Senior Associate - Carbon-Free Electricity, Grid Modeling

Job Description:

Do you love solving challenging problems, thinking in numbers, and working on teams? Do you also have the self-motivation, curiosity, creativity, and ability to persuade others toward meaningful results? Are you passionate about the clean energy transition? If yes, then join our growing team!   

RMI is seeking a Senior Associate with power system modeling expertise and broad energy systems analysis experience for our Carbon-Free Electricity Program.   

Individuals from underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply! 

Application deadline: February 2nd, 2025 at 11:59pm MT.

Program Overview 

RMI’s Carbon-Free Electricity (CFE) Program supports the rapid and equitable decarbonization of electricity systems globally to support modern, clean economies the world over. We work to facilitate the transition away from coal-powered generation; slow the rush toward gas generation and wisely manage existing gas infrastructure; speed the deployment of clean, distributed, and customer-centric energy solutions; and transition utilities to be climate-aligned in their business models and operations. We work closely with utilities, regulators, businesses, advocates, and customers to evolve grid institutions, policies, regulations, business models, and processes in support of the transition to a clean energy future. We employ a unique combination of research, consulting, and collaboration to support individuals and organizations to innovate and implement transformative energy solutions.

Position Overview    

CFE seeks a Senior Associate with a core competency in electricity grid modeling as well as broader work experience covering one or more topics relevant to US and global electricity infrastructure investment, policy, and regulatory decisions.  

In this role, you will support CFE’s efforts to accelerate clean energy solutions in the electricity sector. Initially, project work will be focused on analysis around different strategies for US electricity sector investment, inclusive of policy and regulatory drivers, that can support rapid and equitable decarbonization. Over time, project work may evolve to cover work outside of the US in other geographies where RMI works. We also encourage candidates seeking a greater focus on global work than described to apply.

In addition to core work focused on power system modeling, the ideal candidate for this role will have a breadth of work and/or research experience in US or global power sector topics. This may include policy design and analysis; energy systems analysis beyond the power sector (e.g., sector coupling across electricity and other fuels or energy carriers); consulting for utilities, regulators, and/or energy-intensive businesses; work in partnership with communities focused on clean energy benefits (e.g., economic development, health); or other relevant areas. Successful candidates will have demonstrated an eagerness to learn and an aptitude to skill up quickly and adapt their strengths to tackle emergent challenges in energy topics.  

As a Senior Associate, you are a creative problem solver who uses your quantitative, technical, and analytical abilities to conduct compelling research and assessment around vital energy issues. You will collaborate with team members to craft visionary yet practical solutions for our research questions and clients. You will be an independent contributor as well as managing projects and the contributions of other staff to their projects. 

This role will report to a CFE Principal.  

Core Responsibilities 

• Lead project work on grid modeling, for example: 

• Site- or asset-specific strategies for cost optimization, maximization of clean energy infrastructure deployment, or related criteria. 

• System- or grid-level analysis of different investment strategies, policy design choices, or regulatory approaches to advance climate, affordability, and other goals.  

• Community-level analysis of impacts of different electricity sector-related approaches to maximize economic development, health, and other impacts of clean energy investment.  

• Locate, synthesize, and analyze data that allows RMI to shed new light on problems and devise creative solutions.   

• Develop hypotheses to guide work and propose new ways to assess problems.    

• Drive research efforts and support junior team members in developing advanced modeling skills. 

• With support from senior staff, structure and maintain compelling quantitative analysis and contribute to the development of presentations and written products that collectively bring new insights to the industry and partners.  

• Lead and contribute to data-driven efforts and publications; in particular, identify trends and communicate relevant insights in a clear and compelling manner.  

• Contribute publicly at conferences, share expertise in response to media requests, discuss our work with donors, and direct RMI research collaborations  

• Contribute to RMI teams through facilitating events and conversations with diverse electricity-sector stakeholders.    

• Travel up to 15%, including possible international travel. Note: this percentage may be greater for a more globally-oriented candidate.

Required Qualifications 

• Advanced degree in an applicable field such as engineering (mechanical, electrical, civil, computer), business, finance, international development, public policy, economics, computer science, mathematics, physical and social sciences. 

• 4+ years of relevant professional and/or research experience in related fields, such as electrical engineering; climate or energy advocacy; business; law; data analytics; geospatial analysis; programming; or other fields relevant to the decarbonization of electricity systems. 

• Demonstrated track record of peer-reviewed publications and/or high-profile work products (e.g., consulting deliverables) on topics relevant to electricity sector decarbonization, specifically including grid modeling topics. 

• Expertise in one or more domains of power grid modeling, including capacity expansion modeling, production cost modeling, reliability modeling. 

• Experience working in optimization frameworks (e.g., linear programming).  

• Proficiency in one or more coding languages (e.g., Python, R, VBA).  

• Demonstrated track record in a project-based work environment.   

• Track record of applied work directly with electricity industry stakeholders. 

Preferred Qualifications 

• Doctoral degree in applicable field (see above) with dissertation paper(s) focused on topics relevant to electricity sector decarbonization.  

• Broad and deep expertise with energy, climate, and/or electricity industry, gained through multi-stakeholder work.  

• Experience in consulting, project management, or other related fields. 

• Experience working with utilities, regional grid operators, regulators, businesses, and/or other NGOs in the electricity sector. 

• Experience working directly with policymakers at federal, state, or city levels. 

• Track record of delivering real-world impact as a result of your work.   

Location    

We are a remote-ready company with team members around the globe. Our beautiful and welcoming offices are available for meetings or focused work, whether you are traveling through or living nearby. Our U.S. offices are in New York City; Washington DC; Oakland, California; Boulder, Colorado, and Basalt, Colorado. This role can be located from anywhere in the continental United States.  

We provide you with the essential IT equipment plus a one-time home technology payment and a monthly work from home/commuter allowance to ensure you have a comfortable home office set up and necessary supplies.  

We love seeing each other in person! We occasionally gather for shared time together like retreats and learning experiences. Be ready to travel for occasional in-person meetings (and of course, we cover travel costs). Some roles may require more travel, which will be discussed during the hiring process. 

Compensation  

RMI compensates based on the level and requirements of the role. Salary within our ranges may also be determined by your education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as required by the role, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data. The salary range for this role is $84,000-$103,000. You would also have an additional 5% bonus target.  

Benefits    

We offer a comprehensive benefits package including:    

• Medical, dental, vision insurance    

• 403b retirement options (5% match immediately)    

• Life, AD&D, short-term and long-term disability    

• Professional and personal development (including LinkedIn Learning access)    

• Generous paid time off   

• Parental leave    

• Commuter and wellness benefits    

• Casual work environment    

Diversity      

Increasing the diversity of thought, perspectives, ideas and opinions within RMI is a critical change element supporting our long-term sustainability and mission to build a clean, prosperous, and secure energy future.  

We strive for a level of diversity that reflects the communities we serve. Achieving this—regardless of ability, race, ethnicity, ancestry, age, gender, sexual orientation, religion, marital status, socioeconomic class, educational attainment or other social identities—is critical to the success of each RMIer and collectively as an organization, ensuring that we:      

• Have the different array of thinking that comes from diverse backgrounds and cultures, enabling us to solve some of the world’s greatest challenges.    

• Strive for a culture of inclusion and belonging by treating others with dignity, respect and appreciation enabling them to feel welcomed, supported and valued.    

• Effectively connect, communicate and build long-lasting relationships with decision makers, stakeholders and constituents within diverse communities.    

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.    

RMI is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.