Senior Data Scientist - Energy Analytics (Remote)

Placements24; Pretoria; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote work

Professional development budget

Equity potential

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Data Scientist to lead remote energy analytics initiatives across the Oil & Gas sector. This role focuses on deploying ML models, handling large datasets, and delivering data-driven insights that influence maintenance and operations.

Ideal candidates hold a PhD or Master’s in a quantitative field with 8+ years of experience. Strong Python/R, Spark, Hadoop, and SQL skills are required, with remote collaboration and a global impact in a fully remote setting.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or Master's in Data Science, CS, Statistics or related field.
• 8+ years of professional data science experience with impactful analytics.
• Proficiency in Python or R and data science libraries.
• Strong experience with Spark/Hadoop and SQL databases.

Responsibilities

• Develop ML models for predictive analytics and anomaly detection.
• Analyze large datasets from sensors, logs, and financial records.
• Data cleansing, feature engineering, and model validation.
• Collaborate with engineers and stakeholders to define problems.
• Communicate findings via visualizations to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Stay updated on ML/AI advances and champion adoption.

Skills

Python

R

Big data analytics

Data visualization

Remote collaboration

Education

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

Tools

scikit-learn

TensorFlow

PyTorch

Spark

Hadoop

SQL

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking an innovative Senior Data Scientist to lead their remote energy analytics initiatives. In this fully remote position, you will leverage advanced statistical techniques and machine learning algorithms to extract actionable insights from vast datasets within the Oil & Gas sector. Your work will directly influence operational efficiency, predictive maintenance, and strategic decision-making across the organization. This role is ideal for a self-motivated individual who thrives on solving complex problems using data and enjoys the collaborative, flexible environment of a remote-first company, operating from anywhere with a strong internet connection.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement machine learning models for predictive analytics, anomaly detection, and optimization in energy operations.
• Analyze large, complex datasets from various sources (e.g., sensor data, production logs, financial records) to identify trends and patterns.
• Design and execute data mining strategies, including data cleansing, feature engineering, and model validation.
• Collaborate with domain experts, engineers, and business stakeholders to define analytical problems and deliver data-driven solutions.
• Communicate complex findings and recommendations clearly through visualizations and presentations to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in data science, machine learning, and AI, and champion their adoption within the team.

Requirements

• Ph.D. or Master's degree in Data Science, Computer Science, Statistics, or a related quantitative field.
• 8+ years of professional experience in data science, with a proven track record of delivering impactful analytical solutions.
• Expertise in programming languages such as Python or R, and proficiency with data science libraries (e.g., scikit-learn, TensorFlow, PyTorch).
• Strong experience with big data technologies (e.g., Spark, Hadoop) and SQL databases.
• Demonstrated ability to manage data science projects from conception to deployment in a remote setting.
• Experience in the Oil & Gas or broader energy sector is highly desirable.

Benefits

• Exceptional salary package with comprehensive benefits and potential for equity.
• Full remote work arrangement with flexibility in working hours.
• Generous professional development budget for courses, conferences, and certifications.
• Access to cutting-edge technology and cloud computing resources.
• A collaborative and intellectually stimulating remote work culture focused on innovation and impact, regardless of your physical location near Pretoria .