Principal Power Systems Data Scientist

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

Job summary

AECOM is seeking a Principal Power Systems Data Scientist to help utilities and energy stakeholders solve complex challenges in grid planning, operation, and modernization.

You will lead data-driven solutions, guide predictive modeling, and mentor analysts while shaping AECOM’s Grid Modernization capabilities across North America.

Qualifications

• BA/BS in EE, ECE, CS, Data Science or related field plus 6 years of relevant experience.
• 6 years of proven experience in power systems, utility analytics, data science, transmission and distribution planning.
• Experience applying advanced analytics, statistical modeling, ML or AI to energy challenges.
• Knowledge of electric utility operations, planning processes, and grid modernization.
• Experience with large, complex datasets across utility domains.
• Proficiency with Python, R, SQL for data analysis and modeling.
• Experience developing forecasting models, optimization, dashboards with Power BI/Tableau.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of advanced analytics and AI solutions for transmission and distribution planning.
• Analyze large utility datasets to identify trends, risks, and opportunities.
• Develop forecasting models for load growth, electrification, and DERs.
• Collaborate with planners and engineers to enhance studies through data-driven methods.
• Support data center integration studies and grid modernization efforts.
• Create dashboards and decision-support apps translating analyses into business insights.
• Evaluate emerging analytics platforms and digital solutions for utility planning.
• Mentor engineers and analysts within Grid Modernization practice.

Skills

Python

R

SQL

Machine learning

Data analysis

Power systems

Forecasting

Visualization

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related field

Master's degree preferred

Tools

Power BI

Tableau

OpenDSS

PSS/E

CYME

Cloud platforms (AWS/Azure)

Job description

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.

• 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/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 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 in Electrical Engineering, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Data Science, Applied Mathematics, or related 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.

Offered rate of compensation will be based on individual education, qualifications, experience, and work location. The range for this position is $130000 to $160000.

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 the following:

• 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
• employee stock purchase plan

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.

ReqID: J10162687

Business Line: Energy

Business Group: DCS

Strategic Business Unit: East

Career Area: Digital & Engineering Technology

Work Location Model: Hybrid

Compensation: USD 130000 - USD 160000 - yearly