Consultant/Senior Consultant of Energy Systems Modeling

5 Lakes Energy (5LE) seeks an energy system modeler to expand our firm’s capacity to perform sophisticated grid-scale energy system modeling, including capacity expansion, resource adequacy, and production cost modeling. This analysis will inform 5LE’s research, support our clients in advocating for their climate and clean-energy policy goals, and strengthen 5LE’s expert witness testimony in contested cases before state public service commissions on utility Integrated Resource Plans and other regulatory matters.

5LE is a small, mission-driven consulting firm that works in the Great Lakes region to mitigate climate change and foster a just transition to a carbon-neutral economy. We support nonprofits, businesses, and government agencies in pursuing their clean energy goals, designing and implementing climate solutions, and delivering economic, public health, and other benefits to the people they serve. 5LE provides clients with innovative strategies and deep expertise in utility regulation and ratemaking, policy research and development, energy modeling and analysis, and project planning. We also offer comprehensive management and communications services.

This opportunity involves:

• A new 5LE position at the Consultant or Senior Consultant level.
• Full-time and fully remote work with limited required travel and a hiring preference for candidates who reside in the Great Lakes region.
• An expected start date in December 2024 or January 2025.
• Salary of $80,000 - $100,000 plus benefits (described below) for candidates with less than five years of directly related experience who will be considered at the Consultant level.
• Salary of $105,000 - $125,000 (plus benefits described below) for candidates with five-plus years of directly related experience who will be considered for immediate Senior Consultant status.

The successful candidates for this position will work as part of a dynamic, collegial team and play a leadership role in our nation’s response to climate change by helping to build the quantitative case for economically sound and socially just clean energy and decarbonization solutions.

As team members grow and develop as professionals in our firm, they are strongly encouraged and empowered to build a consulting practice and portfolio that reflects their interests and passions in advancing the 5LE mission.

Responsibilities

The lead energy systems modeler will:

• Adapt existing open-source grid modeling software to execute models of the MISO Regional Transmission Organization with a focus on the states of Michigan and Wisconsin.
• Manage and update datasets deployed in grid modeling.
• Work in cloud environments like AWS to run energy system models.
• Present complex data insights in a clear, compelling manner to diverse stakeholders and high-level decision-makers.

Qualifications

5LE seeks candidates with the following education and career experience:

• A degree in a quantitative field such as mathematics, engineering, computer science, physics, or a related discipline.
• Strong quantitative skills and capacity to solve complex technical problems using data analysis.
• Proven experience deploying optimization techniques using linear programming with a strong preference for a background in implementing Python-based approaches.
• Excellent writing and verbal communication skills, including the capacity to explain highly technical concepts to non-technical audiences.

Successful 5LE team members must possess:

• Passion for the whole-system work required to effectively mitigate the effects of climate change.
• A deep awareness of and commitment to environmental justice.
• An innate sense of curiosity, and an interest in continued learning.
• The ability to work independently, thrive in an “all hands on deck” environment, travel periodically, and carry out computer-based work tasks for extended periods of time

Strong candidates for this position will bring:

• Experience working with common energy data sources, such as the Energy Information Administration, International Energy Agency, and National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL).
• Experience with open-source energy models such as GridPath, PyPSA, and/or those offered by NREL.
• Deep understanding of electricity markets (specifically MISO), grid operations, and pricing mechanisms, as well as the regulatory processes that govern the operations of investor-owned utilities (IOUs), including integrated resource planning requirements.
• Knowledge of capacity expansion and other grid modeling techniques.

5LE recognizes that every candidate’s personal and professional journey is unique. We encourage enthusiastic candidates who meet most of the above qualifications to apply. Please use a portion of your cover letter to share how your unique experiences will enhance your success in this position.

Location & Travel Requirements

5LE is a fully remote workplace. With most of our team based in the Great Lakes region, 5LE generally operates on Eastern time, but candidates from all locations are welcome to apply. Occasional travel to in-person conferences, client meetings, and/or firm gatherings is required.