Senior Director Research Development

Overview We are designing the grid of the future!

EPE is seeking a technically driven and strategically minded Senior Director of Research & Development (R&D) to lead and coordinate innovative efforts that strengthen EPE’s consulting services and Software-as-a Service (SaaS) portfolio. The ideal candidate should have a deep understanding of R&D operations and execution as well as well as a solid understanding of the energy industry and its key stakeholders, i.e. Independent Service Operators (ISO), utilities, energy resource developers, etc. as well as its adjacent sectors, such as telecom, gas, water, and other power grid ecosystem sectors that the grid depends on to maintain reliability, resiliency, affordability and flexibility. As a key leadership team member, you will be instrumental in transforming internal R&D initiatives into scalable client-facing services, aligning product development with market needs, regulatory changes and emerging technology trends. This position reports to the VP of Technical Services and Compliance.

Responsibilities How you can make an impact : R&D Leadership and Strategy

- Support in the development and lead execution of EPE’s R&D roadmap.

- Identify high-impact areas where internal innovation can evolve into differentiated consulting services and/or SaaS concepts.

- Ensure R&D efforts are structured to support future scalability, knowledge transfer, and commercialization across Utility, Energy Resources and Software business units.

- Continuously monitor industry trends, regulatory shifts (e.g., FERC, NERC), and emerging technologies (e.g., AI, grid-forming inverters) to guide R&D direction to align with EPE long-term business goals.

Collaboration and Stakeholder Engagement

- Collaborate with the executive and senior leadership team, sales and marketing to align R&D efforts with market trends/demands.

- Engage ISOs/utilities, energy resource developers, original equipment manufacturers (OEM), national labs and universities to develop partnerships and shape R&D strategy.

- Manage a cross-functional team for the purpose of translating R&D initiatives to consulting services and software products.

- Foster a culture of innovation, structured experimentation and data-driven decision making.

Outreach, Communication and Value Capture

- Work with subject matter experts to develop white papers, technical reports and presentations to communicate EPE’s R&D outcomes and promote EPE’s innovation portfolio.

- Work with marketing and business development to position emerging capabilities and support go-to-market strategy for research-driven offerings.

- Maintain a portfolio of R&D initiatives with clear objectives, performance metrics, and impact assessments.

Qualifications

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

- 12+ years of experience in the electric power sector including experience in applied research consulting or grid-focused innovation programs

- Proven track record of launching successful technical services and SaaS products within the power industry

- Proven ability to lead complex R&D initiatives that span technical, regulatory and business dimensions

- Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams.

- Independent critical thinking and creative problem-solving skills.

- Proven team player skills with ability to build and maintain internal and external relationships.

- Strong written and verbal communication skills, excellent business, and technical writing.

- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.

Lead the change!

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.

How We Support You

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

- Generous PTO and paid holidays

- MyShare Employee Ownership Program

- Work with industry leaders

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

- Flexible Work including hybrid and remote possibilities based on position.

Location

: This position will be located in Austin, TX - (Remote candidates may also be considered)

Travel

: Occasional travel may be needed (20 % 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

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.