Ready to build a rewarding career in an industry that is growing?
Who We Are
We are a global mining company dedicated to safely delivering nickel, copper, cobalt, and platinum group metals essential for the world’s energy transition.
Our mission is to improve lives and shape a better future together.
From utensils to cellphones to satellites, our operations simplify daily life and enhance connectivity. Our metals are integral to life-saving medical equipment and the electric vehicles driving the fight against climate change – our work truly matters.
Join our diverse team of 15,000 talented individuals committed to transforming critical minerals into prosperity and sustainable development in countries like Canada, Brazil, Indonesia, the United Kingdom, and Japan. We invite you to use your skills with us and contribute to something meaningful and enduring.
The Opportunity
We are currently seeking a Senior Specialist, Data Modeler – OT & Industrial Automation to join our IT – Data Analytics & Reporting team, supporting Vale Base Metals operations in Sudbury, ON.
This is a permanent position, supporting complex Operational Technology (OT) and Industrial Automation environments across mining and processing operations.
- This is an opportunity for an experienced OT data and analytics professional who thrives in data‑rich, industrial environments and enjoys working at the intersection of operations, automation, analytics, and advanced digital technologies.
- The role plays a critical part in ensuring OT and Industrial Automation data is reliable, scalable, governed, and optimized for reporting, analytics, and AI‑driven decision‑making.
- You will work closely with data engineers, data scientists, business analysts, automation teams, and vendors to deliver high‑value data models, pipelines, dashboards, and analytics solutions.
- This position supports enterprise‑scale and site‑level initiatives, enabling operational efficiency, performance optimization, and strategic planning through trusted data.
You will report to the Manager of Reporting and Visualization and work closely with cross-functional teams including data scientists, analysts, architects, and business stakeholders.
About You
You are a senior‑level data modeling specialist with deep expertise in OT data platforms, industrial data structures, and analytics solutions. You understand complex operational environments - such as mining, heavy industry, or manufacturing - and can translate high‑frequency sensor and production data into actionable insights.
You bring a combination of hands‑on technical capability, strong business acumen, and collaborative leadership. You are comfortable acting as a subject‑matter expert, guiding best practices, mentoring power users, and engaging stakeholders across technical and non‑technical teams.
You are driven to continuously improve data quality, performance, governance, and usability, while enabling innovation across analytics and AI use cases.
In This Role, You Will:
OT Data Modeling & Architecture
- Design, develop, and maintain scalable OT and Industrial Automation data models
- Represent key OT entities such as equipment, sensors, telemetry, production events, and maintenance data
- Model high‑frequency, real‑time, and historical datasets across mine sites and plants
- Support digital twin concepts, real‑time operational metrics, and production performance analysis
- Ensure models are fault‑tolerant, performant, and recoverable
Data Engineering, ETL & Platforms
- Identify OT data sources and collaborate on ETL and data pipeline development
- Design models compatible with platforms such as Azure Data Services, Data Lakes, Databricks, SQL Server, SAP Datasphere, and Power BI
- Automate data workflows to improve reliability and reduce manual intervention
- Optimize model performance for large‑scale and high‑velocity data environments
- Align data designs with enterprise data governance and architecture standards
Reporting, Analytics & BI
- Build and support data models for Power BI, SAP Analytics Cloud, Business Objects, and planning solutions
- Deliver high‑quality dashboards and reports that provide actionable operational insights
- Support drill‑down and drill‑through reporting capabilities
- Ensure data accuracy, integrity, and performance across reports and analytics solutions
- Partner with stakeholders to understand data needs and define analytics use cases
Advanced Analytics & Innovation
- Collaborate with Data Scientists and Engineers on AI/ML and advanced analytics solutions
- Support data modeling for predictive analytics, anomaly detection, and optimization use cases
- Identify and prepare OT data sources for machine learning and AI initiative
Stakeholder, Vendor & Governance Engagement
- Act as a trusted advisor to business stakeholders on OT data and analytics
- Guide democratized users on best practices, performance optimization, and governance
- Coordinate with vendors, infrastructure teams, DBAs, and analytics partners
- Support vendor deliverables, validate quality, and promote solutions to production
- Ensure alignment with security, compliance, and data governance requirements
Documentation & Change Management
- Create and maintain comprehensive solution documentation, including data models, mappings, and architecture diagrams
- Support training and knowledge transfer to peers and stakeholders
- Contribute to continuous improvement and data maturity initiatives
Education:
- Bachelor’s degree in computer science, Data Science, Software Engineering, or a related field
- Certifications (Preferred)
- OSIsoft (AVEVA) PI System Infrastructure Certification
- ISA Certified Automation Professional (CAP)
- Azure Cloud certifications
- SAP Analytics or Datasphere certifications
- Databricks, Data Modeling, Data Visualization, or AI/ML certification
- Certified Data Management Professional (DAMA)
Experience:
- 8–10+ years of experience in data modeling, analytics, or data platform roles.
