Principal Power Systems Data Scientist

AECOM is seeking a Principal Power Systems Data Scientist to apply advanced analytics, AI/ML, and power systems expertise to support electric utilities and grid stakeholders. The role focuses on building data-driven solutions and predictive or optimization models across transmission and distribution planning, grid operations, asset management, and grid modernization, with clear communication to both technical and non-technical audiences.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development and application of advanced analytics, machine learning, and artificial intelligence solutions for transmission and distribution planning challenges.
• Analyze large and complex utility datasets, including load, outage, SCADA, AMI, DER, market, asset, and operational data to surface trends, risks, and planning opportunities.
• Develop forecasting models for load growth and emerging grid impacts such as electrification, distributed energy resources (DERs), electric vehicles, data centers, and related demand drivers.
• Partner with planners and engineers to strengthen power system studies using 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 for long-term transmission and distribution investment planning.
• Create analytical methodologies to assess renewable energy impacts, energy storage, grid modernization initiatives, and changing customer demand patterns.
• Build dashboards, visualization tools, and decision-support applications 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 and support the growth of AECOM’s Grid Modernization practice.
• Contribute to business development, including proposal preparation, thought leadership, and client engagement 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.

Required Qualifications

• BA/BS in Electrical Engineering, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Data Science, Applied Mathematics, or a related field, plus 6 years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of experience and education.
• 6 years of proven experience in power systems, utility analytics, data science, transmission planning, distribution planning, and grid operations.
• Demonstrated experience applying advanced analytics, statistical modeling, machine learning, or artificial intelligence techniques to address complex utility or energy industry problems.
• Knowledge of electric utility operations, transmission systems, distribution systems, planning processes, and grid modernization initiatives.
• Proven ability 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 for data analysis, machine learning, and predictive modeling.
• Proven experience developing forecasting models, optimization algorithms, scenario analyses, or decision-support, including dashboarding and visualization using tools such as Power BI, Tableau, or similar technologies.
• Masters Degree in Electrical Engineering, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Data Science, Applied Mathematics, or a related field.
• Experience supporting electric utilities, ISOs/RTOs, transmission owners, regulatory agencies, or large energy users.
• Knowledge of power system analysis tools including 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 areas such as 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.

Skills and Tools

• Python, R, SQL
• Power BI, Tableau
• PSS&E, TARA, PSLF, PowerWorld, CYME, Synergi, OpenDSS

Location, Compensation, and Experience

• Location: Chicago, IL (onsite)
• Salary: USD 130,000 - 160,000 per yearly
• Minimum Experience: 6 years

Benefits

• 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

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.

Day 1 Onboarding

All newly hired employees are required to attend an in-person Day 1 onboarding at an AECOM office location as a condition of employment.