Senior Data Scientist, Data Science

About us

National Grid is hiring a Senior Data Scientist for Electric Load Forecasting. This position can be based out of Waltham, MA or Hicksville, NY office. 

Every day we deliver safe and secure energy to homes, communities, and businesses. We are there when people need us the most. We connect people to the energy they need for the lives they live. The pace of change in society and our industry is accelerating and our expertise and track record puts us in an unparalleled position to shape the sustainable future of our industry.   

To be successful we must anticipate the needs of our customers, reducing the cost of energy delivery today and pioneering the flexible energy systems of tomorrow. This requires us to deliver on our promises and always look for new opportunities to grow, both ourselves and our business. 

Job Purpose

The Load Forecasting & Analytics team produces electric and gas forecasts for National Grid. As a Senior Data Scientist specializing in Electric Load Forecasting, you will be responsible for developing long-term electric load forecasts at both system and distribution feeder levels. You will ensure the forecasts incorporate existing and new distributed energy resources, demand-side management, electrification load, other technologies as appropriate, and policies. You will collaborate with internal stakeholders including Supply Procurement, Engineering, Regulatory, Strategy, Finance, and others to ensure the forecasts meet the needs of our stakeholders and reflect latest information on studies, programs, plans, and policies. Additionally, you will support regulatory work, e.g. Electric Grid Modernization Plan, rate case, for items related to electric load forecasting.  

Key Accountabilities

•    Develop long-term Electric Load Forecasts at the system and feeder level using econometric models, time series models, regression analysis, and machine learning models, as appropriate.  

•    Perform exploratory analysis of large complex data sets to derive insights and valuable actions 

•    Ensure the forecasts properly account for distributed energy resources and new technologies and policies (e.g. energy efficiency, demand response, electrification of heat, PV, EV, etc.).  

•    Perform additional analysis relating to the forecast as necessary.  

•    Discover business narrative told by the data and be able to present them to peer data scientists, business stakeholders, and managers at various levels. 

Provide expert testimony before regulators and defend the forecasts. Respond to data request from regulatory bodies for rate cases and other proceedings.   

•    Assist with code review and quality assurance activities.  

•    Document and archive models and scrips (e.g., using Git/Bitbucket) to enable ongoing support.  
•    The position of senior requires the ability to work independently and communicate to both internal and external stakeholders to present and defend results.  The ability to speak to both technical and non-technical persons to present projects is essential.  
•    Update forecast processes and documentation to ensure they are efficient, reviewable, and reliable.  
•    Collaborate with internal stakeholders (including supply, engineering, regulatory, strategy) regarding forecast methodology and analysis and ensure our deliverables meet their needs.   
•    Stay current in all policies, regulatory requirements, market trends, and industry standards regarding customer energy use and technologies and programs impacting that use, such as energy efficiency and demand response. 

•    Work on researching, implementing, and delivering of items that meet regulatory requirements including the Massachusetts Electric Sector Modernization Plans, meeting the the New York climate plan, Distributed System Implementation Plan, etc. 

Qualifications

•    A Bachelor’s degree (Master’s or PhD preferred; work experience preferred for Bachelor’s and Master’s degree) in economics, statistics, mathematics, applied analytics, operation research, meteorology, engineering, or related quantitatively rigorous field. 

•    Demonstrated experience with regression analysis, econometric models, or other forecasting modeling techniques is preferred.  

•    Expertise in statistical programming software such as Python, SAS, or R is required. Advanced SQL skills preferred. Experiences with Git/Bitbucket, Azure, Databricks is preferred. Advanced Excel skills preferred.  

•    Experience in energy forecasting, energy related industry, or in a regulated setting with direct interaction with regulators preferred.   

•    Experience with policy or forecasting distributed resources (e.g. PV, EV, energy efficiency, demand response, electrification of heat, etc.) preferred. 

•    Good understanding of National Grid’s operations and the regulatory environment preferred. 
•    Strong written and verbal communication skills including the ability to testify before regulators and respond to regulatory data requests.  Ability to explain complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.  

More Information

This position has a career path which provides for advancement opportunities within and across bands as you develop and evolve in the position; gaining experience, expertise and acquiring and applying technical skills. Candidates will be assessed and provided offers against the minimum qualifications of this role and their individual experience. 
National Grid is an equal opportunity employer that values a broad diversity of talent, knowledge, experience and expertise.  We foster a culture of inclusion that drives employee engagement to deliver superior performance to the communities we serve.  National Grid is proud to be an affirmative action employer. We encourage minorities, women, individuals with disabilities and protected veterans to join the National Grid team.   
 

Salary

Waltham $130,000 - $153,000 or Hicksville $139,000 - $164,000 a year.

This position has a career path which provides for advancement opportunities within and across bands as you develop and evolve in the position; gaining experience, expertise and acquiring and applying technical skills. Internal candidates will be assessed and provided offers against the minimum qualifications of this role and their individual experience.