Expert Operations Data Analyst

Job Title:  Operations Data Analyst, Expert
Location:  Oakland, CA
Duration: 3 Months

Notes:

• TOP THINGS: Analytical proficiency, model building experience, penchant for action

Job Description:
This position is hybrid, working from your remote office and your assigned work headquarters in Oakland.

Position Summary
The Business Data Analyst is responsible for advancing the assessment and valuation of flexible load resource opportunities and integrating them into transmission, distribution, and energy procurement planning and operations processes to unlock new flexible capacity and delay, or eliminate, the need to expand existing infrastructure, construct new power lines, or procure additional energy supply. The successful candidate will work closely with professionals in utility planning and engineering organizations, solutions design, and load management strategy to provide insights on the optimal placement and orchestration of distributed energy resources (DERs), as well as how to incorporate, evaluate, and scale the use of flexible load resources in planning processes and operations.

Job Responsibilities
Strategy

• Identify opportunities to develop criteria and methodologies for incorporating flexible load resources into planning scenarios by working with planners to identify areas with overloads, reliability issues, and operational risks.
• Connect with experts to understand available data sources and develop strategies that support the efficient management and application of that data to inform key decision-making.
• Support the development of executive and board-level materials by synthesizing analytical findings, insights, and recommendations for key stakeholders and decision makers.
• Support regulatory strategy, proceedings, stakeholder engagement, and DER valuation discussions with the CPUC, CEC, California Independent System Operator (CAISO) and other stakeholders.

Analysis

• Leverage research and analysis to provide insights to planning and operations professionals on cost-effective ways to use flexible load resources to solve grid constraints.
• Design and execute field studies and planning analyses to validate the firmness, duration, and magnitude of load relief, rate impacts, and financial outcomes delivered by DERs.
• Develop an inventory of technical requirements to inform future load management program design and regulatory filings aligned withTrue North Strategy.
• Support the development, enhancement, and application of analytical tools, including complex techno-economic modeling, forecasting, data analysis, and program evaluation, to help inform internal load management and DER strategy.
• Gather, evaluate, and manage market, financial, regulatory, and other relevant industry data to support DER valuation and cost-effectiveness analyses.
• Develop dashboards, visualizations, and executive-ready materials that translate complex technical and financial analyses into actionable recommendations.

Project and Change Management

• Serve as a liaison between the LMS&P and Transmission and Distribution planning teams to integrate learnings into planning, procurement, and business processes to leverage flexible resources at scale.
• Conduct benchmarking studies and use relevant industry data to support program and strategy development. Serve as the point person for cross-utility benchmarking and industry initiatives.
• Collaborate with valuation and strategy leads to develop and apply DER valuation methodologies, including project planning, tool deployment, progress tracking, and stakeholder communications.
• Coordinate with internal teams, external vendors, aggregators, and industry partners to evaluate flexible load capabilities, data requirements, and implementation pathways.
• Partner with program and customer-facing teams to ensure flexible load solutions are technically viable, cost-effective, scalable, and aligned with customer needs.

The successful candidate is expected to have technical, analytical, and power systems skills to structure analysis, process data, and at times run system studies. In addition, the ideal candidate will be an organized self-starter who is action-oriented, able to operate with general direction, and able to navigate ambiguity and independently move concepts from strategy to execution, while being mindful and sensitive to building trust, consensus, and buy-in across the organization. This execution-oriented candidate will collaborate with subject matter experts, leaders, and partners across the organization, as well as other utilities, industry partners, and vendors.
Minimum Qualifications
A strong applicant will be organized and motivated, with a demonstrated track record of building consensus and managing many moving parts within matrixed teams.

• Bachelor's degree in data science, computer science, engineering or equivalent experience.
• 5 years of related experience or equivalent.
• Experience with programming and scripting languages, such as Python and SQL.
• Experience with data warehousing, data quality, and ETL techniques.
• Experience with data processing tools such as Excel, SharePoint, and Microsoft Lists.
• Experience with financial and techno-economic modeling.

Desired Qualifications

• Degree or advanced coursework in data science, engineering, economics, energy systems, or a related field.
• Master’s degree in business administration, engineering, or another advanced degree.
• Experience with grid modeling, power flow, or planning tools such as CYMDIST, PSLF, Aspen, or similar applications.
• Experience with business intelligence platforms, such as Power BI.
• Experience in transmission or distribution system planning and operations.
• Knowledge of DER integration, communications protocols, and grid impacts, including IEEE 2030.5, CSIP 2.1, OpenADR, aggregator APIs, distributed generation impacts, power electronics, and telecommunications.
• Experience with DER valuation frameworks, financial modeling, business case development, and methodologies such as the Avoided Cost Calculator, Non-Wires Alternatives, and related approaches.
• Demonstrated experience in project, product, or program management in the context of utility operations, IT systems, or DER product deployment.
• Familiarity with California utility regulations, regulatory processes, and policy context.

Desired Characteristics

• Strong drive for results and continuous improvement.
• Strong ability to lead initiatives from concept to completion.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a matrixed environment with a positive, execution-oriented mindset.
• Ability to navigate ambiguity, adapt quickly, and move work forward independently.
• High attention to detail and strong organizational skills.