Research Economist

Founded in 1999 in the beautiful Smoky Mountains of East Tennessee, Cadre5 provides innovative technical solutions to our customers locally and nationally. Our Cadre5 Lab Partners division is seeking a Research Economist to support critical infrastructure research initiatives at our customer site. This role focuses on developing and analyzing affordability models across key infrastructure sectors, including natural gas, electricity, water, housing, and communications. A core component of this position involves conducting rigorous verification, validation, and uncertainty quantification (VV&UQ) of models and their outputs to ensure analytical accuracy, reliability, and credibility. The ideal candidate will bring strong quantitative skills, experience in economic modeling, and the ability to work within a multidisciplinary research environment. This position supports high-impact, mission-driven work. This is a full-time, permanent position that will follow a hybrid working environment. Why Cadre5? Working with highly talented team members Excellent medical insurance, including employer-paid benefits Job Responsibilities: Conduct economic research and develop affordability models across critical infrastructure sectors Analyze cost drivers, economic impacts, and affordability challenges related to infrastructure systems Perform verification, validation, and uncertainty quantification (VV&UQ) on models and analytical outputs Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams including engineers, data scientists, and policy experts Support the development of reports, technical documentation, and presentations for stakeholders Contribute to data analysis, scenario modeling, and forecasting efforts Ensure analytical methods and outputs meet high standards for accuracy, transparency, and reproducibility Basic Qualifications: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Economics, Applied Economics, Public Policy, Energy Economics, or a related quantitative field Experience with economic modeling, data analysis, or policy analysis Strong analytical and quantitative skills, including experience with statistical or modeling tools (e.g., Python, R, Stata, or similar) Ability to work effectively in a collaborative, research-oriented environment Strong written and verbal communication skills Preferred Qualifications: Experience working with infrastructure systems, energy markets, or public utility economics Familiarity with modeling complex systems and large datasets Experience with uncertainty quantification or model validation techniques Prior experience in a national lab, research institution, or government environment Cadre5 offers excellent pay and benefits, to include full medical, dental, and vision coverage coupled with 401K match, 15 days PTO, and 10 holidays. Cadre5 is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants, including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans, are encouraged to apply. Cadre5 is an E-Verify Employer. #J-18808-Ljbffr