Energy Innovation Consultant

Summary

Are you passionate about transforming the energy landscape through distributed energy solutions? APS is seeking an experienced and visionary Energy Innovation Consultant to lead the development and execution of our microgrid strategy—one of the most dynamic and high-impact areas of our clean energy transition.

In this role, you will:

• Drive the development of customer-sited and utility-integrated microgrid projects across Arizona, supporting resilience, reliability, and decarbonization goals.
• Lead cross-functional teams to identify, evaluate, and implement microgrid strategy. 
• Collaborate stakeholders to shape business models, including Capacity Purchase Agreements (CPAs) and Load Management Agreements (LMAs), in response to the Arizona Corporation Commission’s directive for non-utility ownership.
• Serve as a subject matter expert on microgrid technologies, regulatory frameworks, and market trends, and represent APS in industry forums and working groups.
• Support the integration of microgrids into APS’s broader Virtual Power Plant strategies.

What we’re looking for:

• Proven experience in microgrid development, including feasibility analysis, design, procurement, and commissioning.
• Strong understanding of DER integration, grid interconnection, and utility operations.
• Ability to navigate regulatory environments and develop innovative commercial structures.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Engineering or technical background preferred; PMP or similar certification a plus.

Minimum Requirements

- Bachelors' degree in Engineering, Science, Information Technology or related field and 8 years of prior relevant experience in the power and natural gas sectors with an understanding of regulatory, technical and business issues impacting the industry including renewables, distributed energy and grid technologies.
- In lieu of Bachelor's degree, High School/GED plus 12 years directly related experience in the power and natural gas sectors with an understanding of regulatory, technical and business issues impacting the industry including renewables, distributed energy and grid technologies.
- Detailed knowledge and understanding of one or more emerging energy technologies and related business models, such as solar, energy storage, electric vehicles, energy management software platforms etc.

Preferred Special Skills, Knowledge or Qualifications:
- Masters' degree in Engineering, Science, Finance or Business.
- Working knowledge of R&D, Innovation, creation of pilot programs and measurement, and strategic thinking.
- Ability to facilitate, document and align technical business requirements and functional specifications to support successful selection of technology vendors and execution of Point of Concept (POC) and technology programs of Moderate to High complexity.
- Strong analytical skills with demonstrated ability to research initiatives and stay current with industry trends and developments.
- Experience building complete and complex business cases using research and analysis. Able to present the case to leadership up to a vice president level.
- Strong 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

1) 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.

2) 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.

3) In collaboration with lead project managers, develop and implement project work plans and secure buyoff and approval from cooperating departments. Regularly revise work plans to reflect current conditions and update as appropriate.

4) Provide oversight and direction to the teams performing research and analysis related to emerging technologies and impact to business.

5) Monitor and manage project budgets to maximize the benefit to ratepayers and the corporation by assuring projects are come in at or under budget. Provide input and support into internal reporting and communications on budget and progress related aspects.

6) Effectively interface and resolve project issues with departmental staff, other departments, executive management, regulatory agencies, and other stakeholders to meet project requirements.

7) Maintain current knowledge of trends (technical, market, regulatory and political) and utilize this knowledge in order to maximize corporate benefits and minimize negative impacts.

8) Develop and maintain relationships with key local and state Energy Innovation stakeholders.

9) Participate as Company representative and technology expert in various forums, committees and working groups dealing with various Energy Innovation technical, policy and regulatory issues. Provide updates on industry and technology trends.

Export Compliance / EEO Statement

This position may require access to and/or use of information subject to control under the Department of Energy's Part 810 Regulations (10 CFR Part 810), the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) (15 CFR Parts 730 through 774), or the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) (22 CFR Chapter I, Subchapter M Part 120) (collectively, 'U.S. Export Control Laws'). Therefore, some positions may require applicants to be a U.S. person, which is defined as a U.S. Citizen, a U.S. Lawful Permanent Resident (i.e. 'Green Card Holder'), a Political Asylee, or a Refugee under the U.S. Export Control Laws. All applicants will be required to confirm their U.S. person or non-US person status. All information collected in this regard will only be used to ensure compliance with U.S. Export Control Laws, and will be used in full compliance with all applicable laws prohibiting discrimination on the basis of national origin and other factors. For positions at Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Stations (PVNGS) all openings will require applicants to be a U.S. person.

Pinnacle West Capital Corporation and its subsidiaries and affiliates ('Pinnacle West') maintain a continuing policy of nondiscrimination in employment. It is our policy to provide equal opportunity in all phases of the employment process and in compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations. This policy of nondiscrimination shall include, but not be limited to, recruiting, hiring, promoting, compensating, reassigning, demoting, transferring, laying off, recalling, terminating employment, and training for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, disability, age, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, protected veteran status, or any other classification or characteristic protected by law.

For more information on applicable equal employment regulations, please refer to EEO is the Law poster. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of every person hired to work in the United States, refer to E-Verify poster. View the employee rights and responsibilities under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA).

Arizona Public Service is a smoke free workplace.