(2027 Graduates) Senior Associate - Management Advisory (Energy Practice)

Charles River Associates•Washington, DC

2d•$140,000 - $152,500•Hybrid

About The Position

Senior Associates in Charles River Associates’ Energy Practice work on teams advising clients on major strategic, investment, and operational decisions across the energy industry. They structure complex problems, conduct quantitative and qualitative analyses, and translate findings into clear recommendations for executives and other decision-makers. The role provides exposure to varied clients and challenges, with opportunities to own workstreams, contribute to client discussions, and collaborate with senior experts. The practice advises utilities, investors, developers, large energy users, regulators, and other industry participants on topics including business strategy, resource and infrastructure planning, regulatory policy, market analysis, mergers and acquisitions, and litigation. The position is intended for candidates pursuing a graduate degree and expecting to graduate in 2027. Successful candidates bring energy industry experience, intellectual curiosity, analytical and communication skills, sound judgment, and the ability to guide junior colleagues. Additional experience in strategy, performance improvement, investment analysis, transactions, regulatory proceedings, modeling, data analytics, or programming is valuable, but modeling or programming is not required for every candidate. CRA expects colleagues to work in the office at least 3 to 4 days per week; this may include travel to another CRA office or client meetings, with specific days coordinated with the practice or team. The role includes skills development, technical and presentation training, mentoring, and performance coaching.

Requirements

Currently pursuing an MBA, master’s degree, or PhD, with graduation expected in 2027.
Typically three to five years of relevant professional experience before graduate study, or substantial applied research experience relevant to the energy industry.
Demonstrated energy industry experience through professional roles, client engagements, or substantial applied research, with an understanding of energy businesses, markets, infrastructure, or regulation.
Ability to structure ambiguous problems, assess evidence, evaluate trade-offs, and develop practical recommendations.
Strong quantitative and qualitative analytical skills, including interpreting data, critically assessing assumptions, and connecting findings to business decisions.
Clear, persuasive written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain complex ideas to audiences with different levels of technical knowledge.
Ability to take ownership of a workstream, exercise independent judgment, and manage priorities and deadlines.
Collaborative approach and ability to guide junior colleagues, provide constructive feedback, and contribute to their development.

Nice To Haves

Academic background in economics, engineering, finance, accounting, operations research, data science, or power systems.
Experience in business strategy, performance improvement, investment analysis, transactions, regulatory proceedings, financial or power system modeling, optimization, data analytics, or programming.

Responsibilities

Contribute to all phases of client engagements, from defining key questions and conducting strategic, financial, market, and organizational analyses to developing recommendations and supporting implementation.
Evaluate complex business challenges facing energy clients and translate data and research into clear insights and practical recommendations.
Manage project workstreams, including work planning, coordination of junior team members, and delivery of high-quality analyses and client materials.
Present findings and recommendations to mid- and senior-level clients, helping build consensus and inform decisions.
Lead and coach junior consultants, providing direction, feedback, and opportunities to develop their skills.
Support business development through proposal preparation and identification of opportunities to address client needs.
Contribute to practice development through thought leadership, development of analytical tools and methods, training, and recruiting.

Benefits

Comprehensive benefits package, subject to eligibility requirements.
Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
401(k) retirement plan with employer match.
Life and disability insurance.
Paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
Paid parental leave.
Wellness programs and employee assistance resources.
Commuter benefits.
Wellness programming supporting physical, mental, emotional, and financial well-being.
In-house immigration support for foreign nationals and international business travelers.
Formal and informal skills development, technical and presentation training, internal seminars, career mentoring, and performance coaching.