Data Scientist

Octopus Energy; Greater London; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Octopus Energy Trading is seeking a data scientist to build and deploy forecasting models for the GB intraday power market, integrating demand and renewables data with ML techniques. You’ll work across the trading and analytics stack to deliver market-leading insights.

You should be proficient in Python, understand forecasting methods, and communicate your approach clearly while driving towards Net Zero through innovative energy solutions.

Qualifications

• Experience with Python and ML is essential.
• Understanding of forecasting techniques with quick iteration to baselines.
• This role requires clear communication of approach, strengths and limitations.
• Interest in Net Zero and ownership across multiple projects.

Responsibilities

• Explore data needed to trade the GB intraday power market.
• Build and maintain models forecasting demand and renewables, GB and Western Europe.
• Identify high-quality data sources for forecasts.
• Develop forecasting framework and tools.
• Automate forecasting processes with checks and alerts.
• Use forecasting models to improve price forecasts.
• Collaborate with Trading, Renewables, Flexibility and other teams.

Skills

Python

Forecasting concepts

Machine Learning

Communication

Teamwork

Net Zero

Commercial awareness

Job description

At Octopus Energy Trading, we’re on a mission to reshape the future of energy. As part of Octopus Energy Group, we’re creating an innovative approach to trading that will accelerate the transition to a Net Zero world. With the growth of renewables and a push toward decarbonising heating and transport, greater flexibility in the grid is essential. We are building cutting-edge technology to optimise everything from domestic EV charging to grid-scale batteries, to meet the global demand for energy flexibility.

We’re looking for passionate and unconventional thinkers to join us on this journey, bringing a diversity of experience and ideas to shape a more efficient, flexible, and sustainable energy system.

With an increase in variable and distributed supply, using data for trading and forecasting has never been more important. Octopus has always had a tech-first approach, and our trading and analytics tools are all built in-house. We are looking for a data scientist who’s comfortable building data pipelines bringing together internal and external data to create market leading insights using both classical and ML techniques. This will include looking at demand, renewables and transmission system fundamentals forecasts focussed to begin with on the GB intraday power market.

What You’ll Do

• Exploring the types of data needed to effectively trade the GB intraday power market

• Building, improving and maintaining models to forecast electricity demand and renewable generation, primarily in GB but developing into all of Western Europe;

• Finding high quality, novel data sources to base our forecasts off of;

• Development on forecasting framework and tools;

• Maintaining and automating forecasting processes, whilst building in checks and alerting;

• Utilising these forecasting models to build or enhance our price forecasts

• Collaborating with Trading, Renewables, Flexibility and other teams to utilise our combined knowledge and data.

What You’ll Need

• Experience with Python is essential;

• A good understanding of what forecasting techniques to use and the ability to build a simple baseline and quickly iterate;

• Ability to communicate your approach, including its strengths and limitations;

• Able to quickly understand commercial and industry concepts;

• Team player excited at the idea of ownership across lots of different projects and tools;

• Passion for driving towards Net Zero;

• Experience with Machine Learning is essential;

• Experience in the electricity industry in GB would be useful but not required.

Why else you’ll love it here

Wondering what the salary for this role is? Just ask us! On a call with one of our recruiters it’s something we always cover as we genuinely want to match your experience with the correct salary. The reason why we don’t advertise is because we honestly have a degree of flexibility and would never want salary to be a reason why someone doesn’t apply to Octopus - what’s more important to us is finding the right octofit!

Octopus Energy Group is aunique culture. An organisation where people learn, decide, and build quicker. Where people work with autonomy, alongside a wide range of amazing co-owners, on projects that break new ground. We want your hard work to be rewarded with perks you actually care about! We were recently named the UK's top company to work for, and we ranked in the top ten in the Sunday Times Best Places to Work 2024. Our Group CEO, Greg has recorded a podcast about our culture and how we empower our people. We've also been placed in the top 10 companies for senior leadership

Visit our UK perks hub - Octopus Employee Benefits

If this sounds like you then we'd love to hear from you.

P.S. Our process usually takes up to 4 weeks, but we’ll always do our best to flex around what works for you. Along the way, you’ll chat with our recruitment team and your Recruiter will help you throughout different stages. Got any burning questions before then? Drop us a message at [e-mail] and we’d love to help!

Are you ready for a career with us? We want to ensure you have all the tools and environment you need to unleash your potential. Need any specific accommodations? Whether you require specific accommodations or have a unique preference, let us know, and we'll do what we can to customise your interview process for comfort and maximum magic!

Studies have shown that some groups of people, like women, are less likely to apply to a role unless they meet 100% of the job requirements. Whoever you are, if you like one of our jobs, we encourage you to apply as you might just be the candidate we hire. Across Octopus, we're looking for genuinely decent people who are honest and empathetic. Our people are our strongest asset and the unique skills and perspectives people bring to the team are the driving force of our success. As an equal opportunity employer, we do not discriminate on the basis of any protected attribute. Our commitment is to provide equal opportunities, an inclusive work environment, and fairness for everyone.