Key Skills

Job Description

About The Company Zonneplan is a forward-thinking energy company committed to accelerating the transition to a fossil-free Netherlands through innovative solutions in renewable energy and smart technology. At the heart of our mission, Plan Zero, lies the ambition to eliminate emissions, waste, and dependency on fossil fuels. We achieve this by integrating advanced data-driven approaches and cutting-edge AI to optimize energy trading, battery storage, and customer energy management. Our collaborative environment brings together data scientists, engineers, and traders to create impactful solutions that directly influence the energy grid in real time. We foster a pragmatic, no-nonsense culture with short communication lines and a strong focus on ownership, innovation, and measurable results. About The Role As a Data Scientist in the Trading & Optimization team at Zonneplan, you will work at the intersection of energy and artificial intelligence, developing sophisticated models that drive real-time energy trading decisions. Your forecasts will directly influence trading actions, with immediate impact visible on our dashboards. Rather than building isolated models, you will design a cohesive system where probabilistic forecasting, optimization, and control mechanisms reinforce each other. You will own the lifecycle of your models, from deployment to continuous monitoring and optimization, ensuring high reliability and commercial impact. You will collaborate closely with data scientists, engineers, and traders in a low-hierarchy environment that encourages initiative and clear accountability. Leveraging AI tools such as Claude Code, you will contribute to Plan Zero by enhancing the efficiency of energy trading and battery operations, reducing reliance on gas power plants, and maximizing customer benefits under evolving market conditions. Your role includes translating complex model outputs into tangible commercial value, preparing our devices for a future without net metering, and pioneering new AI and machine learning approaches through practical experimentation. Qualifications Minimum of 3 years’ experience as a data scientist with strong foundations in statistics and machine learning Proven expertise in forecasting and time series analysis Proficiency in Python programming at a production level Experience deploying and monitoring models in live production environments Familiarity or affinity with AI-assisted development tools such as Claude Code, GitHub Copilot, or similar AI assistants Ability to translate model performance into measurable commercial impact and justify decisions with data Strong sense of ownership and responsibility for live-running models, including proactive intervention and optimization Curiosity and proactive attitude toward following and applying the latest developments in AI and machine learning Professional proficiency in Dutch language Responsibilities Design and develop integrated forecasting and optimization models to support energy trading and battery management Deploy models to production and collaborate with engineers to ensure seamless implementation Monitor model performance continuously and take ownership of reliability and optimization Translate model quality into commercial outcomes such as reducing trading costs and increasing returns on home battery systems Adapt models to evolving market rules and customer behavior to maximize value for clients Drive innovation by experimenting with new AI and machine learning techniques, focusing on practical, working prototypes Maintain a close feedback loop with traders and engineers to ensure models remain aligned with operational needs Prepare devices and systems for a future without net metering by anticipating market developments and consumption patterns Benefits Competitive salary ranging from €4,000 to €6,000 gross per month, based on experience and seniority 25 vacation days with the option to purchase additional days Travel expense reimbursement Claude Code Max 20x subscription for professional and personal use Personal choice budget for sports, groceries, or other personal needs Access to Zonneplan Academy for ongoing professional development and growth opportunities Clear career progression paths towards senior data scientist roles with specialization options Collaborative, pragmatic work environment with close interaction between data scientists, traders, and engineers Equal Opportunity Zonneplan is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where all employees are valued and respected regardless of race, gender, age, sexual orientation, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law. We believe diversity drives innovation and welcome applications from all qualified candidates.

Core Responsibilities

Develop integrated forecasting and optimization models for energy trading and battery management, deploy them to production, and continuously monitor and improve their reliability. Work with traders and engineers to adapt models to market and customer changes, improve commercial outcomes, and prepare systems for a future without net metering.

Requirements

Requires at least three years of data science experience, strong statistics and machine learning foundations, forecasting and time series expertise, and production-level Python skills. Candidates should have experience deploying and monitoring live models, take ownership of their performance, be curious about practical AI developments, and have professional proficiency in Dutch.

Benefits

• 25 Vacation Days
• Option to Purchase Additional Vacation Days
• Travel Expense Reimbursement
• Claude Code Max 20x Subscription
• Personal Choice Budget
• Professional Development Through Zonneplan Academy
• Career Progression Opportunities