Director, Optimization and Analytics (Herndon)

Wärtsilä Energy Storage is powering the shift to a cleaner, more resilient grid.We work at the front lines of the energy transition, helping partners around the world maximize the value of renewables through grid-scale battery systems, advanced software, and expert services. Our portfolio includes the industry-leading GEMS Digital Energy Platform, utility-scale battery solutions, and lifecycle services that keep storage assets optimized and ready when it matters most.With over 17 GWh of storage deployed or under contract across 130+ projects globally, we’re shaping how the grid of the future works.In a world of rising complexity and accelerating change, we’re looking for future-focused talent to help us design, deliver, and support the energy systems of tomorrow.Sound like your kind of challenge? Let’s build it together. Role Summary/PurposeWe are seeking a highly skilled, technically detailed, and articulate Software Engineering Director to lead our Data Science, Battery Science, Forecasting, and Optimization initiatives. This role combines leadership of established analytics and optimization products with the responsibility for shaping the next generation of software offerings. This role works closely with engineering, product, and commercial teams to set technical direction, guide execution, and ensure coherence across GEMS optimization, analytics, and market-facing systems. A key focus of the role is advancing early-stage software monetization initiatives through focused pilots and partner engagements, while continuing to provide strong leadership for the data science and optimization teams.Essential Responsibilities• Own the data science, forecasting, optimization, and applied ML roadmap across storage, generation, and hybrid plants, translating commercial objectives and contractual requirements into deployable real-time optimization and reusable analytics capabilities.• Provide technical and strategic leadership for battery analytics and asset management initiatives, delivering actionable insights on cell health, degradation, and performance in the form of a scalable commercial product that is aligned with customer needs, OEM partnerships, and subscription models.• Lead core algorithm development for battery economic dispatch, hybrid plant dispatch optimization, and market bidding (e.g., Australian NEM), ensuring robust, revenue-positive performance that is adaptable to ever-evolving electricity market dynamics.• Collaborate with Engineering and Product to ensure safe, deterministic execution of advanced algorithms on real-time plant controllers, and serve as a technical representative in strategic customer engagements, partner discussions, and industry forums.• Drive early-stage software monetization and go-to-market initiatives (SDK use cases, analytics products, partner integrations), quantify and communicate our product offering's economic value, and build, mentor, and retain a high-performing team of battery scientists, data scientists, and optimization engineers.The candidate must be able to embrace the fast and dynamic environment of a growth stage company, comfortable with adjusting quickly to changing priorities.Qualifications/Requirements• Ph.D. or M.S. in battery chemistry, physics, material science, mathematics, computer science, or engineering• Demonstrated good management experience (5+ years)• Utility scale energy storage engineering experience• Extensive experience with time-series data• Track record of a career trajectory in data science and renewable energy• Strong Python programming level (5-10 years)• Can work independently and provide strong leadershipDesired Characteristics• An enterprising spirit• In-depth understanding of utility scale energy storage plants and modern electricity grid operations and best practices• Consistently bases decisions and designs on first principles• An appreciation for Richard Feynman style communication• Experience with full stack software product development• Passion for renewable energy and energy storage• An appreciation for solving difficult problems• Familiar with large, distributed datasets for high-speed computing• Strong leadership record with active participation in renewable energy associations, forums, clubs, or groups• Evidenced responsibility, good communication, and accountability in a remote and digital worldLast application date:  At Wärtsilä we value, respect and embrace all our differences, and are committed to diversity, inclusion and equal employment opportunities; everyone can be their true self and succeed based on their job-relevant merits and abilities. Please note that according to Wärtsilä policy, voluntary consent for a security check may be required from candidates being considered for this position, depending on the applicable country. #WärtsiläEnergyStorage