Associate Director, Grid Modernization

Electric Power Engineers • Austin, TX

82d • Hybrid

About The Position

We are designing the grid of the future!
The Associate Director, Grid Modernization will develop, grow, and provide the overall vision, leadership, and management for EPE’s Grid Modernization department. This includes evolving the department’s strategic and technical direction, identifying opportunities for new or expanded services, overseeing operational and financial performance, and driving business development efforts to scale our organization. You’ll also be responsible for managing and mentoring a high-performing team—cultivating a positive culture, encouraging professional growth, and championing EPE’s core values.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering (or a related field)
• 7+ years in Power Systems Planning with emphasis on Distribution and DER integration.
• 5+ years in leadership roles guiding teams and strategic initiatives.
• Proven track record managing engineering teams and complex projects.
• Experience mentoring staff and fostering a collaborative, mission-driven culture.
• Deep expertise in DER integration, interconnection standards, and grid modernization.
• Familiarity with advanced solutions like Flexible Interconnection (Flex IX), Locational Value of DER (LVDER), DSO strategies, DERMS, and related technologies.
• Ability to assess emerging solutions and translate them into actionable services.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s in Electrical Engineering, Power Systems, or related discipline; PE license or relevant certification.
• 7+ years of senior leadership with strategic planning, team building, and P&L ownership.
• Business development experience, including market expansion and strategic partnerships.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a long-term roadmap for EPE’s Grid Modernization organization aligned with industry trends, stakeholder needs, and EPE’s strategic goals.
• Evolve service offerings in DER Integration, grid resiliency, and advanced distribution operations (e.g., Flexible Interconnection, Virtual Power Plants, DSO strategies).
• Drive thought leadership through technology awareness, industry engagement, and conference representation.
• Provide technical direction on DER services and innovations (e.g., strategic roadmapping, Locational Value of DER, FERC 2222, Microgrids, Digital Twins, DERMS, AMDS).
• Lead resiliency planning, including risk assessment, mitigation strategies, and integrated distribution system design.
• Collaborate across departments to align initiatives and share expertise.
• Cultivate a collaborative, inclusive culture focused on communication, knowledge sharing, and skill development.
• Recognize achievements and foster team morale through milestone celebrations and supportive leadership.
• Manage and mentor engineering staff with clear goals, feedback, and accountability for timely delivery.
• Oversee performance management and career development aligned with organizational objectives.
• Recruit and onboard top talent to meet evolving technical and capacity needs.
• Manage departmental financials, including revenue and profit forecasting to support strategic alignment.
• Ensure quality assurance through rigorous review processes and risk mitigation.
• Optimize team efficiency via best practices, process improvements, and standardized tools.
• Track KPIs to identify trends and address performance gaps proactively.
• Balance short-term resource needs with long-term growth planning.
• Implement robust project management frameworks to meet scope, schedule, and budget targets.
• Represent EPE at industry events to promote thought leadership and build strategic partnerships.
• Support Business Development in client engagements with technical and strategic insights.
• Identify growth opportunities and develop strategies to expand service offerings.
• Lead proposal and RFP efforts, articulating EPE’s value and collaborating cross-functionally.
• Build lasting client relationships to ensure satisfaction, retention, and trusted advisory status.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health and wellness benefits including medical, dental, and vision with 100% premium coverage for you.
• MYShare Employee Ownership program
• Generous PTO and paid holidays
• Work with industry leaders
• 401K, up to a 4% match (100% vested from day 1)
• Flexible Work including hybrid and remote possibilities based on position.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 101-250 employees