Department: Performance Science

Reports to: Director, Performance Science

Classification: Full Time/Exempt

Location: Houston, TX

Summary/Objective

The Houston Astros are currently seeking a Senior Engineer in the Performance Science Department. This role will be responsible for building and maintaining internal data pipelines from feature engineering to modeling performance.

Essential Functions & Responsibilities

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Technical Proficiency
  • Build and maintain data pipelines that are optimized for speed and computational efficiency
  • Perform code reviews that ensure code is written to best practice and documented correctly
  • Educate junior staff members on the intricacies of object oriented or functional programming languages
  • Develop a robust framework for propagating error of all performance science data sources
  • Assess reliability and validity of all performance science data sources
• Domain Expertise
  • Research, develop, and test methods and models based on kinetic and kinematic data for the purposes of player development, evaluation, and injury mitigation
  • Educate both analysts and engineers in Performance Science on new research methods that are applicable to the field
  • Develop physically meaningful features from time series data
  • Review all technology vendors to have a full understanding the of the underlying mechanisms with which their data is captured
• Glue Work
  • Perform ad hoc analysis as requested by coaching staff
  • Stay up to date on latest methodologies to help us analyze spatial-temporal data
  • Keep track of emerging technologies that might be of use in the future

Qualifications

• At minimum, a BS in a STEM field (with post graduate degree as a plus)
• Strong background in physics, geometry, linear algebra
• Proficiency in time series analysis
• Proficient knowledge in a programming language (R, Python)
• Working knowledge of SQL
• Strong understanding of computer vision models is a plus
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Track record of visualizing times series data in novel and intuitive ways
• Experience with Bayesian Statistics is preferred
• Working knowledge of baseball specific demands is preferred
• Previous experience in working sport is preferred

Work Environment

This job primarily operates in an office setting, and will occasionally require work in a baseball practice environment (field, mounds, cages). This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines. The noise level is usually moderate but can be loud within the stadium environment. 

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close and focused vision. 

Position Type and Expected Hours of Work

This is a full-time position, and hours of work and days are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Ability to work a flexible schedule, including; extended hours, evenings, weekends and holidays.

Travel

Rare travel may be expected for this position.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. 

EOE/M/F/Vet/Disability