Data Sciences and Engineering Specialist

Description

As a Data Sciences and  Engineering Specialist (Utility Planning / AI), you’ll be at the forefront of shaping the future of power utility systems planning. Our company is experiencing rapid growth, and we offer an exciting and dynamic work environment. Your role will be pivotal in ensuring the efficient and reliable planning and operation of utility systems. You’ll collaborate with cross-functional teams, interface with utility engineers, and contribute to cutting-edge data analysis tools and generative AI development. Your role will also advise teams on incorporating data analytics to streamline and improve current workflows.

Key Responsibilities

Data Validation and Quality Assurance:

• Scrutinize utility data sets to ensure data quality and integrity (accuracy, consistency, and completeness).
• Develop validation protocols and perform routine checks to identify anomalies or discrepancies.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to rectify data issues promptly.

Ensuring Data Accessibility and Usability:

• Ensure data is accessible and usable for insights and analysis. 
• Setting up, maintaining, and optimizing databases and large-scale processing systems.
• Collaboration with other teams, such as data analytics and software development, is also essential.

Load Forecasting:

• Utilize historical consumption patterns, weather data, and other relevant factors to create short-range and long-range load forecasts.
• Develop predictive models to anticipate peak demand and optimize resource allocation, including impact of distributed generating resources.
• Continuously refine load forecasting algorithms based on real-time data and emerging trends in technology adoption.

Interfacing with Utility Engineers:

• Collaborate closely with utility engineers, rate designers, grid operators, and fellow team members.
• Understand technical requirements, system constraints, and operational challenges.
• Translate engineering insights into actionable data-driven recommendations.

System Planning and Optimization:

• Analyze grid performance, transmission losses, and distribution efficiency.
• Identify opportunities for system upgrades, capacity expansion, and load balancing.
• Provide input for long-term infrastructure planning and investment decisions.

Economic Modeling and Rate Structure Evaluation:

• Evaluate proposed rate structures for fairness, reasonableness, and impact on consumers.
• Model different scenarios to assess the financial implications of rate changes.
• Collaborate with regulatory bodies to ensure compliance with pricing guidelines.

Generative AI Development:

• Explore generative AI techniques (e.g., GANs, VAEs) for creating synthetic data.
• Develop predictive models to simulate load profiles, energy demand, outage probabilities, or generate synthetic sensor data.
• Collaborate with engineers to implement and deploy generative models.

Problem-Solving and Analytical Thinking:

• Data engineering specialists often encounter complex challenges related to data processing and integration. Strong problem-solving skills are essential.

Requirements

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Data Science, Statistics, or a related field.
• Strong communication skills to convey complex technical information to diverse stakeholders.
• Familiarity with utility regulations, energy markets, and grid operations.

Technical Skills:

• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, SAS, R, Lua, Java, Scala, or SQL.
• Experience with big data technologies like Hadoop, Spark, and Kafka.
• Knowledge of cloud platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure, Google Cloud) for data storage and processing.
• Familiarity with power systems modeling and tools, software such as PSCAD, PSS/E, ETAP, CYME, or Milsoft Windmil.