Principal Technology Development Advisor - Grid Planning (Hybrid Schedule)

Job Description

SDG E is not just an energy company, we are the architects of a brighter, cleaner future. Our employees power everyday life for 3.7 million people - bringing the energy to support their passions, ambitions, and the heartbeat of our community.

We call Southern California our home. It's where we chase our dreams and raise our families. That's why the people who live here deserve an energy company unlike any other, and that's why every day, SDG E employees strive to be at the forefront of innovations to reduce emissions, modernize the electric grid, and enable our customers to make the transition to clean technologies. We're redefining sustainability, advancing zero-emissions solutions, and driving the electric vehicle revolution.

It takes the best to build the best - join us!

Primary Purpose:

Functions as a department expert and advisor on Distribution Planning including distribution planning process (DPP), load and DER forecasting, energy storage, microgrids, distributed energy resources (DERs), and others. Acts as a project lead over complex engineering projects and/or studies within Distribution Planning, collaborating with other business units as needed in developing and enhancing DPP and strategies to achieve corporate objectives. Oversees project teams across multiple cross functional organizations to develop and implement projects. Collaborates with internal and external stakeholders and represent SDG E in public forums including in front of the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC).

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Manages distribution planning technology and methodology projects, including preparation of contracts, contract negotiations, coordinates and collaborates with other departments within SDG E, coordinates and collaborates with other similar projects/parties externally, monitoring of projects (e.g., project reports, project meetings, etc.), completion of project work and reporting of results. Ensures projects meet milestones and budget constraints. Plans and manages budgets.
• Provides policy expertise to engineers, regulatory counterparts for the evaluation of, and resolution to, policy positions and implementation strategy involving various disciplines. Follows up on recommendations and/or acceptance of conclusions to assess accuracy and/or completeness.
• Develops internal network of stakeholders within SDG E to help identify business and customer needs, interests and technology priorities. Participates in various internal advisory committees for the purposes of providing input on current and future projects, needs and activities. Communicates project status with internal clients.
• Analyzes and determines regulatory impacts and requirements of the project. May build business cases and justifications.
• Establishes and maintains effective business relationships with key industry stakeholders ( e.g., utilities, vendors etc..) for the purposes of strategy and policy collaboration. Develops external networks and monitors other policy and technology development.
• Identifies and performs due diligence on latest changes, trends and technological advancements in the industry. Evaluate competitive technologies.
• Assists with development of corporate strategies which leverage the value of advanced planning technologies to the benefit of SDG E and its customers. Develops and implements short/long-term technology strategies to meet the needs and priorities of SDG E and its customers.
• Performs analysis on changes proposed to the DPP and other existing business processes and supports the development of strategies and policy objectives to address such issues, while ensuring alignment with SDG E's goals. Complies with regulatory reporting requirements.
• Performs other duties as assigned (no more than 5% of duties).

Qualifications

Hybrid Schedule:

• Although the schedule may vary, typically this will allow the employee to work onsite three days per week and remotely on the remaining workdays.
• Must reside in Southern California or be willing to relocate upon hire.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree in engineering, computer science, business, related discipline, or equivalent training and/or experience required.
• 8 years experience in technology implementation, project management, or energy policy.
• Strong understanding of innovation and development of technology, policy, regulatory, legislative, or compliance within the power industry.
• Ability to interface with multiple stakeholders (including Senior Management, regulatory entities, developers, community groups).
• Must be able to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines.
• Ability to convey complex technical information in a clear and concise manner to diverse audiences.
• Must have the ability to identify issues, analyze data, develop, recommend, and implement solutions.
• Able to organize, plan, control, coordinate, and effectively manage cross-functional assignments and projects.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's Degree in business, finance or marketing is preferred.
• 3 years experience within the energy industry.
• 2 years experience in renewable energy, distributed energy resources (DERs), energy storage, energy markets, or transmission or distribution planning.

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

Total Rewards Philosophy

Note: SDG E strives to ensure that employees are paid equitably and competitively. Starting salaries may vary based on factors such as relevant experience, qualifications, and education.

SDG E offers a competitive total rewards package that goes beyond base salary. This position is eligible for an annual performance-based incentive (bonus) as well as other merit-based recognition. Company benefits include health and welfare (medical, dental, vision), employer contributions to retirement benefits, life insurance, paid time off, as well as other company offerings such as tuition reimbursement, paid parental leave, and employee assistance programs.