively sponsored occupation groups in the U.S. technology sector. Lead-level roles with team management components are sponsored regularly by large tech companies, financial institutions, and healthcare analytics firms. Sponsorship is less common at early-stage startups without dedicated HR or legal infrastructure. Browse Migrate Mate to find Data Science Lead positions from employers currently open to visa sponsorship.
What visa options exist for a Data Science Lead beyond the H-1B?
The O-1A is the strongest alternative if you have evidence of extraordinary ability, published papers, speaking engagements, high-impact model deployments, or recognition from peers in the field. The L-1A applies if you're being transferred from an overseas office in a managerial or executive capacity. EB-1C and EB-2 NIW are immigrant visa paths worth discussing with an attorney if you're thinking longer term.
Does my three-year bachelor's degree qualify for H-1B sponsorship as a Data Science Lead?
It can, but it depends on how the employer and USCIS evaluate equivalency. Many H-1B visa petitions for candidates with three-year degrees, common in India, Australia, and the UK, are approved when the degree is in a directly relevant field and the employer provides an equivalency evaluation. A credential evaluation from a recognized agency strengthens the petition. Combination of degree plus relevant work experience can also satisfy the bachelor's equivalent standard.
How does the H-1B lottery affect Data Science Lead hiring timelines?
Cap-subject H-1B petitions are registered in March, with selection results in late March or early April and filing windows opening April 1 for an October 1 start date. If you're not selected, you cannot start in that cap year. Cap-exempt employers, universities, nonprofit research organizations, and certain affiliated entities, can file year-round, which some data science leads pursue specifically to avoid the lottery.
What is the prevailing wage requirement for sponsored Data Science Lead jobs?
U.S. employers sponsoring a visa must pay at least the prevailing wage, which is what workers in the same role, area, and experience level typically earn. The Department of Labor sets this rate to make sure companies aren't hiring foreign workers simply because they'd accept lower pay than a U.S. worker. It varies by job title, location, and experience. You can look up current prevailing wage rates for any occupation and location using the OFLC Wage Search page.