Environmental Data Scientist

AECOM; North Carolina; Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

AECOM is seeking a PFAS Environmental Data Scientist in Raleigh, NC, delivering data-driven analysis for PFAS site investigations and remediation. You will support experimental design, data management, QA/QC, and ML model deployment, with exposure to cross-disciplinary projects.

The role focuses on building AI-enabled environmental data tools and large curated data libraries, contributing to PFAS forensics, and collaborating across geographies and business lines.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a quantitative field and 4+ years in environmental data analysis or equivalent
• Experience applying multivariate analyses and ML to PFAS forensics is preferred
• Proficiency in Python and SQL; experience with Power BI or similar BI tools

Responsibilities

• Provide scientific support for PFAS projects and CSMs
• Design and deploy ML and statistical applications for environmental data
• Build and maintain large, curated data libraries with QA/QC
• Develop ETL pipelines and relational databases for data integrity
• Prepare technical memos and client deliverables
• Collaborate with internal teams and external partners on PFAS studies
• Assist in data-driven experimental design and data evaluation

Skills

Multivariate statistics

Machine learning

Python

SQL

Power BI

EQuIS

GIS

Geospatial analysis

Data management

Laboratory data review

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Data Science or related field

Master’s degree recommended

Tools

ArcGIS Pro

Pandas

scikit-learn

Databricks

Snowflake

Git

Job description

Work with Us. Change the World.

At AECOM, we're delivering a better world. Whether improving your commute, keeping the lights on, providing access to clean water, or transforming skylines, our work helps people and communities thrive. We are the world's trusted infrastructure consulting firm, partnering with clients to solve the world’s most complex challenges and build legacies for future generations.

There has never been a better time to be at AECOM. With accelerating infrastructure investment worldwide, our services are in great demand. We invite you to bring your bold ideas and big dreams and become part of a global team of over 50,000 planners, designers, engineers, scientists, digital innovators, program and construction managers and other professionals delivering projects that create a positive and tangible impact around the world.

We're one global team driven by our common purpose to deliver a better world. Join us.

AECOM is seeking a dynamic Environmental Data Scientist to support PFAS chemistry consulting services and business development across the US West Region. This consulting position will primarily support PFAS-focused projects and initiatives within our Environment business line, with broad exposure to cross-disciplinary projects in other subjects and business lines.

This position is expected to begin in November 2026.

Job Description

AECOM is actively seeking a creative, highly talented PFAS Environmental Data Scientist for immediate employment as a hybrid in-office employee in Raleigh, NC. Please note this is an office position and would not involve routine laboratory analysis, though there may be opportunities for onsite field work and laboratory visits. The data scientist will support PFAS site investigation and remediation projects through contributions to experimental and sampling design, data management, quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC), statistical and geospatial analysis, and conceptual site model (CSM) development. More broadly, the role will also help build AECOM’s Environmental AI/ML capabilities, including AI-enabled tools for environmental data analysis and large-scale, curated environmental data libraries used to train, validate, and deploy ML models across projects. The candidate will have the opportunity to work on a wide range of projects across multiple business lines and geographies while developing their technical skills and exploring new interests. This role is integral to the growth of PFAS chemistry consulting services, building expertise in advanced analytical tools for PFAS forensics and characterization to address the broad variety of challenges posed by PFAS.

• Provide defensible scientific support for critical project decisions, especially related to PFAS source identification and apportionment, CSMs, and multivariate data analysis
• Design, develop, validate, and deploy machine learning, statistical, and generative AI applications for environmental science and engineering
• Build and maintain large-scale, curated libraries of environmental data (analytical, geospatial, hydrogeologic, and unstructured document data) with standardized schemas, metadata, data lineage, and QA/QC to support ML model training, validation, and reuse across projects
• Develop and maintain extract, transform, and load (ETL) pipelines and relational databases that ensure the quality, integrity, and traceability of environmental data
• Design and perform statistical tests to support anthropogenic background studies for PFAS and other constituents
• Engage with commercial laboratories and innovators in PFAS sensing to coordinate and advance innovative data applications
• Engage with a broad range of practitioners in industry and government to maintain currency in environmental analytical methodologies and data interpretation practices
• Support data evaluation, including regulatory comparison, and associated reporting for field investigation and remediation reports
• Aid in the data-driven experimental design and data evaluation for forensic fingerprinting, remediation decisions, custom bench-scale studies, and environmental fate and transport studies
• Develop project-specific data quality metrics and best practices for work plans, sampling design, sampling and analysis plans (SAPs), and quality assurance project plans (QAPPs)
• Solicit analytical laboratory services and evaluate electronic data deliverable (EDD) capabilities for project use
• Prepare technical memoranda and white papers to be included in client deliverables
• Facilitate collaboration within AECOM, across business lines and global geographies, and aid in developing relationships with external partners, including academic and commercial laboratories on a global scale
• Support AECOM’s global PFAS technical practitioners and academic or commercial partners in delivering meaningful research to address PFAS fate and transport, treatment, and risk related challenges.
• Identify, prototype, and help scale AI/ML-enhanced workflows with project teams
• Automate reporting deliverables, data validation, and data management workflows (e.g., Python, SQL, Power BI, EQuIS)

