Research and Development Analyst, Principal

Position Description

Tacoma Power's Power Management team is looking for a Research and Development Analyst, Principal to join their team!

This position provides strategic leadership and subject matter expertise in the emerging field of Flexible Load management, overseeing program managers responsible for designing and implementing demand response programs that enable customers to participate in grid-supporting behaviors through controllable devices. As both a program development team leader and expert practitioner, the role guides the development of customer-centric programs, from initial research and ideation to implementation and evaluation, while ensuring alignment with Tacoma Power’s broader energy management goals to support electrification, promote energy efficiency, and facilitate the adoption of distributed energy resources. Gathers, conducts, and summarizes essential research and analysis on technology trends, market conditions, and best practices. Integrates this information into materials during the initial program phases “Scanning and Ideation” and “Opportunity” and helps to develop business cases. A key component of this role is to craft and execute foundational plans, policies, and roadmaps for demand response -- an area with little existing utility precedent, making it a highly specialized position with substantial influence on the utility’s future direction.

Responsibilities include:

• Serve as subject matter expert and internal resource on Demand Response and Flexible Load Programs.
• Provide Scanning and Ideation: Gathers, conducts, and summarizes research to support early phase program development.
• Facilitates cross functional collaboration efforts to spark innovative program ideas and to help develop proposals.
• Bridges gaps within organization, establishes productive relationships with internal and external stakeholders, and engages in continuous process improvement.
• Act as a subject matter expert on emerging technologies and new program ideation, design, and creation.
• Provides viable and innovative Flexible Load program opportunities that meet customer needs and position Tacoma Power at the forefront of demand-side energy management.
• Provide analysis and research for program opportunities.
• Gather details necessary to understand the value, challenges, and risks to the utility, customer, and community.
• Completes informal literature reviews of industry research, general financial structures, peer benchmarking, and gathering lessons learned.
• Assesses the potential value, risks, benefits, and legal considerations of proposed programs.
• Creates a concise overview of the proposal and identify possible general costs, risks, benefits including legal impacts or mandatory requirements.
• Documents market and customer research to inform program planning and design.
• Provides details of the intended target audience, market characterizations, and market potential.
• Synthesizes financial models, market data, regulatory context, and strategic alignment with utility goals.

Qualifications

Minimum Education*
Bachelor's degree in engineering, economics, business or public administration or directly related field.

Minimum Experience*
5 years of electric utility analysis experience in power energy markets or energy technology.

*Equivalency: 1 year of experience = 1 year of education

Selection Process & Supplemental Information

This recruitment is being managed by Elise Drennen . If you would like to be notified of similar opportunities or stay connected with things going on at Tacoma Public Utilities and the City of Tacoma, connect with them on LinkedIn.

City of Tacoma Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
Tacoma's diversity is its greatest asset. Tacoma embraces its multi-cultural and multi-ethnic character. Communities of color and immigrant communities are fundamental to Tacoma's entrepreneurial spirit, workforce, and long-term success. In Tacoma, equity and empowerment are top priorities, meaning that all Tacoma residents must have equitable opportunities to reach their full potential and share in the benefits of community progress. One of our goals is for the City of Tacoma workforce to reflect the community it serves. We actively work to eliminate racial and other disparities and welcome candidates with diverse backgrounds and/or multicultural skill sets and experiences. Our goal is for Tacoma to be an inclusive and equitable place to live, work, and play.

The City of Tacoma is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity in its workplace. Applicants are considered for positions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, marital or veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state, and local laws.

Tacoma Power
Tacoma Power is an almost 100% hydroelectric, municipally-owned public power utility, located in Tacoma. We serve approximately 180,000 customers as one of the three operating divisions of Tacoma Public Utilities, alongside Tacoma Water and Tacoma Rail. As one of the most livable, walkable cities in the country, you'll find that Tacoma is a great fit for all interests with places to bike, run, hike, and explore, the perks of a big city, and the charm of a small town.

Apply
I nterested individuals should apply online and attach a detailed resume and cover letter that includes job experience, major responsibilities and accomplishments related to this position.

Reference checks will be conducted on final candidates and appointment is subject to passing a background check.

Communication from the City of Tacoma
We primarily communicate via e-mail during the application process. E-mails from cityoftacoma.org and/or governmentjobs.com must be placed on your safe domain list to ensure that you receive notifications in a timely manner. As a precaution, you may also want to check your junk e-mail folders.

For assistance with the NEOGOV application process, questions regarding this job announcement, or if you are experiencing complications while applying, please contact the Human Resources office at 253-591-5400 by 4:00 pm of the closing date of the job announcement. This will allow time to assist you before the job announcement closes. (For technical difficulties using the NeoGov system, call the applicant support line at 1-855-524-5627 between 6:00 AM and 5:00 PM Pacific Time.)

The City of Tacoma provides excellent medical, dental and vision plans for the whole family; paid holidays and paid leave; participation in the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System (alternate plan for Police/Fire); continuing education and advancement opportunities and a growing variety of City-sponsored health and wellness opportunities and incentives.

Medical Coverage: For eligible employees and their families, including domestic partners and dependent children age26 or younger.

Dental Coverage: For eligible employees and their families, including domestic partners and dependent children age26 or younger.

Vision Coverage: For eligible employees and their eligible dependents.

Paid Leave: City employees are entitled to received paid holidays, sick/vacation leave or personal time off (PTO), depending upon union affiliation and appointment type.

Insurance Plans: Employees are covered by a long-term disability plan. Short-term and expanded long-term disability insurance plans are also available to employees. The State Industrial Insurance Act also covers employees.

Deferred Compensation: Income can be set aside on a pretax basis and invested for supplementation of normal retirement income.

Retirement: All employees of the City, except members of the Police and Fire services, Tacoma Rail and certain project employees, are included in the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System. Information on the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System can be found at www.cityoftacoma.org or by calling (253) 502-8200.

Other Employment Information

Direct Deposit: Employees are paid on a bi-weekly schedule by direct deposit.

Salary Increases: Based on satisfactory job performance, the City provides for a regular progression of salary increases for most classifications according to the salary schedule.

Union Affiliation: Many job classifications are covered by union security provisions which require union membership, dues, or payment of equivalent service fees.

Note: The provisions of this job announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained herein may be modified and/or revoked without notice.

Closing Date/Time: 6/2/2025 5:00 PM Pacific

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• City of Tacoma

• 253-591-5400

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