Senior Principal -Western Markets and Regulatory Policy

Position Description

The Western United States is in the midst of the most significant wholesale electricity market transformation in a generation. CAISO's markets are transitioning to independent regional governance under the newly formed Regional Organization for Western Energy (ROWE), while SPP's Markets+ and RTO West represent parallel options for utilities across the region, and states and stakeholders are actively shaping how these markets — and the transmission system that underpins them — will work for decades to come. These decisions will determine how quickly and cost-effectively the West can integrate clean energy, unlock resource diversity across state lines, and deliver reliable, affordable power to consumers. Advanced Energy United is looking for a Senior Principal who can represent advanced energy companies at this pivotal moment, ensuring that market and transmission rules are designed to accelerate — not hinder — the clean energy transition.

The Senior Principal will support, and eventually lead, the organization’s advocacy related to western wholesale electricity market expansion and development. The role will have a primary focus on the development of the Regional Organization for Western Energy (ROWE) and its governance, markets, and services, and related initiatives at the California Independent System Operator (CAISO). Dependent on need and strategy, the Senior Principal may also engage in SPP Markets+ and RTO West, and in relevant non-market regional initiatives such as transmission planning, resource adequacy program design, and interregional coordination across the Western Interconnection. In addition to participation in specific market initiatives, the incumbent will work in education and advocacy regarding energy markets and regional coordination with individual Western utilities/balancing authorities and state decision makers.  

Responsibilities 

• Lead the execution of United's strategy on Western wholesale electricity market development and related initiatives, in collaboration with other policy team members. Work with the Senior Director to develop and refine strategy as needed. 
• Serve as a consistent, credible face for Advanced Energy United across regional and state forums, bringing deep technical expertise and a constructive, solutions-oriented voice that builds trust with utilities, regulators, and other market participants, and reinforces the organization's reputation as a pragmatic, non-partisan partner in advancing Western markets.
• Monitor and analyze emerging policy, regulatory, and governance developments affecting western electricity markets primarily, and to a lesser extent regional transmission planning. Assess market design proposals, identify opportunities to improve policies on behalf of the advanced energy industry, and develop relevant regulatory comments, testimony, policy briefs, and technical analyses. Prepare updates for regular member and partner communications.
• Organize the DER Sector within the Stakeholder Representatives Committee of the ROWE. Work with both United member and non-member companies to create sector structure and processes, select a representative of the DER Sector to serve on SRC (including potentially serving as the DER Sector representative), and participate in SRC processes.
• Monitor and engage on regional transmission planning initiatives (e.g., Western Transmission Expansion Collaborative and CAISO's transmission planning process) as they intersect with market design.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with policymakers, utilities, market operators, United member companies, coalition partners, and other relevant stakeholders. Work in coordination with coalition allies in support of policy goals. 
• Collaborate with internal policy teams to ensure coordinated advocacy and align regional market strategies with state policy priorities. Support related organizational initiatives related to transmission planning, resource adequacy, interconnection reform, and wholesale market modernization. 
• Work with United’s communications team to identify opportunities for United to seek earned media coverage. Write blogs, draft press statements, and participate in webinars or other externally facing opportunities. 
• Mentor junior staff and contribute to organizational strategic planning. 
• Travel on an as needed basis (up to 25%) around the region for stakeholder meetings, meetings with key allies, conferences, and other efforts on behalf of United.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in economics, engineering, public policy, law, environmental policy, or related field. Advanced degree preferred (or substitute additional market experience)
• 5+ years of professional experience in energy policy, with at least some of that experience focused on wholesale electricity markets, utility regulation, or transmission. Knowledge of Western wholesale electricity markets and regional market design a plus. 
• Excellent analytical, writing, and presentation skills. 
• Policy analysis experience applying legal, economic, or engineering analytic frameworks to structure compelling arguments.
• Entrepreneurial approach, performance orientation, flexible attitude, and ability to handle multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent interpersonal, relationship-building, and communications skills, both written and verbal.

Physical Requirements

The physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

The employee is regularly required to use hands and talk or hear. The employee is required to sit for long periods of time; reach with hands and arms; may need to balance, stoop, kneel or crouch, walk up and down stairs.

Job type: Full-time, regular (residence in the U.S. required)  

Location: Remote. Must reside in the U.S., with a strong preference for residence in the West

Start date: October 2026 

Salary: Starting at $95,000

Advanced Energy United Perks Include: 

• Remote work and flexible schedule 

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and their families  

• Medical premiums covered for employees at 100% 

• Flexible spending plans for health care and dependent care  

• Profit sharing opportunities and annual merit-based compensation increases 

• $75/month personal wellness reimbursement 

• $50/month phone stipend

• Up to $200 reimbursement for home office set-up

• Accrued Paid Time Off, 11 federal holidays, and an annual end-of-year closure 

• Parental Leave 

• Professional development reimbursement 

• 401(k) plan (with matching incentives) 

• WMATA Transit Smart Benefits (DC, MD, VA employees) 

Advanced Energy United is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, citizenship status, age, disability, sex, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws, regulations or ordinances. If reasonable accommodations are needed to participate in the job application, interview process, and/ or to perform essential job functions please contact the Talent Acquisition team at careers@advancedenergyunited.org. We are committed to the values of diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice across our organization (“DEIJ”). We also incorporate these values into our mission of making the energy we use secure, clean, and affordable. We know that varied perspectives and a commitment to social justice are needed to succeed in making the United States an advanced energy economy. We commit to building and supporting an inclusive workforce that represents different cultures, backgrounds, and viewpoints.