Data Scientist

WORK LOCATION
This position will be located at the Energy Center in Birmingham, AL. Candidates living outside of the Birmingham area may be considered with the expectation that they are able to successfully telework and are willing to travel to Birmingham four days per week.

JOB SUMMARY

Structuring and Analysis supports Commercial Operations and operating companies by providing solutions to complex challenges through advanced analytics and data science.

This position is responsible for collecting, organizing, mining, and analyzing complex datasets to generate actionable insights that enable informed decision-making and operational effectiveness. Specifically, this position is responsible for supporting Commercial Operations through risk analysis, data modeling, custom tool development and data science/analytics solutions which requires a working knowledge and expertise of mathematical principles and statistics, programming, effective communication, and the ability to monitor and implement industry trends to position Commercial Operations for growth and maturing in data science and AI.

The position requires a strong working knowledge of mathematical and statistical methods, and modern data science practices. Additionally, this role provides an opportunity to strengthen business acumen by actively observing a 24/7 operational trading floor while engaging with cross-functional teams to provide strategic support and identifying key drivers of performance and operational efficiency. Success in this role also depends on the ability to manage multiple analytic initiatives, translate technical results into clear business insights, and partner effectively with stakeholders across Commercial Operations, Planning, and operating companies.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead and coordinate the development analytics initiatives, including internal tools, modeling approaches, and decision-support methodologies.
• Partner with data scientists and business analysts to design experiments and analyses that test assumptions related to supply and demand side operational risk.
• Oversee development and application of predictive and prescriptive models to support commercial and operational decisions.
• Translate complex analytic outputs into clear, actionable insights for non-technical stakeholders.
• Collaborate with end users to identify business needs, gaps, and opportunities for improved analytics solutions.
• Stay current on emerging trends in AI, risk analytics, machine learning, and data science technologies relevant to the electric utility industry.
• Ensure analytics solutions are well-documented, maintainable, and aligned with business objectives and delivery timelines.

All major job responsibilities require strong quantitative, statistical, and analytical skills, combined with effective communication and project leadership capabilities.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

• A degree in an analytical field is required. Some examples include, but are not limited to data science, quantitative finance, economics, mathematics, statistics, computer science, engineering 
• An advanced degree in any of these fields is preferred.

Experience / Skills:

• Advanced statistical analysis skills, including multivariable analysis, optimization, and predictive modeling.
• Strong programming and technical competency in large-scale data analysis using Python, R, and SQL; experience with cloud-based analytics platforms such as Databricks is preferred.
• Experience designing, developing, testing, and documenting complex systems, including predictive models, machine learning algorithms, and decision-support tools.
• Demonstrated ability to work with large datasets and databases; familiarity with big data and data management technologies is a plus.
• Ability to solve ambiguous or open-ended problems by creating structure and delivering actionable insights.
• Strong consulting and project leadership skills with the ability to influence and collaborate across functions.
• Ability to build productive relationships and work in a fast-paced, competitive environment while handling multiple assignments and conflicting priorities
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment with consistent, on-time delivery.
• Continuous learner with an interest in emerging analytics and AI-assisted workflows
• Experience in the electric utility industry, particularly weather-driven impacts to power generation or commercial optimization, is a plus.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

This position requires very little travel.

About Southern Company

Southern Company (NYSE: SO) is a leading energy provider serving 9 million customers across the Southeast and beyond through its family of companies. Providing clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy with excellent service is our mission. The company has electric operating companies in three states, natural gas distribution companies in four states, a competitive generation company, a leading distributed energy solutions provider with national capabilities, a fiber optics network and telecommunications services. Through an industry-leading commitment to innovation, resilience and sustainability, we are taking action to meet customers' and communities' needs while advancing our goal of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Our uncompromising values ensure we put the needs of those we serve at the center of everything we do and are the key to our sustained success. We are transforming energy into economic, environmental and social progress for tomorrow. Our corporate culture has been recognized by a variety of organizations, earning the company awards and recognitions that reflect Our Values and dedication to service. To learn more, visit www.southerncompany.com. 

Southern Company invests in the well-being of its employees and their families through a comprehensive total rewards strategy that includes competitive base salary, annual incentive awards for eligible employees and health, welfare and retirement benefits designed to support physical, financial, and emotional/social well-being. This position may also be eligible for additional compensation, such as an incentive program, with the amount of any bonus/awards subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable incentive plan(s). A summary of the benefits offered for this position can be found here https://seo.nlx.org/southernco/pdf/SOCO-Benefits.pdf. Additional and specific details about total compensation and benefits will also be provided during the hiring process.

Southern Company is an equal opportunity employer where an applicant's qualifications are considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other basis prohibited by law.