Principal Data Scientist Full Time

Reading, Oxfordshire
Equal Approach Ltd

SSE has big ambitions to be a leading energy company in a low carbon world. Following our commitment to invest £20.5 billion in low carbon projects to 2027, we have significant growth plans and are well on our way to achieving our ambition to build a world that’s more sustainable and inclusive for you, your family, the community you live in and for generations to come.

Join us on our journey to net zero and help us power change.

About the Role

Base Location: Reading, Havant, Glasgow, Perth .

Salary: £55,200 – £83,000 + performance-related bonus and a range of benefits to support your finances, wellbeing and family.

Working Pattern: Permanent Full Time Flexible First options available

This role will lead the AI Centre of Excellence focusing on delivering value from AI across SSE.

The AI COE sits within the wider data & analytics team, which includes our analytic development teams, data architects, cloud DevOps engineers, lead management, data management and portfolio management. You will build innovative proof of concepts for complex industrial problems across our key business units including Generation (Hydro, Offshore wind, Onshore wind, Gas, Coal), Transmission, Distribution (including Smart Grid), Trading, B2B supply, Enterprise (including Smart cities, Telco, Rail).

Key Responsibilities:

1. Creates and implements standards, frameworks, and ways of working for AI solutions in business environments, considering scalability, reliability, and security.
2. Performs thorough testing and evaluation of AI models to ensure their performance meets the desired business objectives and compliance with regulatory requirements.
3. Continuously monitors the performance of deployed AI systems, supporting business unit delivery teams in making necessary improvements and updates.
4. Stays updated with the latest advancements in AI technologies to identify their potential applications in the organization.
5. Collaborates with data scientists, software engineers, and other stakeholders to integrate AI capabilities into existing systems and workflows.

What do I need?

To be considered for this role, we would love you to have:

1. Extensive experience designing and implementing AI solutions with a focus on machine learning techniques, deep learning, and preferably also including use of generative AI methods and models.
2. Proficiency in programming languages and popular AI/ML frameworks and models (i.e., Apache Spark, Python, R, JavaScript, C++, TensorFlow, PyTorch, Gemini, OpenAI, Llama, and BERT variants) – including adaptability and willingness to learn new AI technologies and techniques.
3. Familiarity with database warehouse and data engineering concepts (i.e., data pipelines, data lakehouse) and usage of AI services on cloud platforms (such as Azure, AWS, and GCP).
4. Strong analytical and creative problem-solving skills, particularly in applying state of the art data science and AI to solve business problems.
5. Ability to effectively communicate technical information to business executives, supporting technical demos, workshops/briefings, and mentoring and evaluating the work of others.

About our Business

SSE IT underpins the technology needs of all the different businesses that make up the SSE group. From emerging technologies to data and analytics to cyber security – we power SSE’s growth and enable it to generate value, while keeping it secure. As a trusted business partner that helps SSE lead in a low carbon world, we are proud of our service. Working for SSE IT is all about equipping SSE for now and the future.

What’s in it for you?

We offer an excellent package with 34 days annual leave entitlement. Enhanced maternity/paternity leave, discounted healthcare, salary sacrifice car leasing and much more, view our full benefits package on our careers site.

As an equal opportunity employer we encourage diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We encourage applicants from all protected characteristics and commit to providing any reasonable adjustments you need during the application, assessment and upon joining SSE. Search for ‘ Inclusion & Diversity at SSE ‘ to find out more.

Further actions

All applications should be made online, and I’ll be back in touch after the vacancy closing date to let you know the outcome.

If you would like to discuss any working flexibly requirements or adjustments you may require throughout the recruitment and selection process, please contact David Brickell on .

Before commencing your role with SSE, you’ll need to complete our pre-employment screening process. This will consist of a criminality and credit check.