Senior Data Scientist - Energy Analytics (Remote)

Placements24; Randburg; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement savings

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Data Scientist to join a globally distributed team in a fully remote role based in South Africa. You will analyze large energy datasets, build predictive models, and deliver actionable insights.

You will collaborate with engineers and domain experts, translate complex results for stakeholders, and mentor junior data scientists while driving new data products and scalable analytics across the energy sector.

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in CS/Stats/Math/Physics or related quantitative field.
• 6+ years of professional Data Science experience with a focus on energy datasets.
• Proficiency in Python or R with ML libraries (scikit-learn, TensorFlow, PyTorch, pandas).
• Strong SQL and NoSQL experience.
• Data visualization skills (Tableau/Power BI/Matplotlib).
• Solid understanding of statistics, ML algorithms, and experimental design.
• Experience with big data tools (Spark/Hadoop) is a plus.
• Excellent communication for remote collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Develop, train, and deploy ML models for energy forecasting, anomaly detection, predictive maintenance, and customer analytics.
• Perform data mining and statistical analysis on energy datasets (smart meters, SCADA, market data).
• Design and implement ETL data pipelines.
• Create dashboards to communicate insights and trends.
• Collaborate with engineers to integrate models into production systems.
• Mentor junior data scientists and shape best practices.
• Stay updated with advances in data science and big data tech.
• Present findings to stakeholders at all levels.
• Ensure data quality, integrity, and security.

Skills

Python

R

scikit-learn

TensorFlow

PyTorch

pandas

SQL

NoSQL

Data visualization

Communication

Education

Master's or PhD in CS/Stats/Math/Physics

Tools

Tableau

Power BI

Matplotlib

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leader in data-driven energy solutions, is seeking a talented and innovative Senior Data Scientist to join their globally distributed team. This is a fully remote position, offering you the chance to leverage your advanced analytical skills from anywhere within South Africa . You will focus on extracting actionable insights from large, complex datasets related to energy consumption, generation, grid performance, and market trends. Your work will directly influence strategic decisions, optimize operational efficiency, and drive the development of new data products and services in the energy sector. This role demands a strong foundation in machine learning, statistical modeling, and data visualization, coupled with the ability to communicate findings effectively to both technical and non-technical audiences. As a remote-first role, strong self-discipline and communication are paramount.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, train, and deploy machine learning models for applications such as energy forecasting, anomaly detection, predictive maintenance, and customer behavior analysis.
• Perform complex data mining and statistical analysis on diverse energy datasets (e.g., smart meter data, SCADA, market data).
• Design and implement data pipelines for data extraction, transformation, and loading (ETL).
• Create compelling data visualizations and dashboards to communicate insights and trends.
• Collaborate with software engineers and domain experts to integrate models into production systems.
• Identify new opportunities for leveraging data analytics to improve business outcomes and create value.
• Mentor junior data scientists and contribute to the team's technical best practices.
• Stay current with the latest advancements in data science, machine learning, and big data technologies.
• Present findings and recommendations to stakeholders at all levels of the organization.
• Ensure data quality, integrity, and security throughout the analytical process.

Requirements

• A Master's degree or PhD in Computer Science, Statistics, Mathematics, Physics, or a related quantitative field.
• A minimum of 6 years of professional experience as a Data Scientist, with a significant focus on energy-related data.
• Expertise in programming languages such as Python or R, and relevant libraries (e.g., scikit-learn, TensorFlow, PyTorch, pandas).
• Strong experience with SQL and NoSQL databases.
• Proficiency in data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI, Matplotlib).
• Solid understanding of statistical modeling, machine learning algorithms, and experimental design.
• Experience with big data technologies (e.g., Spark, Hadoop) is a plus.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to translate business problems into data science solutions.
• Exceptional communication and presentation skills for effectively conveying complex results in a remote setting.
• Proven ability to work independently, manage priorities, and deliver high-quality results in a remote work environment.

Benefits

This fully remote position offers unparalleled flexibility and the opportunity to work with cutting-edge technology. Our client provides a highly competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package, including medical aid and retirement savings plans. We are committed to employee growth, offering access to online courses, conferences, and professional development opportunities. You will be part of an innovative and collaborative team, contributing to solutions that shape the future of the energy industry in South Africa and beyond.