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Tampa Electric is a subsidiary of Emera Inc., a family of energy companies which also includes TECO Peoples Gas and New Mexico Gas Company. Emera provides energy to residential and commercial customers in the United States, Canada, and the Caribbean, with career opportunities available in all of these locations.
POSITION CONCEPT:The Sr Data Scientist - Drone Diagnostics plays a critical role in achieving our safety, reliability, resilience and modernization goals for electric grid. Develops and applies advanced analytics, statistics, machine learning and domain-specific knowledge to transform complex utility data (smart meter, grid operational, geospatial and imagery) into actionable insights. Coordinates closely with the Drone and Diagnostics Center to identify grid performance risks and advise on proactive mitigation of equipment, system and operational failures ensuring safety, compliance, reliability, performance, affordability and resilience of the electric grid. Develops the vision for the Drone and Diagnostics Center to provide comprehensive grid performance insights which bridge data engineering, operations, system planning, maintenance, engineering and other grid functions.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities:- Lead the development, implementation and operation of analytics to monitor grid performance. Analytics will include the development and application of statistical and machine learning to detect, track and predict functional equipment and system failures in the distribution grid such as: Anomaly Detection utilizing multivariate statistical models and unsupervised learning algorithms, Time Series Analysis and Forecasting, Failure Mode Prediction utilizing classification models, Survival Analysis to estimate time to failure, Geospatial statistical analysis, Event Detection and Classification, Asset and system degradation modeling, causal inference to link asset failure with contributing factors, Statistical Process Control and others.
- Lead the development of analytics to achieve safety, compliance, reliability, performance, affordability and resilience goals for the electric grid. These analytics support the prioritization of maintenance in distribution grid and measurement of the impact of maintenance, track prioritized backlog of grid maintenance, capital improvement and operational improvements for stakeholders.
- Lead the direction for analytics in the new Diagnostic center collaborating closely with Technology (information and operational technology) department to develop data pipelines and architectures that support the acquisition, storage, and processing of large-scale grid data (e.g., SCADA, AMI, LiDAR, thermography, weather). This includes the geospatial acquisition of asset condition from patrols, Remote Sensing, the collection, processing and the application of Analytics on this data to inform work and operational changes.
- Lead development of analytics functions for Distribution grid models. This includes coordination with other electric system modeling stakeholders (Planning, DCC, DEO and others) to represent (computer model) the design/expected performance of the electric grid. The Sensing function is the establishment of requirements and the development of Sensing systems to measure the performance of the grid, this includes the communication, networking, storage and Analytics required to visualize the performance of the electric grid.
- Lead development of analytics for the support of Storm operations with a multi-year, multi-department roadmap to develop an improved estimation of expected damage, tracking of actual damage and outages in the grid, optimization of restoration, tracking of resources supporting restoration.
- Help define and execute the diagnostic center's data strategy, integrating statistical analysis and predictive modeling into grid reliability programs. Communicate and present to data science and utility operations teams, ensuring analytical outputs directly support operational objectives and reliability standards. Communicate findings and recommendations to grid owner/operators, senior leadership, regulatory stakeholders, aligning data-driven insights with business goals.
- Mentor others and foster a collaborative environment focused on innovation and technical rigor.
SUPERVISION None
RELATIONSHIPSKey Internal: Asset Management, AAOS, DEO, DCC, ECC, ECPM, SPP, ADI, Substation, Transmission operations and engineering (VP, directors, managers and program leads), IT/OT.
Key External: Consultants (Solution implementers, etc.), Contractors, Industry Associations, Vendors
QUALIFICATIONSEducationRequired: Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Data Science, Applied Mathematics or Statistics.
Preferred: Advanced degree (Master's or PhD) in data science, statistics, engineering and/or information systems representing a blend of data science and ability to apply data science to understand electric grid performance. Graduate course work in Machine Learning/AI, predictive modeling, time-series forecasting, power system reliability or risk analysis.
Licenses/CertificationsPreferred: Certified Analytics Professional, ESRI GIS Certification, Python for Data Science, Reliability related certification or related certification.
ExperienceRequired: 7 years of progressive work experience data science, analytics, machine learning engineering, with at least 2 years in the utility, energy or related sector.
Preferred: Electric utility engineering and operational, distribution grid asset experience with experience applying data science, analytics with interdisciplinary team of engineers, field operators and Information Technology teams.
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities (KSA)Required:- Broad knowledge and skills in Analytics and IT/OT system solutions (see preferred below) and a problem-solving mindset with a focus on actionable outcomes.
- The ability to explain technical findings to non-technical stakeholders and collaborate across operations, engineering and regulatory teams.
Preferred:- Knowledge of the following:
- Programming: Python, R, SQL.
- Tools/Platforms: Databricks, Azure, Snowflake, Copilot.
- Data Handling: Extraction, Loading and Transformation (ETL), large dataset manipulation, cloud storage and processing, APIs.
- Visualization: Power BI, ESRI Geospatial Analysis.
- Knowledge of statistical models (e.g., regression, time series forecasting, survival analysis, Bayesian methods) to detect patterns, estimate probabilities of failure, and quantify uncertainty in grid performance.
- Development of digital twins and grid simulations, using statistical models to calibrate, validate, and interpret electric grid behavior.
- Ability to apply hypothesis testing, anomaly detection, and probabilistic risk assessment techniques to evaluate system behavior and identify emerging reliability threats.
- Ability and strong knowledge of machine learning models (e.g., random forests, neural networks, gradient boosting) that complement statistical analysis for high-dimensional, multi-source grid data such as 3D LiDAR point cloud data and imagery.
OUR COMPETENCIES- Builds Strong, Collaborative Relationships
- Cultivates Innovation and Embraces Change
- Drives Operational Excellence for Customers
- Speaks Up on Safety, Health, and the Environment
- Takes Ownership & Acts with Integrity
- Thinks Strategically & Exercises Sound Judgement
WORKING CONDITIONSNormal office environment. Travel within the Tampa Electric Service Area.
#LI-SC1
TECO offers a competitive Benefits package!!Competitive Salary *401k Savings plan w/ company matching * Pension plan * Paid time off* Paid Holiday time * Medical, Prescription Drug, & Dental Coverage *Tuition Assistance Program * Employee Assistance Program * Wellness Programs * On-site Fitness Centers * Bonus Plan and more!
STORM DUTY REQUIREMENTS....Please make sure to read below!!! Responding to storms will be considered a condition of employment.TECO Energy and its companies serve a role in providing critical services to our community during an emergency. Team members are required to participate in the response/recovery activities related to emergencies/disasters to maintain service to our TECO Energy customers. Team members are required to work in their normal job duties or other assigned activities. Proper compensation will be made in accordance with the company's rules and procedures.
TECO Energy is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.TECO Energy is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by law, except where physical or mental abilities are a bona fide occupational requirement and the individual is unable to perform the essential functions of the position with reasonable accommodations.
In order to provide equal employment and advancement opportunities for all individuals, employment decisions at TECO Energy will be based on skills, knowledge, qualifications and abilities.
Pay Transparency Non-Discrimination StatementThe contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)
ADA policyIt is the policy of TECO Energy to provide reasonable accommodation for all qualified disabled individuals who are employees and applicants for employment, unless it would cause undue hardship. The corporation will adhere to applicable federal and state laws, regulations and guidelines, including, but not limited to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 and section 503 and 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1970s.
Application accommodationsApplicants may request reasonable accommodation in the application process five business days prior to the time accommodation is needed.
Pre-employment physical exams may be required for positions with bona fide job-related physical requirements regardless of disability. 
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