Senior Associate/Transmission Strategy and Planning (Energy practice)

About Charles River Associates

Since 1965, Charles River Associates has been a premier consulting firm that offers employees a place to learn from a diverse group of consultants, industry experts, and academics.  At CRA you will be exposed to leading minds who use economic, financial, and business analysis to solve complex world problems for an impressive roster of clients, including major law firms, Fortune 100 companies, and government agencies.  Through a collegial environment, formal and informal training opportunities, and a broad array of professional development resources, your experience at CRA will open doors for you as you launch your career.

Position Overview

Consultants in CRA’s Energy practice have researched, published, taught, and consulted on energy matters for a wide range of clients, including electric and gas utilities, investors, power asset owners and developers, power agencies, large industrial firms, and clean energy technology leaders. Our work in the energy industry has guided the energy transitions of major firms, established legal precedents in economics, and set new standards in market design and oversight.  We have advised on developing the structure of national and regional competitive markets, reorganized multi-billion-dollar companies, testified in hundred-million-dollar damages litigation, and played a key role in most North American utility mergers and acquisitions that have taken place over the last decade.

CRA is seeking qualified candidates with prior experience, and knowledge of nodal production cost simulations and power flow analysis to join our team. 

As a Senior Associate, you will conduct research and use software to organize, analyze, and deliver data-driven insights, and you will always have your project team as a resource. Your responsibilities may include (but are not limited to): 

• Manage Energy practice teams in market and transmission analysis engagements, including integrated resource planning studies, regulatory/policy analysis, market/commercial due diligence for developers and financial investor clients;
• Act as a principal custodian of some of the Energy practice’s nodal production costing and power flow models;
• Perform a broad range of quantitative consulting tasks such as developing forecast scenarios and assumptions, interpreting study results and tying to historical and forward market conditions, and identifying creative mitigation options to alleviate transmission reliability and congestion issues;
• Support the development of industry leading models through research and analysis, programming, and model vetting in areas like development support, transaction due diligence, and utility planning;
• Develop presentations and reports to concisely, comprehensively, and accurately share findings with clients on complex matters;
• Effectively communicate and present information and results to senior- and mid-level staff of clients;
• Oversee junior staff in the production of reports, presentations, and market analyses.

Desired Qualifications

•    Bachelors’ degree in Electrical Engineering, Engineering Economics, Engineering Management, and/or related fields. Master’s degree preferred.
•    5+ of professional experience in markets and transmission planning space, power flow analysis, nodal production cost analysis, and assessment of congestion/basis-risk across Eastern RTO markets. 
•    2+ years of professional experience directly managing or leading the work of others.
•    Software skills:
o    3+ years fluency in power flow assessment packages (PowerGEM TARA, GE-PSLF, PSS-E, or PowerWorld)
o    3+ years fluency in nodal production cost models (PROMOD, Aurora, Encompass, Plexos, or Gridview
•    Knowledge of RTO and regional planning authority planning processes, including interconnection rules, and regional reliability planning processes for PJM, ERCOT, MISO, and SPP in particular.
•    Excellent presentation skills and writing ability. 
•    Strong problem-solving abilities and resourcefulness.
•    Working well in a team environment, and willingness to provide mentorship and supervision to junior staff members.
•    Strong project management and client engagement skills.

To Apply

To be considered for a position in the United States, we require the following:

• Resume – please include current address, personal email and telephone number;
• Cover letter – please describe your interest in CRA and how this role matches your goals.

If you are interested in applying for one of our international locations, please visit our Careers site to view and apply for available jobs.

Career Growth and Benefits 

• CRA’s robust skills development programs, including a commitment to offering 100 hours of training annually through formal and informal programs, encourage you to thrive as an individual and team member. Beginning with research and analysis skill building, training continues with technical training, presentation skills, internal seminars, and career mentoring and performance coaching from an assigned senior colleague. Additional leadership and collaboration opportunities exist through internal firm development activities.
• We offer a comprehensive total rewards program including a superior benefits package, wellness programming to support physical, mental, emotional and financial well-being, and in-house immigration support for foreign nationals and international business travelers.

Work Location Flexibility

CRA creates a work environment that enables our colleagues to benefit from being together in the office to best deliver on our promise of career growth, mentorship and inclusivity. At the same time, we recognize that individuals realize a range of benefits when working from home periodically. We currently expect that individuals spend at least 3 to 4 days a week working in the office (which may include traveling to another CRA office or to client meetings), with specific days determined in coordination with your practice or team.

Our Commitment to Equal Employment Opportunity

Charles River Associates is an equal opportunity employer (EOE). All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.

Salary and other compensation

A good-faith estimate of the annual base salary range for this position is $130,000 - $152,500. Stating pay within this range may vary based on factors such as education level, experience, skills, geographic location, market conditions, and other qualifications of the successful candidate. This position may be eligible for additional bonus incentive compensation.

CRA offers a comprehensive benefits package, subject to eligibility requirements, which may include: medical, dental, and vision insurance; 401(k) retirement plan with employer match; life and disability insurance; paid time off (vacation, sick leave, holidays); paid parental leave; wellness programs and employee assistance resources; and commuter benefits.