Sr. Data Scientist-Climate
Sunairio
Data Science
USD 150k-190k / year + Equity
Posted on Sep 5, 2025
ABOUT SUNAIRIO
An evolving grid is rapidly injecting more weather-based variability to supply-demand balances and power markets outcomes. Moreover, a changing climate is quickly invalidating grid forecasting approaches that rely on legacy weather models, historical weather analogues, and coarse views of future risk. Managing these complicated dynamics is the number #1 challenge facing the energy grid today.
Sunairio’s mission is to provide the highest-fidelity intelligence into asset and grid risk by translating the highest-resolution datasets of weather and climate variability into commercially useful applications. We offer several proprietary, differentiated datasets, including the largest high-res historical gridded weather data archive and an accompanying large ensemble weather forecast model capable of forecasting climate-aware hourly weather spanning operational and planning time horizons.
Sunairio also provides energy and energy market forecasts (at both asset and grid-level) using our ensemble weather forecast, covering 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 asset and grid risk by translating the highest-resolution datasets of weather and climate variability into commercially useful applications. We offer several proprietary, differentiated datasets, including the largest high-res historical gridded weather data archive and an accompanying large ensemble weather forecast model capable of forecasting climate-aware hourly weather spanning operational and planning time horizons.
Sunairio also provides energy and energy market forecasts (at both asset and grid-level) using our ensemble weather forecast, covering 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 Sr. Data Scientist–Climate will be responsible for primary research and development related to Sunairio’s award-winning large ensemble climate forecast model. 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
- Assisting with the organization, maintenance, and updating of 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
BASE SALARY
$150k - $190k
WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR
- A passion for building new approaches to climate modeling and seasonal forecasting
- 4+ years of experience in quantitative meteorology, NWP, or climate science
- 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
- Hands-on experience developing and implementing robust models and algorithms
LOCATION
- Hybrid (preferred location in East or Central time zone)
- Sunairio is based in Baltimore, MD and requires employees to travel to regularly-scheduled onsites at Sunairio HQ. Sunairio provides a travel stipend to cover these expenses. Relocation assistance is also available to candidates interested in moving close to Baltimore.
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.