Principal Power Systems Data Scientist

AECOM; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 130,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

AECOM Corporation in Chicago seeks a Principal Power Systems Data Scientist to apply advanced analytics, ML, and power-system expertise to grid planning, reliability, and modernization projects across North America.

You will lead data-driven solutions for load growth, DERs, data centers, and electrification, mentor engineers, and work with planners, regulators, and clients to translate complex analyses into actionable insights and strategic decisions.

Qualifications

• BA/BS in Electrical Engineering, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Data Science, Applied Mathematics, or related field + 6 years of related experience or demonstrated equivalency of experience and/or education
• 6 years of proven experience in power systems, utility analytics, data science, transmission planning, distribution planning, and grid operations
• Proven experience applying advanced analytics, statistical modeling, machine learning, or AI techniques to complex utility or energy challenges
• Knowledge of electric utility operations, transmission/distribution planning, and grid modernization initiatives
• Experience with large, complex datasets including asset, reliability, and planning data
• Proficiency with Python, R, SQL for data analysis and modeling
• Experience developing forecasting models, optimization, dashboards, and analytical tools (Power BI/Tableau)

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and application of advanced analytics, ML, and AI to address transmission and distribution planning challenges
• Analyze large utility datasets to identify trends, risks, and planning opportunities
• Develop forecasting models for load growth, electrification, and DER/EV impacts
• Collaborate with planners and engineers to enhance power system studies via data-driven approaches
• Support large-load and data center integration studies by evaluating growth scenarios and impacts
• Design and implement predictive models, optimization, and scenario analyses for long-term planning
• Develop methodologies to assess impacts of renewable energy, storage, and grid modernization
• Create dashboards and decision-support tools that translate analyses into business insights
• Evaluate emerging technologies and platforms to improve planning, operations, and asset management
• Mentor engineers and analysts to grow Grid Modernization practice
• Support BD activities, proposals, thought leadership, and client engagement in grid analytics
• Apply industry best practices while integrating analytics into planning and modernization programs

Skills

Power systems data science

Machine learning

Data analysis

Communication

Education

BA/BS in Electrical Engineering or related field

Masters degree (preferred)

Tools

Python

R

SQL

Power BI

Tableau

Job description

• Legal Entity: AECOM Technical Services Inc
• Business Line: Energy
• Work Location Model: Hybrid
• Primary Location: US - Chicago, IL - 130 East Randolph
• Compensation: USD 130,000 - USD 160,000 - yearly

Company 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.

Job Description

AECOM is seeking a Principal Power Systems Data Scientist to support electric utilities, transmission owners, distribution companies, ISOs/RTOs, renewable developers, government agencies, and large energy users across North America. This role focuses on applying advanced analytics, data science, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and power system expertise to solve complex challenges in transmission and distribution planning, grid operations, asset management, reliability, and grid modernization.

The successful candidate will lead the development of innovative, data-driven solutions that help clients address emerging challenges related to load growth forecasting, data center integration, distributed energy resources (DERs), renewable energy expansion, electrification, energy storage, resilience, and infrastructure investment planning.

This individual will serve as both a technical leader and trusted advisor, guiding the application of advanced analytical methods, predictive modeling, optimization techniques, and digital solutions to accelerate system planning and grid modernization efforts. The role requires the ability to communicate complex technical findings to diverse audiences, including utility leadership, regulators, engineers, planners, and non-technical stakeholders, while helping shape AECOM’s growing capabilities in power systems analytics and data science.

The job responsibilities of the position will include but are not limited to:

• Lead the development and application of advanced analytics, machine learning, and artificial intelligence solutions to address transmission and distribution planning challenges.
• Analyze large and complex utility datasets, including load, outage, SCADA, AMI, DER, market, asset, and operational data, to identify trends, risks, and planning opportunities.
• Develop forecasting models for load growth, electrification, distributed energy resources (DERs), electric vehicles, data centers, and other emerging grid impacts.
• Collaborate with planners and engineers to enhance power system studies through data-driven approaches, including reliability, resilience, asset health, capacity, and risk assessments.
• Support large-load and data center integration studies by evaluating growth scenarios, infrastructure requirements, and system impacts.
• Design and implement predictive models, optimization frameworks, and scenario analyses to support long-term transmission and distribution investment planning.
• Develop analytical methodologies to assess the impacts of renewable energy, energy storage, grid modernization initiatives, and evolving customer demand patterns.
• Create dashboards, visualization tools, and decision-support applications that enable clients to translate complex technical analyses into actionable business insights.
• Evaluate emerging technologies, advanced analytics platforms, and digital solutions to improve utility planning, operations, and asset management processes.
• Mentor engineers, and analysts while helping to build and grow AECOM’s Grid Modernization practice.
• Support business development activities, proposal preparation, thought leadership, and client engagement efforts related to grid analytics, digital transformation, and power system planning.
• Apply industry best practices and standards while integrating advanced analytical techniques into utility planning, reliability, and modernization programs.

Qualifications

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• BA/BSin Electrical Engineering, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Data Science, Applied Mathematics, orrelated field + 6years of related experienceor demonstrated equivalency of experience and/or education
• 6 years of proven experience in power systems, utility analytics, data science, transmission planning, distribution planning, and grid operations
• Proven experience applying advanced analytics, statistical modeling, machine learning, or artificial intelligence techniques to solve complex utility or energy industry challenges
• Demonstrated knowledge of electric utility operations, transmission systems, distribution systems, planning processes, and grid modernization initiatives
• Proven experience working with large and complex datasets, including utility operational, asset, customer, market, reliability, or planning data
• Proficiency with Python, R, SQL, or similar programming languages used for data analysis, machine learning, and predictive modeling
• Proven experience developing forecasting models, optimization algorithms, scenario analyses, or decision-support along with designing and developing dashboards, visualizations, and analytical tools using platforms such as Power BI, Tableau, or similar technologies

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Masters Degree inElectrical Engineering, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Data Science, Applied Mathematics, orrelated field
• Experience supporting electric utilities, ISOs/RTOs, transmission owners, regulatory agencies, or large energy users
• Knowledge of power system analysis tools such as PSS®E, TARA, PSLF, PowerWorld, CYME, Synergi, OpenDSS, or similar platforms
• Experience with cloud-based analytics environments, big data platforms, data engineering pipelines, or enterprise data architectures
• Expertise in load forecasting, large load and data center planning, DER hosting capacity analysis, grid resilience, or transmission and distribution planning analytics
• Familiarity with NERC reliability standards, regional planning requirements, utility regulatory processes, and industry best practices
• Published research, industry presentations, patents, or demonstrated thought leadership in power systems analytics, artificial intelligence, or grid modernization
• Professional Engineer (PE) license or advanced professional certifications related to analytics, data science, cloud technologies, or power systems

Additional Information

• Sponsorship for US employment authorization is not available now or in the future for this position.
• Relocation is not available for this position.

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.