Principal Data Scientist for LA Residential Design

[Summary]
We are seeking a Principal Data Scientist / Applied Optimization Consultant to assist in defining optimal residential designs for the Los Angeles market. The consultant will leverage data-driven approaches, integrating market data, zoning constraints, and optimization models to inform design and maximize market fit.

[General Information]
The project focuses on expanding into the Los Angeles market, characterized by high demand and complex regulatory and physical constraints. The goal is to shift from intuition-driven to data-driven design processes. The consultant will integrate multiple datasets, build constraint-based optimization models, and conduct scenario analyses to derive actionable design recommendations.

[Tasks and Deliverables]
- Integrate diverse datasets, including tax assessor, MLS, zoning/planning, and parcel geometry.
- Develop constraint-based optimization models to explore feasible building envelopes.
- Conduct scenario and sensitivity analyses across LA submarkets.
- Translate results into clear, defensible design recommendations.
- Focus on decision-oriented deliverables such as recommended ranges and ratios.
- Write and visualize SQL queries to present data effectively.
- Solve unique commercial data problems, focusing on cost and pricing variables.
- Gather and quantify customer preferences in the region.
- Correlate market features to success, analyzing price per square foot and days on market.
- Communicate trade-offs clearly to non-technical stakeholders.
- Conduct research and data collection for planning and zoning data.

[Required Experience]
- Deep experience in applied optimization and constrained modeling.
- Strong Python skills.
- Comfort working with messy, real-world urban data.
- Prior exposure to real estate, urban planning, or land-use systems.
- Ability to communicate trade-offs clearly to non-technical stakeholders.
- SQL or data science skills with visualization.
- Business-focused mindset to solve unique problems.
- Sophisticated regression and optimization experience.
- Proficiency in research and data collection.

[Nice to Have]
- Data engineering and web scraping knowledge.
- Experience with LA zoning.
- Experience with planning and zoning data.

- Short-term engagement expected to last one to two months.
- Commitment of 20 per week.
- Immediate start with potential for role expansion as the market strategy matures.