- Strong experience with OT and Industrial Automation data, preferably in mining, heavy industry, or manufacturing environments
- Proven expertise modeling time‑series, sensor, telemetry, production, and maintenance data.
- Hands‑on experience with Azure, Databricks, SQL Server, Power BI, SAP Analytics, and data pipeline tools
- Experience supporting AI/ML and advanced analytics solutions
- Demonstrated ability to work across complex, multi‑stakeholder environments
- Experience managing vendors and coordinating cross‑functional delivery teams
Skills:
- Expert‑level data modeling and analytics skills in OT and industrial contexts
- Strong understanding of OT systems, SCADA, PI systems, and industrial data flows
- Proficiency in SQL and scripting languages (Python preferred)
- Strong data governance, data quality, and security knowledge
- Ability to analyze complex datasets and translate them into business insights
- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to engage both technical and business stakeholders
- Organized, proactive, and adaptable approach in dynamic environments
What We Offer You
- Competitive compensation including a variable annual incentive plan
- Participation in a competitive Defined Contribution Pension package
- Comprehensive benefits package (company paid core coverage, health and dental coverage, flex accounts, disability plans, and optional insurances)
- Leave for all of life’s reasons (vacation, personal, sick, parental)
- Work culture dedicated to safety, diversity & inclusion, and career growth
- Employee Family Assistance Program
- Virtual Healthcare online
- Online training and career development opportunities
Why Sudbury
Sudbury, Ontario, is one of the world’s most renowned mining regions, with a rich history in nickel production and a strong foundation in mining innovation. The city is home to Vale’s extensive mining and processing operations, which include underground mines, milling facilities, and smelting plants.
Our Sudbury operations produce high-quality nickel, copper, and cobalt - critical materials for electric vehicles, renewable energy, and modern infrastructure. Sudbury also serves as a center for research and development, where we pioneer technologies to improve safety, efficiency, and environmental stewardship in mining.
With its skilled workforce and deep mining expertise, Sudbury plays a vital role in Vale’s global supply chain and sustainability strategy, ensuring we meet the growing demand for critical minerals in a low-carbon economy.
Include to Transform
At Vale Base Metals, we are committed to ensuring an inclusive work environment where people feel comfortable to be themselves. Vale encourages everyone to express their ideas and opinions and values the plurality of individual profiles. We want our people to feel that all.
We want our people to feel that all voices are heard, all cultures respected and that a variety of perspectives are not only welcome – they are critical to our success. We treat each other fairly and with dignity regardless of race, gender, nationality, ethnic origin, religion, age, sexual orientation, or any other personal consideration that makes us different.
Vale is an equal opportunity employer seeking to increase diversity across our operations and improve equal opportunity at Vale and in the mining industry.
Accommodation is available throughout our recruitment process for applicants with disabilities.
Vale uses artificial intelligence to screen, assess, and/or select applicants for this position.
Pay Grade: F2T
Minimum Starting Salary: CAD $119,000
Apply by: Friday, Jun 05, 2026
#ValeBaseMetals
