Senior Data Scientist (AI/ML Focus)

Placements24; Mtubatuba Local Municipality; Hybrid; ZAR 800,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote-first role

Health insurance

Professional development budget

Work-life balance

Career advancement

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Senior Data Scientist to lead AI/ML initiatives in the renewable energy space. You will develop predictive models, transform large datasets, and collaborate with engineers to deploy solutions that optimize energy generation and distribution.

You will mentor junior data scientists, stay at the forefront of AI/ML research, and contribute to data-driven business strategies. The role supports remote work with potential collaboration near Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in CS, statistics, mathematics or a related quantitative field.
• 5+ years hands-on data science experience with ML model development and deployment.
• Proficiency in Python and ML libraries (scikit-learn, TensorFlow, PyTorch, Pandas, NumPy).
• Experience with big data tech (Spark, Hadoop) and SQL.
• Cloud ML services experience (AWS/Azure/GCP) is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement advanced ML models for forecasting, optimization, and anomaly detection in energy systems.
• Clean, transform, and analyze large, complex datasets from various sources.
• Design and execute A/B tests to validate model performance and impact.
• Collaborate with software engineers to deploy models into production.
• Communicate findings to technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Stay updated with AI/ML research and apply it to business problems.
• Build data pipelines and ETL processes ensuring data quality.
• Mentor junior data scientists and contribute to team growth.

Skills

Python

scikit-learn

TensorFlow

PyTorch

Pandas

NumPy

Big data

SQL

Cloud ML services

Education

Master's or PhD in CS/Stats/Math

Tools

Spark

Hadoop

AWS

Azure

GCP

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a pioneering firm in the renewable energy sector, is seeking an innovative Senior Data Scientist with a strong focus on Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning. This role is crucial for developing predictive models and data-driven insights to optimize energy generation and distribution. You will leverage vast datasets to build, train, and deploy sophisticated ML models, working closely with engineering and operational teams. The ideal candidate possesses a strong analytical mindset, exceptional programming skills, and a proven ability to translate complex data into actionable business strategies. This is a remote-first position, offering a unique opportunity to shape the future of sustainable energy from anywhere, with potential collaboration with teams near Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal .

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement advanced machine learning models for forecasting, optimization, and anomaly detection in energy systems.
• Clean, transform, and analyze large, complex datasets from various sources.
• Design and execute A/B tests and other experiments to validate model performance and impact.
• Collaborate with software engineers to deploy models into production environments.
• Communicate findings and recommendations clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Stay current with the latest advancements in AI/ML research and apply them to business problems.
• Build data pipelines and ETL processes to ensure data quality and accessibility.
• Mentor junior data scientists and contribute to the team's technical growth.

Requirements

• Master's or PhD in Computer Science, Statistics, Mathematics, or a related quantitative field.
• 5+ years of hands-on experience in data science, with a strong emphasis on ML model development and deployment.
• Proficiency in Python and relevant libraries (e.g., scikit-learn, TensorFlow, PyTorch, Pandas, NumPy).
• Experience with big data technologies (e.g., Spark, Hadoop) and SQL.
• Solid understanding of statistical modeling, data mining, and machine learning algorithms.
• Experience with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP) and their ML services is highly desirable.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and critical thinking skills.
• Strong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to explain complex concepts to diverse audiences.
• Experience in the energy sector is a plus.

Benefits

• As a remote-first role, this position offers unparalleled flexibility.
• Our client provides a competitive salary, comprehensive health insurance, and performance-based bonuses.
• Employees benefit from a generous budget for professional development, including conferences and online courses.
• A strong emphasis on work-life balance and a collaborative, innovative company culture are core to our client's values.
• Opportunities for career advancement within a rapidly growing and impactful industry are significant.
• This role is based remotely, supporting operations potentially linked to Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal.