Principal Research Lead, AI & Grid Intelligence

Job Description: Principal Research Lead, AI & Grid Intelligence Role Summary The Principal AI & Grid Intelligence SME serves as the Division's central authority on the application of artificial intelligence, advanced analytics, digitalization, and grid intelligence across the energy ecosystem. The role focuses on translating emerging trends in AI, electrification, demand flexibility, distributed energy resources, digital grid technologies, and utility transformation into actionable strategic insights and thought leadership. Reporting to the Research Leader, the role develops authoritative research, market perspectives, executive guidance, and external thought leadership that strengthen Schneider Electric's position across Power & Grid, Digital Grid, Grid Modernization, Distributed Energy Resources (DER), Flexibility Markets, and the broader Energy Transition. This individual acts as a trusted advisor to Division leadership and external stakeholders, connecting advances in AI, data science, cloud technologies, and energy systems with evolving utility and customer needs. Key Responsibilities AI-Driven Research & Analytics LEAD Grid Intelligence Research: Design and execute research efforts focused on digital grid transformation, load flexibility, demand response, DER orchestration, virtual power plants, grid modernization, and utility digitization. LEAD AI for Energy Systems: Assess the impact of machine learning, generative AI, predictive analytics, and optimization technologies on utility operations, grid resilience, reliability, and decarbonization. LEAD Future Energy Scenarios: Develop strategic perspectives on electrification, renewable integration, AI-driven energy management, and emerging utility business models that inform viewpoints on future power system architectures, flexibility markets, and convergence of buildings, data centers, industry, and the grid. SUPPORT Analytical Tooling: Identify, prototype, and apply appropriate AI tools, platforms, and methodologies to enhance research projects and insights. SUPPORT Emerging Technology Assessment: Evaluate technologies alongside requests from the Strategy team on technologies associated with AI, digital twins, DER, Demand Response, Flexibility Markets, Cloud-based grid platforms, and grid edge technologies. Marketing and Positioning Enablement SUPPORT Strategic Research Programs: Collaborate with the Research Leader to ensure AI analyses align with broader research agendas and long-term strategic objectives. SUPPORT Senior Stakeholders: Serve as a strategic advisor to Division and Segment leadership regarding AI, utility transformation, grid modernization, and electrification trends. LEAD Expert External Perspectives: Develop external-facing research papers, executive briefs, white papers, and conference presentations supporting Schneider Electric's Digital Grid and Power & Grid strategic positioning. LEAD Industry Engagement: Represent Schneider Electric at industry forums, standards bodies, utilities, analyst briefings, customer events, and academic collaborations. Qualifications & Skills Experience: 5-10+ years of experience in across AI, advanced analytics, energy systems, digital grid technologies, utility operations, power systems, demand flexibility, or energy transition domains. Advanced degree (Master’s or PhD) in Data Science, AI, Computer Science, Statistics, or a related field preferred; equivalent experience will be considered. Proven Track Record: Demonstrated experience in applying AI technology to strategic or market-facing problems related to energy, utility, grid, or electrification challenges. Proven contributions to analytical reports, research publications, or external thought leadership. Effective collaborator in cross-functional environments beyond purely technical teams. Analytical & articulation capabilities: strong command of machine learning, deep learning, and statistical methods, with the ability to connect technical findings to business strategy, market implications, and decision-making. Skilled at explaining complex AI concepts clearly and credibly to non-technical audiences.