Senior Energy Market Modeler - Optimization & Planning
Location: Reston, VA Hybrid or US Remote
About the Role
Join us in shaping the future of energy systems. We are looking for a highly skilled and forward-thinking professional to lead advanced modeling and optimization initiatives for integrated energy system planning. In this role, you will focus on electric sector planning, market design, and techno-economic analysis - critical components in building a low-carbon, reliable, and cost-effective grid.
As a Senior Energy Market Modeler - Optimization & Planning, you will design, develop, and use cutting-edge power system and electricity market models, along with analytics tools that drive energy, economic, and financial insights for grid planning and operations. Your work will include creating and using optimization methodologies and analytics frameworks that underpin next-generation solutions.
You will have the opportunity to conduct research across a broad spectrum of topics, including:
Analysis of energy and power systems
Optimization of variable energy resources
Electricity market design and operation
Integration of emerging technologies
Interdependencies between power grids and other infrastructures
This is a chance to make a meaningful impact on the energy transition while working on complex, high-value challenges in collaboration with industry leaders.
Key Responsibilities
Participate in developing data and models and applying advanced optimization approaches for capacity expansion, production cost, and integrated resource planning.
Assist the delivery of client work through modeling, developing presentations, writing, and preparing entire subsections of reports and papers, and helping with additional customer requests.
Design and lead efforts on co-optimization across generation, transmission, distribution, and demand-side resources and fuels under uncertainty.
Design and implement techno-economic frameworks to evaluate system reliability, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness.
Conduct research in the area of electricity markets, power system reliability and optimization techniques and apply lessons learned to analytical approaches.
Conduct research on electricity market design, policy implications, and emerging technologies.
Propose and work on novel ideas and concepts for the next generation of power systems.
Translate complex quantitative results into clear, actionable insights for technical and non-technical stakeholders including translating results of simulation cases and research into clear visual representations.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver solutions for utilities, ISOs, and large energy consumers.
Assist in proposal writing including strategizing on approaches to deliver innovative solutions to clients.
Serve as a technical point of contact for clients, leading deep‑dive discussions, presenting analytical findings, and contributing to externally facing thought leadership, while supporting client satisfaction and retention in partnership with project and account leads.
Minimum Required Qualifications:
Master’s degree in operations research, Electrical Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Computer Science, Applied/Quantitative Economics or related field AND 3+ years of experience in an energy-related field.
Equivalent combination of education and directly relevant professional experience in lieu of an advanced degree, demonstrated by 6+ years of experience in an energy‑related field.
Energy-Related Experience Includes:
Expertise in optimization theory, techno-economic analysis, and power system planning.
Hands-on experience with capacity expansion and production cost tools (e.g., PLEXOS, IPM, Encompass, GenX, etc).
Strong programming and modeling skills (Python, Julia, GAMS) and proficiency with commercial solvers (CPLEX, Gurobi, Xpress-MP).
Ability to manage large datasets and perform stochastic or scenario-based analysis.
Detailed-oriented approach to designing models and critically assessing results.
Exceptional communication skills to present technical findings to diverse audiences.
Preferred Qualifications
PhD in Operations Research, Electrical Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Computer Science, or related field.
8+ years of experience in an energy-related field.
Knowledge of security-constrained economic dispatch and power system fundamentals.
Familiarity with econometrics, market economics, and regulatory processes.
Experience in academic writing, stakeholder engagement, or policy analysis.
Prior experience addressing energy transition and co-optimization issues or advanced academic project work in these areas.
Interest in acquiring knowledge and expertise in new technologies related to electricity markets, optimization and computing.
What We Value
Collaborative mindset—helping each team member to do their finest work.
Ability to translate technical concepts for broader audiences.
Ownership of work, proactive problem-solving, and creative thinking.
Strong organizational and time management skills.
Aptitude for clear writing and communication.
Demonstrated success guiding ideas, people, and projects.
High fluency in Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint.
Desire to work in a dynamic, team-oriented environment.
Demonstrated ability to use AI and bring creative technology solutions to our work.
Why Join Us?
Work on cutting-edge challenges in energy systems optimization and planning.
Collaborate with industry leaders shaping the future of electricity markets.
Competitive compensation with opportunities for growth.
Working at ICF
ICF is a global advisory and technology services provider, but we’re not your typical consultants. We combine unmatched expertise with cutting-edge technology to help clients solve their most complex challenges, navigate change, and shape the future.We can only solve the world's toughest challenges by building a workplace that allows everyone to thrive. We are an equal opportunity employer. Together, our employees are empowered to share their expertise and collaborate with others to achieve personal and professional goals. For more information, please read our EEO policy.
We will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Reasonable Accommodations are available, including, but not limited to, for disabled veterans, individuals with disabilities, and individuals with sincerely held religious beliefs, in all phases of the application and employment process. To request an accommodation, please email [email protected] and we will be happy to assist. All information you provide will be kept confidential and will be used only to the extent required to provide needed reasonable accommodations.
Read more about workplace discrimination rights or our benefit offerings which are included in the Transparency in (Benefits) Coverage Act.
At ICF, we are committed to ensuring a fair interview process for all candidates based on their own skills and knowledge. As part of this commitment, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools to generate or assist with responses during interviews (whether in-person or virtual) is not permitted. This policy is in place to maintain the integrity and authenticity of the interview process.
However, we understand that some candidates may require accommodation that involves the use of AI. If such an accommodation is needed, candidates are instructed to contact us in advance at [email protected]. We are dedicated to providing the necessary support to ensure that all candidates have an equal opportunity to succeed.
Pay Range - There are multiple factors that are considered in determining final pay for a position, including, but not limited to, relevant work experience, skills, certifications and competencies that align to the specified role, geographic location, education and certifications as well as contract provisions regarding labor categories that are specific to the position.
The pay range for this position based on full-time employment is:
$89,649.00 - $152,404.00Nationwide Remote Office (US99)Top Skills
What We Do
ICF is a leading global solutions and technology provider with approximately 9,000 employees in industries across the public and private sectors. We combine unmatched expertise with cutting-edge technology to help clients solve their most complex challenges, navigate change, and shape the future.
Why Work With Us
At ICF, we’ve built a culture rooted in expertise, innovation, and purpose—enabling us to build a more prosperous and resilient world for all. When our employees grow, our solutions thrive—regardless of your role, team, or location, you’ll have opportunities to make connections, build community, and take action to develop your career.
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