Description
Charles River Associates has been a premier consulting firm since 1965, offering employees a place to learn from a diverse group of consultants, industry experts, and academics. At CRA, you will be exposed to leading minds who use economic, financial, and business analysis to solve complex world problems for an impressive roster of clients.
We are seeking a Principal – Transmission Strategy and Planning to play a leadership role in delivering high-impact advisory services across transmission planning, interconnection, and grid strategy engagements.
As a Principal, you will lead client engagements and provide strategic and technical expertise across a range of transmission planning and market-related issues. You will be expected to operate as both a thought leader and a client advisor, while building and managing high-performing teams.
Key responsibilities include:
- Leading transmission planning and strategy engagements, including regional and local transmission planning, interconnection strategy, and evaluation of transmission expansion opportunities
- Advising clients on planning processes and regulatory frameworks, including RTO/ISO planning, FERC policies, and state-level transmission initiatives
- Applying and interpreting advanced power system and market models to inform planning and investment decisions
- Supporting large load and generation interconnection strategy, including queue positioning, cost allocation, and timing considerations for utilities, developers, and hyperscale customers
- Providing commercial and strategic insight on transmission development, including project economics, risk assessment, and implications for rates and cost recovery
- Serving as a senior advisor in stakeholder processes, including regulatory proceedings, technical working groups, and investor diligence efforts
- Leading and mentoring project teams to ensure high-quality, defensible, and client-ready deliverables
- Driving business development, including maintaining existing client relationships, identifying new opportunities, and shaping new service offerings in transmission and grid strategy
- Communicating complex findings clearly through executive presentations, written reports, and expert testimony
Desired qualifications include:
- Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Power Systems Engineering, Engineering Economics, or a related field; Master’s degree preferred
- 10+ years of experience in transmission planning, power system analysis, or electricity market modeling
- Deep familiarity with RTO/ISO transmission planning processes, interconnection procedures, and cost allocation frameworks
- Experience with power system and market modeling tools and translating results into actionable insights
- 5+ years of leadership experience, including managing project teams and overseeing complex engagements
- Demonstrated experience engaging with regulators, utilities, developers, or large energy users on transmission-related issues
- Proven track record in business development and client relationship management
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present to executive audiences
- Strong problem-solving capabilities, with the ability to structure and lead analyses on ambiguous and evolving issues
- Commitment to mentorship, team development, and collaborative project execution
CRA offers a comprehensive total rewards program, including a superior benefits package, wellness programming, and in-house immigration support for foreign nationals and international business travelers.
A good-faith estimate of the annual base salary range for this position is $175,000 - $250,000.