POSITION SUMMARY:

We are seeking a Research Associate specializing in cutting-edge smart grid and grid modernization technologies to join our Power and Utilities Research team. This role is fully remote, with periodic travel necessary to attend conferences and client meetings.

JOB FUNCTION:

• Technology scouting: identifying the providers of commercially available technology solutions that fit the topic, including those discoverable from recent industry conferences, portfolios of leading investment firms (like Energy Impact Partners), and participants in industry accelerators/incubators (like ARPA-E and Free Electrons). Further, conducting outreach (warm and cold) and effectively engaging their technical and/or leadership teams (for example, arranging introduction and solution overview meetings).
• Primary research: identifying the companies who are recognized leaders for investigating and/or deploying technologies for the topic, conducting outreach (warm and cold), and effectively engaging industry practitioners/SMEs to collect operational insights.
• Desk research: conducting a comprehensive literature review for the topic, including reports from national labs, industry organizations, utilities, and other research entities (like EPRI), as well as whitepapers from technology providers, peer review journals (like IEEE), and/or academia.
• Prepare and deliver presentations: from your combined primary and secondary research, developing a compelling storyline and converting your knowledge capital into a visual, effective, and engaging presentation to our clients (either via webinar or one-on-one meetings)
• Deepen relationships/industry network: establishing and developing connections with technology providers and utility professionals involved with deploying emerging technologies (many of whom are clients), through periodic interactions (catch-up calls) and/or purpose-driven research projects. A common work week can involve 5-10 meetings with technology providers and/or utilities, and each of these are opportunities to enrich your research as well as expand your network.

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION:

• A genuine interest in technology, problem-solving, and pushing the boundaries of knowledge is essential to success in this role.
• Bachelor's degree in engineering or a related scientific field.
• At least four years experience, including one or more years working in professional services delivery or a related role inside a utility, such as solutions engineering, technology or management consulting, engineering design, system planning studies/analysis, technical sales support.
• Exposure to the operations and culture of the utility industry, preferably via direct experience at an electric utility or with a company providing technology or consulting services to a utility.
• Demonstrated experience managing multiple workstreams while working in a remote or hybrid environment.
• Excellent verbal and written communication, with the confidence to engage both subject matter experts at our clients, as well as technical leaders at innovative startups.
• A strong commitment to rigor and delivering high-quality work products, as well as a long-term desire to establish a reputation and expertise in energy.