Senior Project Manager, Research & Development

Job Description

Job Description

Description:

North Carolina Advanced Energy Corporation (Advanced Energy) is a nonprofit energy consulting firm headquartered in Raleigh, NC. We strive to ensure that energy is clean, affordable, reliable, efficient, and safe for all people. We work with electric utilities; state, federal and local governments; manufacturers and a variety of public and private partners in five markets: residential, commercial and industrial, renewables, and electric transportation.

At Advanced Energy, we know that our organization thrives only when our employees are valued and supported. You will be aided in your career goals and be put in a position to excel. You’ll work on teams that promote idea sharing and challenge you to learn and expand your expertise. You’ll also be encouraged to seek work-life balance, with flexible hybrid schedules and an array of leave options so you can spend time with family and pursue personal interests.

We are also committed to fostering, cultivating and preserving a culture of community and belonging. Our staff is the most valuable resource we have, and we appreciate that our employees come from varied backgrounds, cultures, and experiences. By providing a supportive and respectful environment that promotes creativity and collaboration, Advanced Energy makes a lasting, positive difference in all of the work we do.

Benefits – Visit our website for more information and a full list of employee benefits –

Position Overview

The Senior Project Manager oversees Advanced Energy’s R&D portfolio, develops and executes project plans, manages timelines, budgets, resources, and deliverables, and helps move new concepts from research and market validation through pilot execution, refinement, and transition to delivery. The individual works independently to manage larger and more complex projects and is expected to possess subject matter expertise specific to product development and related research, working closely with technical teams, customers, and internal stakeholders to translate emerging industry needs and complex challenges into practical, scalable solutions. The position may also serve as a lead and/or mentor to other staff. This position is located in our Raleigh office.

Essential Functions

Project Management - R&D Portfolio and Product Development

• Coordinate the R&D portfolio by maintaining visibility into active projects, pilots, budgets, variances, milestones, expected outcomes, and next-step decisions. 
• Develop and implement project plans, including strategies, milestones and tasks. Include decision points and expected outcomes for R&D projects. 
• Coordinate and lead collaborative stakeholder initiatives, including development of work plans, effectively engaging volunteer stakeholders, meeting facilitation, workshops, presentations, client visits, travel, and events.  
• Support leadership in evaluating and prioritizing R&D initiatives based on company strategy, customer needs, potential impact, and available resources, including the preparation of portfolio updates and decision materials.   
• Coordinate cross-functional product and service development activities, including research, customer input, scope development, pilot planning, and transition to delivery. 
• Help develop business cases, value propositions, delivery approaches, resource needs, and recommendations for new products and services. 
• Leverage existing AE staff as subject matter experts in their specific fields, working with delivery, business development, sales, marketing, finance, human resources, and technical staff to support successful development and launch of new offerings. 
• Provide timely reports to funding sources, team, management, and others internally or externally, including portfolio status, results, risks and recommended next steps. 
• Utilize applicable software applications to perform project management and scheduling tasks and research issues with team members to resolve problems.
• Develop technical tools and processes to more effectively complete tasks. 
• Continuously search and strive for process improvement strategies.

Technical Knowledge

• Create knowledge through research, including topics that support team’s goals and strategy, R&D priorities, and potential new products and services. 
• Research and summarize programs and create final reports.
• Incorporate study findings into AE trainings and product or service development. 
• Present and explain reports and findings to clients and other external stakeholders.
• Maintain own technical and professional knowledge by attending workshops, reviewing professional publications, establishing personal networks, and participating in professional societies.
• Provide technical and project management mentoring for junior staff.

Relationship Management

• Develop and maintain client and stakeholder relationships. Gather customer and stakeholder input to help inform research priorities and potential new offerings. 
• Coordinate with project partners to define roles and responsibilities.
• Assist assigned team with identifying and securing additional projects.

Proposal Development

• Work closely with business development on proposals and strategies to gain new work.
• Create and deliver proposals/contract agreements including scopes of work, budgets and timelines, in partnership with Business Development.
• Document lessons learned from previous projects in order to inform business development for future projects.

• Bachelor’s degree in business management or relevant technical field and 5+ years of previous experience in managing projects is required. An equivalent combination of education and relevant work experience may be considered.
• PMP Certification is desired; the ability to become certified is required.
• Proficient skills in Microsoft Office Products are required; experience using project management software applications is preferred.
• Project planning, time management, communication, writing and research skills are required. Ability to problem solve, analyze and interpret data. Ability to work in teams as well as independently. Detail oriented and organized.
• Strong project budgeting and financial management skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Commitment to providing exceptional customer service, both internally and externally.
• Knowledge of relevant industries is a plus: power utility programs including residential, commercial and industrial, electric transportation.
• Knowledge of energy efficiency, renewable energy, research and development or product development is preferred. 

Physical Demands/Work Conditions

This job requires the individual to work indoors in a normal office environment. The duties and responsibilities of this position may include the ability to remain in a stationary position most of the time. The individual will operate the computer, printer and other office equipment to perform the job and may need to occasionally move about inside the office to access files and other office machinery. The individual will spend an extended number of hours in front of a computer screen and will frequently interact and communicate with internal and external customers. Must be able to exchange accurate information and express oneself in an appropriate manner. The job may require occasional lifting or moving of boxes or objects weighing up to 25 lbs. In this role, the person will hold a valid driver’s license and may travel to interface with customers. The individual may frequently create documents or other organizational collateral and serve as the liaison between the organization and its customers/clients. 

Employment Type

This is a hybrid, exempt full-time position. There may be occasions where the hours of work may vary, be irregular, and be reasonably required to meet the goals of the organization. This job description is not meant to be all-inclusive and is subject to change. It is not an implied contract of employment. 

To apply click HERE or copy and paste address into browser - -Carolina-Advanced-Energy-Corporation/Senior-Project-Manager-Research-Development. Cover letter and resume preferred.

North Carolina Advanced Energy Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including Protected Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities. We are committed to providing fair and equal employment opportunities for all employees and applicants. All employment decisions are based on job-related requirements. You can find information about equal opportunity employment here:

If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran and are unable or limited in your ability to use or access our website, you may request a reasonable accommodation to express interest in a specific opening. You can request reasonable accommodation by sending an email to View email address on ziprecruiter.com.