Financial Economist 2 - Energy Systems

The Economics, Policy and Institutional Support Group is made up of staff engaged in policy formulation and impact analysis, economic analysis and valuation methodologies, institutional change for federal operations, and technology adoption. We work closely with over 300 subject matter experts across the broader Electricity Infrastructure & Buildings Division to support the Nation’s transition to a sustainable, efficient, resilient, and secure energy system through innovation and actionable solutions.

We are looking for Financial Economist with strong market analytical skills, ability to determine appropriate components of cash flow and accounting, cash flow generation, understanding of life cycle cost analysis skills, a collaborative approach to problem solving, and a desire to tackle national challenges around energy and decarbonization. This position will support the development and implementation of projects designed to drive down the cost of emerging energy technologies and accelerate their market adoption across many sectors. The primary outcome of the economist’s work is to inform stakeholders on the value of the distributional effects of technology and policy on communities.

Studies the production and distribution of resources, goods, and services by collecting and analyzing data, researching trends, and evaluating economic issues. Applies economic analysis to issues within a variety of fields, such as energy, health, development, and the environment.

Performs economic business case analyses, development of economic metrics, and economic geography and demographic analyses. Performs cost-benefit analyses, feasibility assessments, lifecycle cost assessments, economic impact analyses, market trends analyses, and forecasts. Collects and analyzes data associated with the economy, including employment, prices, productivity, consumer demand, sales, and wages among other types of data.

Responsibilities: 

The position requires knowledge and experience related to the analysis of markets, demographics, measures of social equity, and policy analysis including the following:

• Evaluating market strengths, structures, barriers, market metrics, capitalization requirements, climate considerations, code limitations, and supply chain opportunities.
• Having familiarity with demographic and market characteristics data sources and methods for analyzing and communicating insights in these data.
• Familiarity with how consumers, manufacturers, utilities and product supply chains value energy efficient performance and grid interactions.
• Understanding of the fundamentals of energy systems servicing the commercial, industrial, and residential sectors including energy efficiency technologies and policies.

The successful candidate will be accountable to: 

• Project Managers for performing assigned roles, following applicable project and field procedures, and performance of assigned tasks on time and within
• The Economics, Policy & Institutional Support Group Leader, and Energy Economics Team Leader, for general staff performance and development, operational discipline (e.g., maintaining training qualifications, procedural compliance, safe operations), and project execution.

Minimum Qualifications:

• BS/BA and 2 years of relevant experience -OR-
• MS/MA -OR-
• PhD

Preferred Qualifications:

Candidates are encouraged to apply if they meet several of the preferred qualifications below, but do not need to meet all.

• Graduate degree in financial economics , finance or closely related fields with strong statistical skills.
• Technical experience specific to the job e.g.,
• Experience with technology assessment, and stakeholder engagement to support analysis of new technology policy
• Demonstrated understanding of energy science, energy policy, or technology assessment
• Demonstrated ability to become familiar with technologies and technical concepts quickly, at sufficient depth for project analysis and comparison to other approaches
• Communication skills required for the job e.g.
• Experience in leading the publication of technical reports and journal papers
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• A collaborative approach to problem-solving and the ability to work well with inter-disciplinary and geographically distributed teams

Not applicable

Not applicable

Not a Testing Designated Position

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is a world-class research institution powered by a highly educated, diverse workforce committed to the values of Integrity, Creativity, Collaboration, Impact, and Courage. Every year, scores of dynamic, driven people come to PNNL to work with renowned researchers on meaningful science, innovations and outcomes for the U.S. Department of Energy and other sponsors; here is your chance to be one of them!
 

At PNNL, you will find an exciting research environment and excellent benefits including health insurance, flexible work schedules and telework options. PNNL is located in eastern Washington State—the dry side of Washington known for its stellar outdoor recreation and affordable cost of living. The Lab’s campus is only a 45-minute flight (or ~3-hour drive) from Seattle or Portland, and is serviced by the convenient PSC airport, connected to 8 major hubs.

Our laboratory is committed to a diverse and inclusive work environment dedicated to solving critical challenges in fundamental sciences, national security, and energy resiliency. We are proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. In support of this commitment, we encourage people of all racial/ethnic identities, women, veterans, and individuals with disabilities to apply for employment.

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory considers all applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), protected veteran status, and any other status or characteristic protected by federal, state, and/or local laws.

We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures and in employment. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, contact us at careers@pnnl.gov.

PNNL is committed to a drug-free workplace supported by Workplace Substance Abuse Program (WSAP) and complies with federal laws prohibiting the possession and use of illegal drugs.

Beginning 05/01/23, if you are offered employment at PNNL, you must pass a drug test prior to commencing employment. PNNL complies with federal law regarding illegal drug use.  Under federal law, marijuana remains an illegal drug.  If you test positive for any illegal controlled substance, including marijuana, your offer of employment will be withdrawn.   

Battelle requires employees to have a COVID-19 vaccine as a condition of employment, subject to accommodation.  Applicants are required to disclose their vaccination status following a conditional offer of employment and must attest to being fully vaccinated with a Center for Disease Control (CDC)-approved COVID-19 vaccination or provide documentation of need for medical or religious exemption from the COVID-19 vaccination requirement.

Please be aware that the Department of Energy (DOE) prohibits DOE employees and contractors from having any affiliation with the foreign government of a country DOE has identified as a “country of risk” without explicit approval by DOE and Battelle. If you are offered a position at PNNL and currently have any affiliation with the government of one of these countries, you will be required to disclose this information and recuse yourself of that affiliation or receive approval from DOE and Battelle prior to your first day of employment.

Employees and their families are offered medical insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, health savings account, flexible spending accounts, basic life insurance, disability insurance*, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, tuition assistance, supplemental parental bonding leave**, surrogacy and adoption assistance, and fertility support. Employees are automatically enrolled in our company funded pension plan* and may enroll in our 401k savings plan. Employees may accrue up to 120 vacation hours per year and may receive ten paid holidays per year.

* Research Associates excluded.

**Once eligibility requirements are met.

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