Grid Technology Consultant - Electric Utility (Oahu) Job Details | hawaiianel

Hawaiian Electric is seeking a Grid Technology Consultant in Honolulu, HI, to evaluate advanced electric utility grid technologies, manage the innovation process, and liaise with stakeholders. Responsibilities include scouting technologies, leading initiatives, conducting research, and assessing market readiness. The role requires collaboration with internal teams and external partners, managing RD&D portfolios, and facilitating technology transfer to support the company’s technical plans.
Hawaiian Electric is a leading provider of electricity and services to the residents of Hawaii. They are seeking a Grid Technology Consultant to scout and evaluate advanced electric utility grid technologies, manage the technology innovation process, and serve as a liaison to external stakeholders. The role involves leading high-profile initiatives, conducting research, and facilitating technology transfer within the company.


Responsibilities

Proactively scouts and evaluates advanced and emerging electric utility grid technologies for research, development and demonstration (RD&D) activities or other electric utility pilot evaluations that support implementation of the Companies’ technical plansManages the technology innovation process and coordinates and tracks the performance of the Company’s RD&D portfolio, including facilitation of technology transferTracks and assesses market adoption and technical readiness levels of emerging technologies and capabilitiesServes as both internal consultant and liaison to external stakeholders on technologyLeads teams in high-profile, high-visibility initiatives and projects to implement Company plans, projects, and technical requirementsActively scouts innovative technologies and applications related to electric utility grid operations and planning that align with technical and business plansParticipates in technical conferences and other events to facilitate technology scouting effortsConducts research on technologies, prepares technical assessments, and offers technical opinionsAssesses the application of emerging grid technologies for operations, planning, new business opportunities, and customer utilizationLeads teams in the vetting of new technologies, including coordination of technical meetings with external stakeholders and vendorsMay also serve as a subject matter expert on specific technologies to assess the application of emerging technologies to meet Company goalsEstablishes and maintains working relationships with individuals and organizations throughout the world that are involved with emerging technologyMay take short-term assignments within other areas of the Company to facilitate deeper knowledge of technology needs and prioritiesLeads testing and proof-of-concept piloting of innovative and advanced technologies and solutions, including the development of test plans, field deployment of technologies, and acquisition and advanced analytics of test dataEngages with internal personnel and external parties to assess partnering opportunitiesLeads internal teams by coordinating the scoping of external funding opportunities with various technical areas in the CompanyAssesses and solicits funding opportunities with EPRI, government agencies and national laboratories, entrepreneurs, manufacturers, and vendors for selected emerging technology projectsAssists in the prioritization of the Company’s high priority needs based on feedback received from other areas within the CompanyLeads the management of studies and site assessments conducted by outside consultants to assess the technical and non-technical applicability of emerging technologies on the Company’s grid systemsManages the technology innovation governance process in the identification, evaluation, selection, and prioritization of emerging technology and federal grant projectsOversees RD&D annual solicitations, reviews proposals to ensure alignment with high priority strategic needs, facilitates internal vetting, and conducts quarterly stage-gate evaluations to monitor project performance, schedules, budgets, and issuesFacilitates technology transfer to disseminate knowledge and research results within the CompanyLeads the research of new, advanced functionality development that aligns with the Company’s current and future operating and planning requirementsTracks and assesses the market readiness of advanced resources, technologies, and functionalities that meet Company technical requirements and aligns with technology plansCoordinates the alignment of new technology implementation strategies and activities with Company business strategiesServes as a liaison to industry and leads high-profile technology initiatives with external stakeholdersActs as a Company technical representative at public, private, and special interest events related to technology innovationLeads efforts with Company personnel to bridge gaps and move targeted technologies from RD&D to commercial implementationParticipates in activities and prepares associated documents for rate case and other regulatory docketsEvaluates bills, conducts relevant research, and prepares and delivers testimony for legislative hearingsParticipates in Company emergency response activities as assigned, including any activities required to prepare for such emergency response
Skills

Bachelor's degree in engineering, business, or other applicable technical or non-technical degree from an ABET-accredited college or university is requiredDemonstrated detailed knowledge of the application of engineering theories and principles that are pertinent to the Job ResponsibilitiesThis includes thorough knowledge of electrical power systems (utility and in-building systems), generation systems and operations, renewable energy and energy storage concepts, digital control systems, maintenance, and communicationsDemonstrated understanding of the utility industry and has a thorough understanding of how technology scouting fits into the Company's strategic plansKnowledge of scientific research, including processes for research and development, and the transition from technology development to implementationStrong understanding of technology development processes, market adoption strategies, communication standards, and electric utility methodologies to implement new technologiesThorough knowledge of theories and principles of engineering normally acquired through advanced college level courses or equivalent experienceStrong understanding of, and ability to apply, standard industry practices for technology assessment and product adoption steps for commercial utility applicationsWorking knowledge of the Company's operations, planning, technical plans, business practices, and associated technical gapsWorking knowledge of the principles and practices of engineering, project engineering, and project management associated with renewable and conventional electric generation facilities and systemsWorking knowledge of testing processes, including the development of test plans, project scoping, scheduling, and budgetingDetailed knowledge of personal computers and standard software applications such as Microsoft OfficeAbility to utilize effective technology scouting processes to identify new technologies and applications, raise awareness of the need for new technologies, and match technology scouting efforts to Company's core strategiesAbility to assess technology risks and new opportunities such that technology merits can be linked to business needsAbility to perform independent research and investigation, including the ability to conduct technical assessments using research and other processesAbility to build an informed technical opinion and communicate complex technical topics to a variety of internal and external stakeholdersAbility to develop and evaluate business cases for technology projects and programsAbility to lead and participate in both internal and external meetingsDemonstrated leadership skills including effective written, oral and listening communication skills, in order to work effectively with all levels of the Company, outside contractors and consultants, governmental agencies, external stakeholders, community groups, and customersDemonstrated interpersonal skills to work and collaborate with a variety of individuals, including external customers as well as Company personnelIn-depth analytical, organizational, planning, and conceptual skills to handle multiple projects, programs, and priorities concurrentlyMust have or be able to qualify for a State of Hawaii driver's licenseExtensive (8 or more years) of technical and business experience in a technical field, including management of budgets or equivalent technology or product development through job experienceExisting networks and working relationships with individuals and organizations throughout the world that are involved with emerging technology and utility innovation effortsA Professional Engineer's license or MBA is desirableWorking knowledge of economic analysis is desired to facilitate cost and economic assessments of new technologiesKnowledge of Visio, Project, and Matlab is highly desirable
Company Overview

Hawaiian Electric delivers clean and secure energy solutions by using renewable and sustainable resources that is cost-effective. It was founded in 1881, and is headquartered in Honolulu, Hawaii, USA, with a workforce of 1001-5000 employees. Its website is https://www.hawaiianelectric.com/.