Principal Manager Systems Innovation

Job Description

Job Description

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.

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.