Electric Power Engineers

Associate Director, Grid Modernization

Austin, TX

full_time

About This Job

Overview We are designing the grid of the future!

Be a part of an innovative team shaping the grid of the future through advanced energy intelligence . For more than half a century, Electric Power Engineers (EPE) has partnered with power and energy clients across the globe, providing consulting expertise and energy intelligence software solutions for complex engineering and grid modeling challenges. As leaders in the renewables space, we are focused on building a modern, secure, and resilient grid. Join us in making an impact on the communities we serve and the environment in which we live. Together we can transform the future of energy.

Responsibilities Join us in leading the change!

The Associate Director, Grid Modernization will develop, grow, and provide the overall vision, leadership, and management for EPE’s Grid Modernization department. This includes evolving the department’s strategic and technical direction, identifying opportunities for new or expanded services, overseeing operational and financial performance, and driving business development efforts to scale our organization. You’ll also be responsible for managing and mentoring a high-performing team— cultivating a positive culture, encouraging professional growth, and championing EPE’s core values.

How You Can Make An Impact

In this role, you will focus on four critical areas:

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Strategic & Technical Vision

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Establish a long-term vision & roadmap for the Grid Modernization department, aligning its priorities with emerging industry trends, stakeholder needs, and EPE’s overarching strategic objectives .

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Develop and refine service offerings to address future challenges and opportunities in DER Integration, grid resiliency, and advanced distribution system operations—e.g., Flexible Interconnection, Virtual Power Plants, and Distribution System Operator (DSO) strategies.

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Lead thought leadership efforts , staying a ware of cutting-edge technologies contributing to industry forums, and championing EPE’s vision at conferences and events.

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Provide technical guidance to the team on advanced DER Integration services and new offerings— e.g., strategic roadmapping , Locational Value of DER, Flexible Interconnection, Virtual Power Plants, Distribution System Operations, FERC 2222, Microgrids, Digital Twins, Volt-Var Optimization, DERMS, AMDS, and active DER management.

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Guide the team on Resiliency services, including risk determination, mitigation evaluations, resiliency planning, and integrated distribution system planning.

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Collaborate cross-functionally with other departments

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Organizational Leadership

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Foster a collaborative culture by promoting open communication, knowledge sharing, and continuous improvement in technical and professional skills.

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Promote high morale by recognizing achievements, celebrating milestones, and cultivating an inclusive, supportive environment.

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Manage, mentor, and develop an engineering team, providing clear direction, regular feedback, and accountability for on-time project deliveries.

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Oversee performance management, setting measurable goals that align with organizational objectives and supporting structured career development paths.

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Recruit and onboard top engineering talent, ensuring the team has the skills and capacity to meet both current and future demands.

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Operational Excellence

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Provide oversight of the department’s financial performance , developing and maintaining revenue and profit forecasts to ensure alignment with organizational goals.

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Oversee quality assurance for client deliverables, implementing rigorous review processes to mitigate risk and uphold industry-leading standards.

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Evaluate and enhance team efficiency by leveraging best practices, streamlining processes, and standardizing tools to drive consistent, high-quality outcomes.

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Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure success, identify trends, and proactively address performance gaps.

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Assess resource needs proactively, balancing near-term project demands with long-term growth objectives to ensure the right mix of skill sets.

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Establish robust project management frameworks to ensure all initiatives meet or exceed scope, schedule, and budget requirements.

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Business Development & Client Relationships

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Represent EPE at industry events, conferences, and forums, showcasing our thought leadership in grid modernization and forging strategic connections.

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Collaborate with the Business Development team by leading and participating in client meetings, providing high-level technical and strategic insights that address client challenges and support successful project outcomes

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Identify new market opportunities and develop targeted strategies for expanding EPE’s services in key growth areas.

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Lead proposal and RFP responses, articulating EPE’s unique value proposition and collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliver compelling pitches.

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Serve as a trusted advisor to existing clients, building strong relationships and ensuring high levels of customer satisfaction and retention.

Qualifications Bring your passion, here's what’s needed:

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Education:

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Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering (or a related field)

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Experience

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7+ years of experience in Power Systems Planning, focusing on Distribution and DER (Distributed Energy Resources).

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5+ years of leadership experience, where you’ve guided teams or organizations toward achieving strategic objectives .

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Demonstrated leadership in managing engineering teams and complex projects. M entor junior staff and foster a collaborative, mission-driven culture.

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Technical Skills

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Robust technical knowledge of DER integration, interconnection standards, and grid modernization topics, with the ability to evaluate new solutions and drive innovation.

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Familiarity with advanced grid modernization solutions—such as Flexible Interconnection (Flex IX), Locational Value of DER (LVDER), DSO (Distribution System Operator) strategies, DERMS, etc.—and the ability to translate these technologies into viable services.

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Soft Skills

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Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, enabling you to effectively interface with clients, external vendors, cross-functional teams, and executive leadership.

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Strategic thinker with strong analytical skills, able to anticipate industry trends and adapt organizational strategies accordingly.

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Proven ability to lead through influence, building relationships and cultivating buy-in across diverse internal and external stakeholder groups.

Preferred Qualifications

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Education

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Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering , Power Systems, or a related field; a PE license or other relevant professional certification is a plus.

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Experience

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7+ years of leadership experience, with proven capabilities in team-building , mentorship, and strategic planning at a department or organizational level.

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Prior Profit & Loss (P&L) management experience, including budget forecasting, cost optimization, and revenue growth.

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Business development experience, especially in identifying market opportunities and forging strategic partnerships that drive organizational expansion.

How We Support You

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Comprehensive health and wellness benefits including medical, dental, and vision with 100% premium coverage for you.

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Generous PTO and paid holidays

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Work with industry leaders

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401K, up to a 4% match (100% vested from day 1)

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Flexible Work including hybrid and remote possibilities based on position.

Location

: This position will be located in the US or Canada.

Travel

: Occasional travel may be needed (10 % or less )

EPE is an equal opportunity/AA/Disability/Veteran employer. The EEO is the Law poster, and its supplement are available using the following links: EEOC is the Law Poster

If you are interested in applying for employment with EPE and need special assistance to apply for a posted position, please send an email to: applicationassistance@epeconsulting.com

Third-Party Recruiting Notification

EPE does not accept unsolicited resumes from

third-party recruiters

. Any unsolicited third-party resumes forwarded by recruiters to EPE via our career page or to any of our managers or employees will be considered public information, may be treated as a direct application from the person identified in the resume, and will not be eligible for placement fee payment to the agency. EPE will not pay a fee to a third-party recruiter or agency without a previously signed third-party agreement and has not coordinated their recruiting activity with the appropriate member of the Talent Acquisition team.

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