Principal Data Scientist / Solution Architect

Farooq Azam

*********@*****.*** 502-***-**** Scottsdale, AZ 85255 https://www.linkedin.com/in/farooq azam 9457b61/ CAREER PROFILE

Results driven individual with deep expertise in the fields of artificial intelligence (AI), machines learning (ML) engineering, data science and software development leveraging various coding languages. I specialize in enabling profitable digital transformation by designing and deploying solutions leveraging state of the art traditional and generative AI techniques, data warehousing best practices, and business focused advanced analytics technologies. Demonstrated career progression as senior data scientist, principal data scientist and lead data scientist. Proven ability to design, develop, and deploy complex, data driven, high impact AI / ML solutions that directly contribute to the organizational operational business efficiency and profitability. Recognized for out of the box thought leadership, mentoring, strategic leadership and decision making. CORE COMPETENCIES

• Traditional and Generative AI Expertise: Bridging theoretical knowledge with hands on experience in the latest AI and ML trends.

• Solution Design and Implementation: Proficient in designing, developing, and deploying Traditional AI, Generative AI, and Statistical Methods based solutions that address operational business pain points to drive measurable process efficiency improvements.

• Team Leadership: Assembled and led teams of data scientists while driving successful end to end execution of AI / ML projects.

• Programming Languages and Libraries: TensorFlow, PyTorch, Scikit Learn.

• Domain Knowledge: Data Science, Data Transformation (ETL / ELT), Artificial Intelligence, Natural Language Processing (NLP), BI Dashboard Design, Data Mining, Data Driven Decision Making and Big Data Processing.

• Programming Languages: Python, Java, C, C++, FORTRAN, SQL, SQLScript, MATLAB, and R.

• Cloud Computing: DevOps tools and methodologies such as Docker, Kubernetes, GitHub, and CI/CD. Working knowledge of major cloud platforms such as AWS, Azure, Databricks, Snowflake, and Google Cloud

• Generative AI: LLM design patterns, LangChain, LlamaIndex, Graph Databases.

• Scripting Languages: Unix shell scripts, Perl, Python and Awk. CAREER HIGHLIGHTS

• End to End AI / ML Solution Development: Expertly translated stakeholder requirements into robust implementable AI / ML solutions.

• Mentoring and Coaching: Continuously mentored and coached junior team members through skill development and team integration plans to foster a culture of continuous learning and knowledge sharing.

• Driving Digital Business Transformation: Partnered with global enterprises to design, develop, and implement cutting edge AI / ML infused solutions that addressed critical business challenges and delivered measurable business improvements.

• Cross Functional Communication: Effectively communicated and presented complex technical results, insights, and recommendations to technical, non technical and business stakeholders.

• Impactful Project Management: Managed and executed AI / ML projects from conception to deployment while consistently delivering significant bottom line impact and tangible business value.

• Selected Implemented AI / ML Solutions:

Developed a Generative AI based Supply Chain Troubleshooter to identify and resolve supply chain issues.

Created an NFL Recruiting Application to facilitate and optimize player identification and selection processes.

Designed and developed an AI / ML solution recommending optimal lead times for machine parts.

Built a Commodity Price Forecasting Model enabling enterprise traders to set more accurate opening trading prices.

Participated in development and deployment of a Member Expenditure Forecasting Model that generated monthly risk scores for the insured members enabling pro active reach out to the at risk members to mitigate potential health issues. PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

• DataRobot, Inc. Boston, MA

Lead Data Scientist, Customer Engineering 05/2024 Present

Engaging directly with customers to understand business operations pain points and strategize high impact AI / ML solutions.

Developing ready to use Python based templates that streamline end to end AI solutions development and deployment.

Providing architectural leadership and support for critical data driven customer PoVs influencing adoption across industries and LoBs.

• SAP Americas, Inc. Tempe, AZ

Principal Data Scientist Solution Adviser, Enterprise AI and Automation, Global Center of Excellence 07/2014 05/2024

Spearheaded the design, development, and implementation of cutting edge traditional artificial intelligence, and generative AI solutions for a diverse portfolio of global enterprise clients.

Drove business development and facilitated solution delivery across key regions including US, EMEA, GCN, and LATAM, expanding market penetration for enterprise AI.

Developed and delivered persuasive and high impact presentations to senior business decision makers, influencing AI strategy and technology adoption across client organizations.

Designed and documented enterprise grade reference architectures to drive scalable adoption of new AI technologies.

Served as the Global Single Point of Contact (SPOC) for the China region, successfully introducing and promoting SAP BTP centric global AI best practices and use cases.

Mentored and coached new hires, junior machine learning and data engineers, fostering professional growth and technical excellence within the team.

Principal Data Scientist, Performance and Insight Optimization Group 03/2013 06/2014

Orchestrated successful delivery of high value consulting projects for Fortune 500 companies.

Led, completed and delivered business critical AI / ML focused big data projects with consistent high customer satisfaction.

Provided architectural leadership and project management oversight for a wide array of customer focused initiatives.

Collaborated on developing innovative customer engagement models and strategic sales plays tailored for key industry sectors.

Actively mentored new hires throughout their on boarding and integration into their first consulting projects. Senior Research Scientist, Performance and Insight Optimization Group 05/2010 03/2013

Engineered and delivered multiple high impact cross industry forecasting, AI / ML, and business decision optimization solutions.

Translated customer engagements insights into readily deployable solutions for standardized future delivery.

• Humana Inc. Louisville, KY

Research Scientist, Innovation Center 10/2006 04/2010

Leveraged computational intelligence to address critical problems in the healthcare sector.

Developed, deployed, and maintained a range of predictive models, specifically focusing on:

* End of Life Analysis.

* Obesity inference using biomarkers and socio economic indicators.

* Member retention and solicitation strategies.

Communicated insights through white papers and technical reports to the senior leadership proposing efficient data analysis and modeling initiatives to improve business operations. EDUCATION

• Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University Blacksburg, VA Doctor of Philosophy Electrical and Computer Engineering

Dissertation Topic: Biologically Inspired Modular Neural Networks.

• University of Southern California Los Angeles, CA Master of Science Electrical Engineering

• NED University Karachi, Pakistan

Bachelor of Engineering, Aviation Electronics (Avionics) PROFESSIONAL BLOGS

• DataRobot and SAP: Use Case Deep Dive

• Cloning a Functional Python Virtual Environment to an Offline System Part 2

• Cloning a Functional Python Virtual Environment to an Offline System Part 1

• SAP Datasphere and Partnerships DataRobot

PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS

Senior Member Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) with additional memberships of IEEE Computer Society, IEEE Systems, Man, and Cybernetics Society, and IEEE Computational Intelligence Society. VOLUNTEER ACTIVITIES

• Coach and mentor for the SAP Generative Artificial Intelligence use case discovery.

• Presenter, coach, and judge for the SAP HANA ML community challenge.

• Regional AI Blackbelt lead.

PATENTS

• US US8543428 (B1) Computerized System and Method for Estimating Levels of Obesity in an Insured Population.

• EU EP3029614 (B1), US 140507US01 A Parallel and Distributed In Memory Model Development and Deployment Approach Based on Supervised Learning Paradigm for Large Data Sets.

• US US10482389 (B2) Parallel Development and Deployment for Machine Learning Models. REFERENCES

Available upon request.

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