VP, Data Science - Weather and Climate
Sunairio
Data Science
USD 185k-215k / year + Equity
Posted on Apr 11, 2025
ABOUT SUNAIRIO
As the world transitions to renewable energy, the global economy will become more dependent on weather than at any point since the Industrial Revolution–and due to climate change, the weather that this future economy is tied to will be drastically different from the weather we’ve historically experienced. This means that managing weather-based risk–and weather-based variability–is the number #1 challenge facing the energy grid.
Sunairio’s mission is to provide the highest-fidelity intelligence into energy and grid risks by translating the highest-resolution datasets of weather and climate variability into commercially-useful applications. We curate and generate scientifically-validated, model-consistent, localized historical climate data and future climate simulations which can be instantly integrated into existing grid modeling workflows and widely used energy modeling tools. Sunairio also provides a suite of energy and energy market simulations (at both asset and grid-level) that covers the existing renewables fleet and major RTO/ISO regions. We work with renewable energy project owners, storage operators, energy buyers, energy suppliers, portfolio managers, traders, and utilities to deliver actionable insights into the hardest energy problems.
Sunairio’s mission is to provide the highest-fidelity intelligence into energy and grid risks by translating the highest-resolution datasets of weather and climate variability into commercially-useful applications. We curate and generate scientifically-validated, model-consistent, localized historical climate data and future climate simulations which can be instantly integrated into existing grid modeling workflows and widely used energy modeling tools. Sunairio also provides a suite of energy and energy market simulations (at both asset and grid-level) that covers the existing renewables fleet and major RTO/ISO regions. We work with renewable energy project owners, storage operators, energy buyers, energy suppliers, portfolio managers, traders, and utilities to deliver actionable insights into the hardest energy problems.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
The VP of Data Science–Weather and Climate, will be responsible for all aspects of quantitative meteorology and climate science. These responsibilities include:
- Overseeing the continuous improvement of Sunairio’s market-leading high-resolution probabilistic climate model
- Managing innovative R&D activities to extend Sunairio’s probabilistic forecast technology over new geographic and temporal domains–with a specific focus on weather that drives energy and power grid variability
- Supervising the organization, maintenance, and updating of all fundamental weather and climate data
- Maintaining a robust model validation protocol and benchmarking against major NWP, AI weather forecasts, and GCMs
- Generating original content for blog posts, white papers, and conference presentations that demonstrate the unique Sunairio value proposition
- Representing Sunairio at industry conferences and events
- Managing a team of data scientists and quantitative analysts
BASE SALARY
$185k - $215k / year
WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR
- A passion for building new approaches to weather forecasting and climate modeling
- 8+ years of experience in quantitative meteorology, NWP, or climate science
- 3+ years of experience managing a team of data scientists
- Expertise building probabilistic weather models using statistical and machine learning frameworks
- Strong background in machine learning and AI methods for downscaling and prediction
- MS/PhD in meteorology, atmospheric science, physics, or a related technical discipline
- Specific experience with atmospheric dynamics that affect variable energy resources (electricity demand, wind generation, solar generation, hydro)
- Understanding of probability theory and statistical inference as it relates to evaluating model performance
- Creative problem-solving, outstanding communication and organizational skills, and a commitment to excellence
- Experience with the Python scientific computing environment (Pandas/Numpy/SciPy)
- Intellectual curiosity
- Ability to work collaboratively and independently
- A deep understanding of the relationship between weather, climate, and grid risk
- Hands-on experience developing and implementing robust models and algorithms
WHAT WE OFFER
The opportunity to join an industry-disrupting startup on the ground floor–with significant equity compensation
The focus to work on innovative solutions to problems of critical importance
A truly collaborative team environment
The ability to help shape company culture
Competitive salary and incentive-based compensation plan
“Platinum” health insurance plan
401(k) with company match
Flexible vacation policy
Amazing swag
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Sunairio is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status, marital status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other legally protected status. We are committed to a diverse workforce and an inclusive workplace environment.
