Principal Geospatial Data Scientist
Location(s):
Juno Beach, FL, US, 33408
Houston, TX, US, 77002
Position Specific Description
NextEra Energy is a Fortune 200 company that owns Florida Power & Light Company, the largest electric utility in the United States, serving approximately 12 million residents in Florida. Our diverse energy portfolio includes natural gas, nuclear, renewable energy, and battery storage solutions. With a strong commitment to meeting America’s evolving energy needs sustainably, NextEra Energy Resources, LLC, is a leader in energy infrastructure development. Ready to make a meaningful impact? Join our team to elevate your career.
The Principal Geospatial Data Scientist for the Enterprise NEE.GIS Geospatial DataOps team will drive innovation by integrating cutting-edge data science methodologies, including machine learning (ML), deep learning (DL), and artificial intelligence (AI), into geospatial analytics. This role involves leading cross-functional teams to design, build, and deliver advanced geospatial data and analytics solutions, enhancing operational efficiency and strategic decision-making.
We place a strong emphasis on expertise in current technologies and processes, coupled with a proven track record of innovation. Ideal candidates will have extensive experience in geospatial data management and analytics, and demonstrate a passion for developing groundbreaking analyses, processes, or tools utilizing advanced data science techniques.
Key Responsibilities
The Principal Geospatial Data Scientist leads complex geospatial data projects by deploying advanced analytical techniques and modeling. This role involves transforming raw spatial data into strategic insights to drive decision-making and business innovation.
Acquire and preprocess geospatial data from diverse sources, including satellite imagery, GIS, vendors, and governmental agencies; automate workflows where feasible.
Develop and apply sophisticated statistical models and machine learning algorithms to perform large-scale spatial data analyses.
Design and implement dynamic visualizations—apps, dashboards, maps, and charts—to effectively communicate geospatial insights to non-technical audiences.
Collaborate with cross-functional stakeholders to discern data requirements and develop tailored solutions.
Construct predictive models to forecast spatial trends and patterns; continuously refine and advance model efficacy.
Synthesize varied data sources into unified geospatial datasets; ensure data integrity through routine audits and quality assurance.
Stay abreast of cutting-edge geospatial analytics techniques and GIS technology advancements.
Innovate by exploring new data sources and methodologies within geospatial analysis.
Perform additional job-related duties as necessary.
Preferred Qualifications:
Possess expert knowledge of coordinate reference systems, including their reprojections and conversions, with a focus on understanding the implications of accuracy and performance impact on large-scale geospatial data analytics.
Proven experience in national or global scale data analysis and modeling.
Proficient in programming languages, notably Python; familiarity with version control systems like Git and Agile methodologies.
Expertise in Safe Software FME and Esri Enterprise GIS platforms, as well as cloud computing environments like AWS, leveraging Kubernetes.
Extensive experience with machine learning, deep learning, and artificial intelligence applications.
Ability to coordinate multifaceted analysis projects with various subject matter experts to achieve cost-effective and competitive outcomes.
Background in the Energy sector, particularly in Oil & Gas, Renewables, or Utilities.
Desired Qualifications
GISP and/or ASPRS CMS Certifications
DASCA or similar certification
Master’s Degree
Doctoral Degree
Experience: 10+ years
Job Overview
This position is responsible for leading the development of algorithms, modeling techniques, and optimization methods that support many aspects of NextEra and FPL business. Employees in this role use knowledge of machine learning, optimization, statistics, and applied mathematics along with abilities in software engineering with a focus on distributed computing and data storage infrastructure (i.e., “Big Data”).
Job Duties & 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, optimizations or other modeling solutions
Oversee related employee work, learn new techniques being developed
Prepares comprehensive documented observations, analyses and interpretations of results including technical reports, summaries, protocols and quantitative analyses
Works with big data and distributed computing platforms
Develops software and contributes to product development
Performs other job-related duties as assigned
Required Qualifications
Bachelor’s Degree
Experience: 6+ years
Preferred Qualifications
Master’s Degree
Doctoral Degree
