data scientist, Staffing- Data & Analytics (Seattle)

Starbucks • Full-time • Seattle, Washington State, United States • $110.60k - $166k / year • 9h ago

Now Brewing – Data Scientist! #tobeapartner

From the beginning, Starbucks set out to be a different kind of company. One that not only celebrated coffee and the rich tradition, but that also brought a feeling of connection. We are known for developing extraordinary leaders who share this passion and are guided by their service to others.

As a data scientist on the Staffing Algorithms team, you will be responsible for developing and enhancing forecasting models and optimization algorithms that drive staffing decisions across US and Canada company-owned stores. You will work closely with cross-functional partners to evolve the staffing system, improve staffing efficiency, and ensure optimal coverage to meet customer demand. Your work will directly impact store operations and contribute to strategic workforce planning.

As a data scientist, you will…

Forecast staffing needs across US and Canada stores – You will build and refine predictive models using historical data, store attributes, and external signals to anticipate staffing demand across diverse store formats and regions.
Conduct exploratory data analysis to inform staffing strategy – You will analyze large-scale operational and workforce datasets to uncover trends, identify inefficiencies, and generate actionable insights that shape staffing system evolution.
Support the development of optimization algorithms – You will support in design and implement algorithms that recommend optimal staffing levels, balancing labor efficiency with customer experience, and integrate these solutions into production systems.
Collaborate cross-functionally to evolve the staffing platform – You will partner with engineering, operations, and product teams to translate business needs into scalable data science solutions and continuously improve system performance.
Influence strategic workforce planning – You will contribute to long-term staffing strategy by providing data-driven recommendations to senior leaders and helping shape the future of staffing across the enterprise.
Demonstrate curiosity and a growth mindset – Approach complex problems with intellectual curiosity, continuously seek out new features and methodologies, and stay current with industry trends and best practices.
Thrive in a collaborative, impact-driven team – You will be part of a high-performing, supportive team that values curiosity, innovation, and continuous learning, while driving meaningful business outcomes.

We’d love to hear from people with:

Bachelors+ with concentration in quantitative discipline – Operations , Stats, Math, Comp Sci, Engineering, or similar discipline. Masters preferred. Minimum of 1 year of experience
Proficiency in coding languages for data preparation and modeling, including SQL for querying large datasets and Python for building pipelines and statistical models
Solid understanding of machine learning and statistical techniques, such as regression, classification, decision trees, clustering, and causal inference, with practical experience applying them to real-world problems
Experience with data visualization tools and techniques (e.g., Tableau, Power BI, Shiny, or D3) to communicate insights effectively to technical and non-technical audiences
Demonstrated curiosity and analytical rigor, with a strong ability to explore complex datasets, identify patterns, and generate actionable insights
Excellent attention to detail, along with strong written and verbal communication skills to collaborate across cross-functional teams and present findings to stakeholders

Preferred Skills:

Experience building forecasting models for time series or operational planning
Background in optimization techniques such as linear programming, mixed-integer programming, or heuristic algorithms for decision support
Familiarity with PySpark and Databricks for distributed data processing and scalable analytics in cloud environments

As a Starbucks partner, you (and your family) will have access to medical, dental, vision, basic and supplemental life insurance, and other voluntary insurance benefits. Partners have access to short-term and long-term disability, paid parental leave, family expansion reimbursement, paid vacation from date of hire*, sick time (accrued at 1 hour for every 25 hours worked), eight paid holidays, and two personal days per year. Starbucks also offers eligible partners participation in a 401(k) retirement plan with employer match, a discounted company stock program (S.I.P.), Starbucks equity program (Bean Stock), incentivized emergency savings, and financial well-being tools. Additionally, Starbucks offers 100% upfront tuition coverage for a first-time bachelor’s degree through Arizona State University’s online program via the Starbucks College Achievement Plan, student loan management resources, and access to other educational opportunities. You will also have access to backup care and DACA reimbursement. Starbucks will comply with any applicable state and local laws regarding employee leave benefits, including, but not limited to providing time off pursuant to the Colorado Healthy Families and Workplaces Act, and in accordance with its plans and policies. This list is subject to change depending on collective bargaining in locations where partners have a certified bargaining representative. For additional information regarding partner perks and more detailed information about benefits, go to starbucksbenefits.com.

If you are working in CA, CO, IL, LA, ME, MA, NE, ND or RI, you will accrue vacation up to a maximum of 120 hours (190 in CA) for roles below director and 200 hours (316 in CA) for roles at director or above. For roles in other states, you will be granted vacation time starting at 120 hours annually for roles below director and 200 hours annually for roles director and above.

The actual base pay offered to the successful candidate will be based on multiple factors, including but not limited to job-related knowledge/skills, experience, geographical location, and internal equity. At Starbucks, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at the high end of the range for their role, and compensation decisions are dependent upon the facts and circumstances of each position and candidate.

We believe we do our best work when we're together, which is why we're onsite four days a week.

Join us and inspire with every cup. Apply today!

Starbucks Coffee Company is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Qualified applicants with criminal histories will be considered for employment in a manner consistent with all federal, state and local ordinances.

Starbucks Coffee Company is committed to offering reasonable accommodations to job applicants with disabilities. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please contact us at applicantaccommodation@starbucks.com or 1(888) 611-2258.