Senior Data Scientist (Big Data)

Placements24; Mtubatuba Local Municipality; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Paid time off

Professional development budget

Remote-friendly culture

Home office stipend

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Data Scientist to join a fully remote team focused on energy analytics. You will build and deploy scalable ML models, create robust data pipelines, and translate complex data into actionable business insights from anywhere while supporting Richards Bay-adjacent operations.

The role emphasizes collaboration with stakeholders, data governance, and staying ahead in ML and Big Data technologies to drive strategic growth in the energy sector.

Qualifications

• Master's or Ph.D. in Data Science, Statistics, Computer Science, Mathematics, or a related quantitative field.
• 5+ years of professional experience in data science, with a strong focus on Big Data analytics.
• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python or R, including relevant libraries (e.g., scikit-learn, TensorFlow, PyTorch, Pandas).
• Extensive experience with Big Data technologies like Hadoop, Spark, Kafka, and distributed data processing frameworks.
• Experience with SQL and NoSQL databases.
• Proven ability to build, train, and deploy machine learning models.
• Familiarity with data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI, Matplotlib).
• Excellent analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills, especially in a remote work environment.
• Experience in the energy sector is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement advanced statistical and machine learning models to solve complex business problems.
• Analyze large, complex datasets from various sources to identify trends, patterns, and insights.
• Design, build, and maintain robust data pipelines for data ingestion, processing, and transformation using Big Data technologies.
• Collaborate with business stakeholders to understand their needs and translate them into data science requirements.
• Develop and deploy scalable machine learning models into production environments.
• Evaluate and select appropriate algorithms and tools for specific data science tasks.
• Communicate findings and recommendations clearly and effectively to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Stay current with the latest advancements in data science, machine learning, and Big Data technologies.
• Mentor junior data scientists and contribute to the team's knowledge base.
• Ensure data quality, integrity, and ethical use of data in all analyses and model development.

Skills

Big Data analytics

Machine learning

Data pipelines

Statistical analysis

Remote collaboration

Education

Master's or PhD in Data Science/Statistics/CS/Math

Tools

Python

R

scikit-learn

TensorFlow

PyTorch

Pandas

Hadoop

Spark

Kafka

SQL

NoSQL

Tableau

Power BI

Matplotlib

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leader in renewable energy analytics, is looking for a Senior Data Scientist with expertise in Big Data technologies to join their innovative team. This fully remote position offers the unique opportunity to leverage vast datasets to drive critical business decisions and develop predictive models for the energy sector. The successful candidate will be instrumental in extracting actionable insights, building sophisticated machine learning models, and contributing to the company's strategic growth. This role is perfect for a self-motivated individual who thrives in a remote setting and possesses a deep passion for data-driven problem-solving. We are seeking someone who can transform complex data into clear, impactful business strategies, working from anywhere while being an integral part of our Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal adjacent operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement advanced statistical and machine learning models to solve complex business problems.
• Analyze large, complex datasets from various sources to identify trends, patterns, and insights.
• Design, build, and maintain robust data pipelines for data ingestion, processing, and transformation using Big Data technologies.
• Collaborate with business stakeholders to understand their needs and translate them into data science requirements.
• Develop and deploy scalable machine learning models into production environments.
• Evaluate and select appropriate algorithms and tools for specific data science tasks.
• Communicate findings and recommendations clearly and effectively to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Stay current with the latest advancements in data science, machine learning, and Big Data technologies.
• Mentor junior data scientists and contribute to the team's knowledge base.
• Ensure data quality, integrity, and ethical use of data in all analyses and model development.

Requirements

Master's or Ph.D. in Data Science, Statistics, Computer Science, Mathematics, or a related quantitative field. 5+ years of professional experience in data science, with a strong focus on Big Data analytics. Proficiency in programming languages such as Python or R, including relevant libraries (e.g., scikit-learn, TensorFlow, PyTorch, Pandas). Extensive experience with Big Data technologies like Hadoop, Spark, Kafka, and distributed data processing frameworks. Experience with SQL and NoSQL databases. Proven ability to build, train, and deploy machine learning models. Familiarity with data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI, Matplotlib). Excellent analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. Strong communication and collaboration skills, especially in a remote work environment. Experience in the energy sector is a plus.

Benefits

This fully remote position offers a highly competitive salary, comprehensive health insurance, and generous paid time off. Employees have access to a substantial budget for professional development, including conferences, courses, and certifications. Our client fosters a culture of innovation and autonomy, providing the tools and support needed to excel in a remote setting. While the company has ties to Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal, this role is entirely remote, offering flexibility and work-life balance. You will be part of a forward-thinking organization shaping the future of energy through data. Benefits include flexible working hours, home office stipends, and opportunities for career advancement based on merit and contribution. We value diverse perspectives and encourage applications from all qualified individuals.