About this role
AECOM is seeking a dynamic Environmental Data Scientist to support PFAS chemistry consulting services and business development across the US West Region. This consulting position will primarily support PFAS-focused projects and initiatives within our Environment business line, with broad exposure to cross-disciplinary projects in other subjects and business lines.This position is expected to begin in November 2026. Job Description: AECOM is actively seeking a creative, highly talented PFAS Environmental Data Scientist for immediate employment as a hybrid in-office employee in Raleigh, NC. Please note this is an office position and would not involve routine laboratory analysis, though there may be opportunities for onsite field work and laboratory visits. The data scientist will support PFAS site investigation and remediation projects through contributions to experimental and sampling design, data management, quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC), statistical and geospatial analysis, and conceptual site model (CSM) development. More broadly, the role will also help build AECOM’s Environmental AI/ML capabilities, including AI-enabled tools for environmental data analysis and large-scale, curated environmental data libraries used to train, validate, and deploy ML models across projects. The candidate will have the opportunity to work on a wide range of projects across multiple business lines and geographies while developing their technical skills and exploring new interests. This role is integral to the growth of PFAS chemistry consulting services, building expertise in advanced analytical tools for PFAS forensics and characterization to address the broad variety of challenges posed by PFAS. Job responsibilities include, but may not be limited to: Provide defensible scientific support for critical project decisions, especially related to PFAS source identification and apportionment, CSMs, and multivariate data analysisDesign, develop, validate, and deploy machine learning, statistical, and generative AI applications for environmental science and engineeringBuild and maintain large-scale, curated libraries of environmental data (analytical, geospatial, hydrogeologic, and unstructured document data) with standardized schemas, metadata, data lineage, and QA/QC to support ML model training, validation, and reuse across projectsDevelop and maintain extract, transform, and load (ETL) pipelines and relational databases that ensure the quality, integrity, and traceability of environmental dataDesign and perform statistical tests to support anthropogenic background studies for PFAS and other constituentsEngage with commercial laboratories and innovators in PFAS sensing to coordinate and advance innovative data applicationsEngage with a broad range of practitioners in industry and government to maintain currency in environmental analytical methodologies and data interpretation practicesSupport data evaluation, including regulatory comparison, and associated reporting for field investigation and remediation reportsAid in the data-driven experimental design and data evaluation for forensic fingerprinting, remediation decisions, custom bench-scale studies, and environmental fate and transport studiesDevelop project-specific data quality metrics and best practices for work plans, sampling design, sampling and analysis plans (SAPs), and quality assurance project plans (QAPPs)Solicit analytical laboratory services and evaluate electronic data deliverable (EDD) capabilities for project usePrepare technical memoranda and white papers to be included in client deliverablesFacilitate collaboration within AECOM, across business lines and global geographies, and aid in developing relationships with external partners, including academic and commercial laboratories on a global scaleSupport AECOM’s global PFAS technical practitioners and academic or commercial partners in delivering meaningful research to address PFAS fate and transport, treatment, and risk related challenges.Identify, prototype, and help scale AI/ML-enhanced workflows with project teamsAutomate reporting deliverables, data validation, and data management workflows (e.g., Python, SQL, Power BI, EQuIS) Minimum Requirements:Bachelor’s degree in Data Science, Statistics, Computer Science, Environmental Science or Engineering, Chemistry, Geology, or a related quantitative field and 4+ years of relevant experience in environmental data analysis, data management, or environmental chemistry, or demonstrated equivalency of experience and/or educationPreferred QualificationsExperience applying multivariate statistical analyses and/or machine learning techniques to PFAS forensics and source apportionmentWorking knowledge of PFAS chemistry, including sources and use history, nomenclature, analytical methods (e.g., EPA Method 1633, EPA Method 537.1, total oxidizable precursor [TOP] assay, non-targeted analysis), and fate, transport, and precursor transformation processesDemonstrated experience building, validating, and documenting statistical or machine learning models using real-world scientific or environmental datasetsProficiency with Python (e.g., pandas, scikit-learn) and SQL, including building ETL pipelines and managing relational databasesExperience in an environmental analytical laboratory (e.g., EPA methods, QA/QC data review) and/or laboratory EDD developmentKnowledge of environmental chemistry principles (e.g., environmental fate and transport)Knowledge of analytical chemistry principles (e.g., quality assurance and quality control)Working knowledge of instrumentation used for various classes of environmental analytes (e.g. GC/MS, ICP, GC-ECD, IC, etc.)Experience in developing and implementing digital tools and data analytics servicesExperience developing dashboards and data visualizations in Power BI or similar business intelligence toolsExperience with statistical programming languages such as R or MATLABDemonstrated leadership capabilitiesMaster’s degree in a quantitative, environmental, or chemistry-related disciplineExperience with environmental data management systems (e.g., EQuIS) and analytical data validation/usability assessmentsExperience with GIS and geospatial analysis tools (e.g., ArcGIS Pro, geopandas)Experience with cloud data platforms (e.g., Azure, Databricks, Snowflake), version control (Git), and MLOps practicesExperience applying large language models (LLMs) and natural language processing, including document extraction and retrieval-augmented generation (RAG)Record of peer-reviewed publications or conference presentations Relocation is not available for this position.Sponsorship is not available for this position.Travel may be required based on client and project needs (<10%)At AECOM, we are committed to maintaining a secure and trustworthy recruitment process and take any fraudulent hiring activity seriously. To support this commitment, all newly hired employees are required to attend an in-person Day 1 onboarding at an AECOM office location as a condition of employment. About AECOM AECOM is proud to offer comprehensive benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees. Depending on your employment status, AECOM benefits may include medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, disability benefits, paid time off, leaves of absences, voluntary benefits, perks, flexible work options, well-being resources, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, service recognition awards, retirement savings plan, and employee stock purchase plan. AECOM is the global infrastructure leader, committed to delivering a better world. As a trusted professional services firm powered by deep technical abilities, we solve our clients’ complex challenges in water, environment, energy, transportation and buildings. Our teams partner with public- and private-sector clients to create innovative, sustainable and resilient solutions throughout the project lifecycle – from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm that had revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2025. Learn more at aecom.com. What makes AECOM a great place to work You will be part of a global team that champions your growth and career ambitions. Work on groundbreaking projects - both in your local community and on a global scale - that are transforming our industry and shaping the future. With cutting-edge technology and a network of experts, you’ll have the resources to make a real impact. Our award-winning training and development programs are designed to expand your technical expertise and leadership skills, helping you build the career you’ve always envisioned. Here, you’ll find a welcoming workplace built on respect, collaboration and community—where you have the freedom to grow in a world of opportunity. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in your potential and are here to help you achieve it. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines. Work with Us. Change the World.At AECOM, we're delivering a better world. Whether improving your commute, keeping the lights on, providing access to clean water, or transforming skylines, our work helps people and communities thrive. We are the world's trusted infrastructure consulting firm, partnering with clients to solve the world’s most complex challenges and build legacies for future generations.There has never been a better time to be at AECOM. With accelerating infrastructure investment worldwide, our services are in great demand. We invite you to bring your bold ideas and big dreams and become part of a global team of over 50,000 planners, designers, engineers, scientists, digital innovators, program and construction managers and other professionals delivering projects that create a positive and tangible impact around the world.We're one global team driven by our common purpose to deliver a better world. Join us.
- LOCATION
- Raleigh, North Carolina, United States
- WORK MODE
- Hybrid
- JOB TYPE
- Full-time
- POSTED
- Oct 30, 2026
Source: AECOM Careers