Principal Data Scientist

NextEra Energy•Miami, FL

11h•Onsite

About The Position

The FPL Grid Optimization team is seeking a Principal Data Scientist to develop the analytical framework used to evaluate grid operating strategies, optimization performance, and the economic and reliability effects of planning and dispatch decisions. The role uses historical system data, optimization models, and scenario analysis to challenge operating assumptions and identify opportunities to improve generation commitment, maintenance scheduling, reserve strategies, fuel usage, battery utilization, and other system decisions. The position backtests operational strategies, develops forward-looking planning scenarios, and quantifies the cost and reliability implications of alternative decisions. It works closely with Grid Optimization, System Operations, Power Generation, Energy Marketing & Trading, and application development teams to translate analytical findings into changes to operating criteria, model inputs, and optimization methodologies. The successful candidate combines quantitative expertise with knowledge of economics, optimization, and electric power system operations. The role leads development of algorithms, modeling techniques, and optimization methods supporting NextEra and FPL business. It applies machine learning, optimization, statistics, applied mathematics, software engineering, distributed computing, and data storage infrastructure. This position is based at the LeJeune Flagler Office in Miami, Florida.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree.
At least 6 years of experience.
Strong quantitative skills and an understanding of economics, optimization, and electric power system operations.
Knowledge of machine learning, optimization, statistics, and applied mathematics.
Software engineering abilities, with a focus on distributed computing and data storage infrastructure.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree.
Doctoral degree.

Responsibilities

Provide thought leadership, set technical strategy, and identify possible uses of data science methods.
Explain methods and results to upper-level executives.
Develop machine learning, optimization, or other modeling solutions.
Oversee related employee work and learn new techniques being developed.
Prepare comprehensive documented observations, analyses, and interpretations of results, including technical reports, summaries, protocols, and quantitative analyses.
Work with big data and distributed computing platforms.
Develop software and contribute to product development.
Backtest operational strategies and develop forward-looking planning scenarios.
Quantify the cost and reliability implications of alternative planning and dispatch decisions.
Collaborate with Grid Optimization, System Operations, Power Generation, Energy Marketing & Trading, and application development teams to translate findings into operating criteria, model inputs, and optimization methodologies.
Perform other job-related duties as assigned.