Energy Innovation Advisor

Arizona Public Service generates clean, reliable and affordable energy for 2.7 million Arizonans. Our service territory stretches across the state, from the border town of Douglas to the vistas of the Grand Canyon, from the solar fields of Gila Bend to the ponderosa pines of Payson. As the state’s largest and longest-serving energy provider, our more than 6,000 dedicated employees power our vision of creating a sustainable energy future for Arizona.

Since our founding in 1886, APS has demonstrated a strong commitment to our customers in one of the country’s fastest growing states, earning a reputation for customer satisfaction, shareholder value, operational excellence and business integrity.

Our present and future success depends on the creative and dedicated people of our company who demonstrate the principles outlined in the APS Promise: Design for Tomorrow, Empower Each Other and Succeed Together.

Summary

The Energy Innovation Advisor is responsible for providing technical consultation and expertise for key customer and utility-focused Technology Innovation initiatives and programs. Develops and maintains technical expertise on a wide breadth of operational technologies and acts as lead on major projects and programs, coordinating and managing activities across multiple business units to extract the highest value. Leads teams of Program Consultants and Analysts to execute project deliverables. Develops and delivers high level presentations to executive leadership committees including providing expert recommendations on best course of action. Develops relationships with key stakeholders both internally and externally. Reports to senior management on program status and provides advice on critical issues and opportunities. Provides technical consultation and expertise in the domain of on-site, distributed backup power generation (Microgrids) and energy storage. Participates in recognized industry and/or professional organizations including national and international standards bodies.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelors' degree in Engineering, Science, Information Technology or related field and 12 years of prior relevant experience in the power or technology sector with an understanding of regulatory, technical and business issues impacting the industry with emphasis on renewables, distributed energy or grid technologies.
• In lieu of Bachelor's degree, High School/GED plus 16 years directly related experience in the power or technology sector with an understanding of regulatory, technical and business issues impacting the industry with emphasis on renewables, distributed energy and grid technologies.
• Experience building complete and complex business cases with multiple options using research and analysis.
• In-depth knowledge and understanding of emerging energy technologies and related business models, such as solar, energy storage, electric vehicles, energy management software platforms, etc.
• In-depth knowledge of energy issues, technologies, markets, the electric utility industry, and relevant state and federal requirements.
• Strong background in R&D, Innovation, creation of pilot and proof of concept programs and measurement, and strategic thinking. Able to clearly articulate a vision and maturation path for a broad area of technology focus.
  

Preferred Special Skills, Knowledge Or Qualifications

• Advanced Degree in Engineering, Science, Finance, Business or related field (Masters or PhD).
• Membership in recognized industry and/or professional organizations.
• Capable of developing state-of-the-art solution(s) to challenging and complex problems, meeting aggressive time schedules and supporting multi-discipline teams.
• Strong analytical skills with demonstrated ability to research initiatives and stay current with industry trends & developments.
• Ability to develop emerging technologies to deliver the business strategy and customer solutions, analyze emerging technologies and make appropriate recommendations.
• Ability to inform and influence key internal and external decision makers up to the CEO.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills and ability to convey complex/technical content in a coherent and compelling story for audiences with varying levels of technical knowledge and exert influence.
• Ability to establish relationships with multiple technology teams and provide subject-matter expertise and advice relevant to specific business needs.
  
  

Major Accountabilities

• Consult and provide expert advice on highly complex and unique technical issues which lack technical or engineering precedent and require the application of advanced engineering principles.
• Research and identify emerging and innovative technology solutions to support key customer and utility-focused business initiatives. Develop and manage the programmatic aspects for related programs such as Energy Storage and Microgrid.
• Develop and evaluate Point of Concept (POC) test plans and use cases to ensure full integration into program platform. Review and oversee execution of technical requirements as documented throughout the project.
• Provide oversight and direction to the teams performing research and analysis related to emerging technologies and impact to business.
• Prepare objective reports and quarterly metrics tracking the current and potential cost of utility scale distributed vs. centralized generation technologies. Through continuous learning, stay abreast of trends (technical, market, regulatory and political) and utilize this knowledge in order to maximize corporate benefits and minimize negative impacts.
• Resolve complex project issues with departmental staff, other departments, executive management, regulatory agencies, and other stakeholders to meet project requirements.
• Develop and maintain relationships with key local and state Energy Innovation stakeholders.
• Prepare publications and/or papers for industry periodicals, meetings and/or conferences. Participate, as Company representative in various forums, committees and working groups dealing with Energy Innovation, technical, policy and regulatory issues. May chair or lead working groups or standards bodies.