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Data Science, Statistics, Computer Science, Environmental Science or Engineering, Chemistry, Geology, or a related quantitative field and 4+years of relevant experience in environmental data analysis, data management, or environmental chemistry, or demonstrated equivalency of experience and/or education

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience applying multivariate statistical analyses and/or machine learning techniques to PFAS forensics and source apportionment
• Working knowledge of PFAS chemistry, including sources and use history, nomenclature, analytical methods (e.g., EPA Method 1633, EPA Method 537.1, total oxidizable precursor [TOP] assay, non-targeted analysis), and fate, transport, and precursor transformation processes
• Demonstrated experience building, validating, and documenting statistical or machine learning models using real-world scientific or environmental datasets
• Proficiency with Python (e.g., pandas, scikit-learn) and SQL, including building ETL pipelines and managing relational databases
• Experience in an environmental analytical laboratory (e.g., EPA methods, QA/QC data review) and/or laboratory EDD development
• Knowledge of environmental chemistry principles (e.g., environmental fate and transport)
• Knowledge of analytical chemistry principles (e.g., quality assurance and quality control)
• Working knowledge of instrumentation used for various classes of environmental analytes (e.g. GC/MS, ICP, GC-ECD, IC, etc.)
• Experience in developing and implementing digital tools and data analytics services
• Experience developing dashboards and data visualizations in Power BI or similar business intelligence tools
• Experience with statistical programming languages such as R or MATLAB
• Demonstrated leadership capabilities
• Master’s degree in a quantitative, environmental, or chemistry-related discipline
• Experience with environmental data management systems (e.g., EQuIS) and analytical data validation/usability assessments
• Experience with GIS and geospatial analysis tools (e.g., ArcGIS Pro, geopandas)
• Experience with cloud data platforms (e.g., Azure, Databricks, Snowflake), version control (Git), and MLOps practices
• Experience applying large language models (LLMs) and natural language processing, including document extraction and retrieval-augmented generation (RAG)
• Record of peer-reviewed publications or conference presentations

• Relocation is not available for this position.
• Sponsorship is not available for this position.
• Travel may be required based on client and project needs (<10%)

At AECOM, we are committed to maintaining a secure and trustworthy recruitment process and take any fraudulent hiring activity seriously. To support this commitment, all newly hired employees are required to attend an in-person Day 1 onboarding at an AECOM office location as a condition of employment.

About AECOM

AECOM is proud to offer comprehensive benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees. Depending on your employment status, AECOM benefits may include medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, disability benefits, paid time off, leaves of absences, voluntary benefits, perks, flexible work options, well-being resources, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, service recognition awards, retirement savings plan, and employee stock purchase plan.

AECOM is the global infrastructure leader, committed to delivering a better world. As a trusted professional services firm powered by deep technical abilities, we solve our clients’ complex challenges in water, environment, energy, transportation and buildings. Our teams partner with public- and private-sector clients to create innovative, sustainable and resilient solutions throughout the project lifecycle - from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm that had revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2025. Learn more at aecom.com.

What makes AECOM a great place to work

You will be part of a global team that champions your growth and career ambitions. Work on groundbreaking projects - both in your local community and on a global scale - that are transforming our industry and shaping the future. With cutting-edge technology and a network of experts, you’ll have the resources to make a real impact. Our award-winning training and development programs are designed to expand your technical expertise and leadership skills, helping you build the career you’ve always envisioned. Here, you’ll find a welcoming workplace built on respect, collaboration and community - where you have the freedom to grow in a world of opportunity.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in your potential and are here to help you achieve it. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.