Data Scientist - Innovation & Digital Factory

About the Role

As a Data Scientist at FirstEnergy, you will collaborate with other data scientists and data engineers using machine learning, artificial intelligence, and statistical methods to answer critical business questions and produce actionable insights. This role involves working on agile scrum squads, driving digital enablement, and solving tangible challenges related to utilities—such as voltages across transformers, soil conditions for poles, and vegetation near wires. You will tackle problems using diverse data types, qualities, and sources to create meaningful impacts for customers and employees.

Our digital projects benefit the community by improving the safety and reliability of electricity delivery across multiple areas:

• Customer: Create analytics to enhance customer satisfaction throughout their journey, from moving into a residence to managing bills and relocations.
• Transmission & Distribution: Develop algorithms to detect asset failures, reduce outages, and ensure reliable electricity delivery.
• Smart Meter: Provide customers with insights into their electric usage, enabling informed decisions while reducing threats and theft in the electric system.
• Vegetation: Analyze geospatial data and imagery to predict, forecast, and aggregate information supporting forestry specialists in improving grid reliability.

Responsibilities

• Develop Data Science products in an agile scrum squad, collaborating with Data Engineers, other Data Scientists, and business stakeholders.
• Build and test machine learning algorithms, forecasting/predictive algorithms, and optimization models.
• Transform and model a variety of data types, including tabular, text, streaming, geospatial, and large volumes.
• Perform hands-on text, quantitative, statistical, financial, and operational analysis.
• Deepen understanding of utilities structure and operations to answer business questions effectively.
• Identify new data sources and evaluate emerging technologies for data discovery and model development.
• Collaborate with technical staff and peers to implement and deploy scalable data solutions.
• Provide thought leadership by researching best practices, conducting experiments, and collaborating with industry leaders.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a quantitative discipline such as Computer Science, Machine Learning, Applied Statistics, or Mathematics; Master’s or PhD is beneficial.
• Experience with machine learning models (e.g., decision trees, random forests, neural networks) and evaluation metrics (e.g., F1 score, ROC AUC).
• Proficiency in Python; familiarity with Apache Spark is beneficial.
• Experience with linear regression modeling and statistical techniques (e.g., t-tests, confidence intervals).
• Experience in Agile/Scrum development with DevOps methodologies for rapid prototyping and cloud solution piloting.
• Strong presentation and communication skills, with the ability to explain complex analytical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.
• Ability to guide colleagues and lead research efforts in a cross-functional team.
• Experience building positive relationships and collaborating across functions.
• Willingness to travel throughout the organization and service territory and work extended hours as required.

Benefits

• Competitive pay plus incentive compensation.
• Company-sponsored pension plan.
• 401(k) savings plan with matching employer contribution.
• Choice of medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, and life insurance programs.
• Skills development training with tuition reimbursement.

FirstEnergy supports workforce diversity and is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, protected veteran status, or disability.