Lead Data Scientist, Data Science

National Grid plc; New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 136,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

National Grid plc is seeking a Lead Data Scientist to guide the next generation of AI-enabled analytics across the Customer Organization. You will design RAG-driven solutions, build AI knowledge architectures, and partner with IT and operations to deploy AI capabilities in dashboards and business apps.

The role focuses on applying Generative AI, semantic modeling, and enterprise data platforms to transform how users explore insights and make decisions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's/Master’s/PhD in a quantitative field.
• Strong Python development skills for production analytics/AI.
• Experience with enterprise AI technologies and LLM APIs.
• Experience with RAG, vector search, knowledge stores, ML, and predictive modeling is desirable.
• Experience deploying solutions via APIs, dashboards or enterprise platforms.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement Retrieval-Augmented Generation solutions.
• Build AI knowledge architectures, vector stores, semantic models, and data repositories.
• Develop reusable AI skills, agents, copilots, and prompts for analytics workflows.
• Lead cost optimization for AI using storage, caching, and token management.
• Collaborate with engineering to deploy AI capabilities in apps and dashboards.

Skills

Python development

API integration

Data engineering

Machine learning

RAG

LLMs

Prompt engineering

SQL

Education

Bachelor's in Data Science/CS/Statistics

Master’s in Data Science/CS

PhD in a quantitative field

Tools

Snowflake

Databricks

Microsoft Fabric

OpenAI API

Job description

National Grid is hiring an Lead Data Scientist, for our Syracuse, Brooklyn, Hicksville NY or Waltham MA office. This is a Hybrid Role with work from home availability.

Every day we deliver safe and secure energy to homes, communities, and businesses. We are there when people need us the most. We connect people to the energy they need for the lives they live.

The pace of change in society and our industry is accelerating and our expertise and track record puts us in an unparalleled position to shape the sustainable future of our industry. To be successful we must anticipate the needs of our customers, reducing the cost of energy delivery today and pioneering the flexible energy systems of tomorrow. This requires us to deliver on our promises and always look for new opportunities to grow, both ourselves and our business.

Job Purpose

The Customer Performance Lab is seeking a highly motivated Lead Data Scientist to lead the next generation of AI-enabled analytics solutions across the Customer Organization.

This role will focus on applying Generative AI, machine learning, semantic modeling, and enterprise data platforms to transform how business users consume insights, interact with data, and make decisions. The successful candidate will develop AI-powered analytics solutions that leverage customer operational data, call transcripts, knowledge stores, and semantic layers to deliver scalable business value.

This position will partner closely with Customer Operations, IT, and Business Transformation teams to drive AI adoption and modernize the analytics experience

Key Accountabilities

• Design, develop, and optimize Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) solutions that combine AI models with enterprise knowledge stores, semantic layers, and operational data to improve response accuracy and business relevance.
• Build and maintain AI knowledge architectures, including metadata frameworks, vector stores, business glossaries, semantic models, and contextual data repositories that enable AI systems to understand Customer Operations data and processes.
• Develop reusable AI skills, agents, copilots, and prompt frameworks that automate analytical workflows, KPI interpretation, root cause analysis, dashboard generation, and insight discovery.
• Lead AI cost optimization initiatives by leveraging knowledge stores, retrieval patterns, caching strategies, model selection, and token management techniques to reduce operational expenses while maintaining performance.
• Partner with engineering teams to deploy AI capabilities into business applications, dashboards, and web-based solutions.
• Hands‑on experience building and deploying RAG (Retrieval-Augmented Generation) solutions.
• Experience with vector databases, embeddings, semantic search, and document retrieval techniques.
• Experience integrating LLMs through APIs such as OpenAI, Snowflake Cortex, Databricks AI, Anthropic, or similar platforms.
• Experience with prompt engineering, grounding, hallucination mitigation, and AI evaluation frameworks.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's, Master’s, PhD in Data Science, Computer Science, Statistics, Applied Mathematics, Engineering, or a related quantitative field.
• Strong Python development skills with demonstrated experience building production‑ready analytics, AI, automation, API integration, or data engineering solutions.
• Experience working with enterprise AI technologies, including AI/LLM APIs, prompt engineering, retrieval frameworks, AI assistants, copilots, or workflow automation solutions.
• Experience with Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG), vector search, knowledge stores, machine learning, statistical analysis, or predictive modeling is highly desirable.
• Experience deploying solutions through APIs, web applications, dashboards, or enterprise reporting platforms is preferred.
• Strong SQL and data platform experience, including data modeling, transformation, and optimization within modern cloud environments such as Snowflake, Databricks, Microsoft Fabric, or equivalent platforms.

More Information

MA: $153,000 - $180,000 a year DNY: $164,000 - $192,000 a year UNY: $136,000 - $160,000 a year.

National Grid utilizes an assessment that evaluates the job qualifications/characteristics using AI or statistically based scoring. For more information, please view NYC Local Law 144.

This position has a career path which provides for advancement opportunities within and across bands as you develop and evolve in the position; gaining experience, expertise and acquiring and applying technical skills. Candidates will be assessed and provided offers against the minimum qualifications of this role and their individual experience.

National Grid is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment regardless of protected class. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or any other protected status in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. National Grid maintains affirmative action programs for individuals with disabilities and protected veterans.

Our employment practices are designed to ensure that all individuals are treated fairly and with respect throughout the hiring process and during employment. National Grid complies with all applicable federal, state, and local anti‑discrimination laws. We are dedicated to fostering a workplace that is free from unlawful discrimination and harassment, and we encourage a culture of respect for all.

National Grid operates in both the UK and US, with a broad portfolio of energy businesses dedicated to providing safe, reliable, and sustainable power.

From electricity and gas transmission to advancing clean energy and modernising grids, our work covers every aspect of the energy system.

Our energy flows through absolutely everything we do

Life here at National Grid is more than just our purpose or our values, it’s everything we put into everything we do. It’s our commitment to diversity and inclusion; how we help our employees learn and grow; and how we partner with and support the communities where we live and work. It’s all this, and so much more.

We leverage our collective strengths to do meaningful BIG work so that we can be at the heart of a fair and affordable energy future.

Your salary is reviewed each year against the market for your role, skills, knowledge and experience.

Incentive

Annual performance plan or bonus (depending on your role) rewards your contribution to our success each year.

Retirement

Generous pension plan with company contributions up to 12%.

Private medical insurance for self and family.