Principal Manager, Systems Innovation

Title: Principal Manager, Systems Innovation
Location: Pomona Ca, (Hybrid)
Schedule: Full-time, standard business hours, with up to 30% travel
Assignment Type: Direct Hire
Pay Rate: $230,000 - $250,000 base salary + 20% bonus

Summary

We are seeking a Principal Manager, Systems Innovation to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the power grid through innovation, advanced technologies, and forward-looking strategies. In this role, you will lead the development and adoption of next-generation grid capabilities, identifying where new technologies can deliver the greatest value and defining strategies to integrate them into long-term system planning.

As a trusted technical and strategic leader, you will partner across engineering, operations, IT, and regulatory teams to translate innovation into scalable, real-world outcomes that advance reliability, affordability, and system performance.

Key Responsibilities

• Shape overall strategy, leveraging analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills to achieve business objectives
• Define, articulate, and adjust strategy based on market direction, competitive landscape, and financial position
• Lead development of technology roadmaps and innovation initiatives for grid modernization
• Partner with executive leadership to inform and develop large-scale investment strategies
• Develop and present business cases and executive-level presentations on complex topics
• Oversee delivery against key metrics, milestones, and financial objectives across a portfolio of initiatives
• Lead cross-functional collaboration across engineering, operations, IT, and external partners
• Interface with external vendors, research institutions, and industry stakeholders
• Lead and develop a team of senior managers and technical contributors

Job Requirements

Must-Haves

• 7+ years of experience supervising teams and/or leading complex projects
• Experience managing managers or senior technical leaders
• Background in strategy, management consulting, investment banking, or corporate strategy
• Strong experience developing business cases and performing cost-benefit analysis
• Experience in utilities, infrastructure, or advanced technology environments
• Proven ability to lead large, cross-functional initiatives with measurable impact
• Ability to communicate complex technical concepts to executive stakeholders

Preferred Qualifications

• 10+ years of progressively responsible experience in utilities, infrastructure, or system innovation
• Master's degree or higher in Engineering, Systems Engineering, Data Science, Computer Science, or Business
• Professional Engineering (PE) license or advanced certifications
• Experience leading large, cross-functional efforts with measurable operational, financial, or strategic impact
• Experience leading capital planning, investment prioritization, or enterprise transformation efforts
• Track record of evaluating new technologies, executing pilots, and scaling to deployment
• Familiarity with advanced grid technologies such as AI/ML analytics, digital twins, advanced communications, automation, or DER integration
• Experience working across engineering, operations, IT, and cybersecurity in regulated or mission-critical environments
• Strong external engagement experience with vendors, research institutions, or industry groups
• Ability to represent the organization in executive briefings or industry forums

IMPORTANT

• Two Direct Reports: Sr Managers
• Development of GRID Technologies w Roadmap Strategy
• Interface w/Executive Teams ongoing
• Dev Executive presentation on complex tops making digestible for leadership
• Developing Business cases, Financial background and CBA essential
• First 6 months, Initiatives for development, create grid strategy, storage initiatives and physical grid technologies
• Must have experience LEADDING Innovation IN Grid Digitalization, advanced protection, AMI communications, wildfire mitigation or reliability analytics