Software Solution Manager (VPP Focus)

FranklinWH is a rapidly expanding company determined to become the leader in the global energy home storage system (ESS) industry. FranklinWH offers whole home energy solutions typically coupled with solar PV systems, bringing households into the modern all‑electric future. Though founded by experts in power electronics, BMS and EMS, FranklinWH is equally focused on energy management software while also providing top level service to our partners and customers. FranklinWH is expanding its global footprint, relying on an industry leading supply chain. As we scale our residential battery storage deployment, we are establishing a new Business Unit focused on Virtual Power Plant (VPP) and grid services, leveraging our growing fleet of deployed batteries and new installations. This is an exciting time to be at a fast‑growing company in a fast‑accelerating industry. The VPP Solution Manager will play a critical role in building and scaling FranklinWH's Virtual Power Plant and grid services solutions. This position is responsible for researching VPP market opportunities, designing VPP and grid service models, engaging with utilities and grid partners, and guiding internal teams to develop the VPP platform and solutions. Working closely with the Business Development counterpart, this role serves as the technical solutions lead on the frontline team of our new VPP Business Unit. Responsibilities Conduct comprehensive VPP market research, including regulatory landscapes, market structures, incentive programs, and competitive analysis across target markets with a focus on identifying technical integration requirements and solution compatibility across target markets. Design and develop VPP and grid service models (e.g., demand response, frequency regulation, capacity markets, energy arbitrage) tailored to specific utility and ISO/RTO requirements. Serve as the primary technical liaison with utilities, grid operators, ISOs/RTOs, and other grid partners, exchanging information on program requirements, technical specifications, and integration protocols. Introduce and present FranklinWH's VPP solutions to potential partners, utilities, and aggregators, articulating technical capabilities and value propositions. Guide and collaborate with the internal software development team to define requirements, prioritize features, and develop the VPP platform and associated solutions. Design VPP and grid service operational workflows, including dispatch strategies, fleet management protocols, performance monitoring, and settlement processes. Develop technical documentation, solution architectures, and integration specifications for VPP programs and grid service offerings. Analyze grid service revenue opportunities and model economic returns for various VPP participation strategies. Monitor industry trends, emerging grid service programs, and regulatory changes that may impact VPP business opportunities. Collaborate with the Business Development team member to support partner acquisition and program enrollment efforts with technical expertise. Define and track key performance indicators (KPIs) for VPP operations, including availability, response accuracy, and revenue performance. Perform data analysis on battery fleet performance, grid signals, energy market pricing, and VPP dispatch outcomes to optimize program design and operational strategies. Develop data processing pipelines and analytical frameworks to evaluate VPP program economics, asset utilization, and grid service delivery metrics. Leverage AI tools and machine learning techniques to enhance VPP forecasting, load prediction, dispatch optimization, and market opportunity identification. Apply AI‑powered analytics to automate reporting, identify patterns in grid service performance, and generate actionable insights for program improvement. Qualifications and Experience Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Energy Systems, Computer Science, or a related STEM field (Master's preferred). 5+ years of experience in the energy industry, with at least 3 years focused on VPP, demand response, distributed energy resources (DER), or grid services. Strong understanding of electricity markets, ISO/RTO structures, wholesale market participation, and utility grid service programs. Experience designing or managing VPP programs, demand response initiatives, or DER aggregation platforms. Knowledge of battery energy storage systems, their operational characteristics, and applications in grid services. Experience interfacing with utilities, grid operators, or ISOs/RTOs on technical program requirements. Familiarity with DERMS, ADMS, or VPP platform architectures and their integration with distributed assets. Strong analytical skills with the ability to model economic scenarios and evaluate market opportunities. Excellent oral and written communication skills, with the ability to present complex technical concepts to diverse audiences. Experience translating market and partner requirements into software product specifications. Strong cross‑organizational coordination abilities and effective teamwork skills. Self‑starter mentality with the ability to build processes and programs from the ground up in a startup‑like environment. Strong data analysis and data processing skills, including proficiency with Python, SQL, and data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI) for energy data analytics. Experience working with large datasets, time‑series data, and building analytical models for energy market or grid performance evaluation. Proficiency in AI tools and platforms (e.g., ChatGPT, Copilot, machine learning frameworks) with demonstrated ability to apply AI for workflow automation, predictive analytics, and decision support. Ability to travel up to 25%, with some nights and weekends required. Capability to work with remote teams in Asian time zones. Preferred Qualifications Experience with FERC Order 2222 implementation and DER market participation rules. Knowledge of openAPI, OpenADR, IEEE 2030.5, or other DER communication standards. Prior experience at a DER aggregator, VPP operator, utility, or grid technology company. Understanding of residential battery storage systems and home energy management. Experience with data analytics tools and energy market modeling. Hands‑on experience with machine learning or AI applications in energy optimization, load forecasting, or grid management. Advanced proficiency in data science tools and cloud‑based data platforms. Familiar with core machine learning workflows and eager to build data‑driven tools utilizing MCP server architectures. Professional certifications in energy management or power systems. Compensation and Benefits FranklinWH offers a competitive salary plus a performance bonus tied to annual objectives, with offer level set based on demonstrated experience and depth at hire. The role includes a comprehensive benefits package: Medical, dental, and vision coverage Life insurance and long‑term disability PTO and sick days FranklinWH is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy (including childbirth, breastfeeding, and related medical conditions), national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. #J-18808-Ljbffr FranklinWH Energy Storage Inc.