The California Independent System Operator (ISO) manages the flow of electricity across the high-voltage, long-distance power lines that make up 80 percent of California's power grid. We safeguard the economy and well-being of 30 million Californians by operating the grid reliably 24/7.

As the impartial grid operator, the California ISO opens access to the wholesale power market that is designed to diversify resources and lower prices. It also grants equal access to 25,865 circuit-miles of power lines and reduces barriers to diverse resources competing to bring power to customers.

The California ISO's function is often compared to that of air traffic controllers. It would be grossly unfair for air traffic controllers to represent one airline and profit from allowing that company's planes to go through before others. In the same way, the California ISO operates independently—managing the electron traffic on a power grid we do not own—making sure electricity is safely delivered to utilities and consumers on time and reliably.

The California ISO is committed to the health, safety and work/life integration of its employees and is proud to offer flexible work arrangements. This position would be eligible to participate in a hybrid or fully remote work capacity within commuting distance of the Folsom campus.

Relocation assistance is available.

PRIMARY PURPOSE:

Under the general direction of the Manager, responsible for the analytics needed to support the ISO’s data-driven decisions and development of market design. Analyzes large sets of energy market data, identifying trends and patterns, providing insights to support business decisions. Participates in market design and development efforts to ensure policy and software business rules and processes provide intended solutions. Uses optimization principles and techniques to assess market solutions and model formulations. Uses data science techniques for predictive and descriptive analytics of energy market, reliability services, pricing, and evaluates the performance of energy market design.
 

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES  

• Develops analytics to support the successful development of market design and policies. Performs descriptive analytics for the energy market including day-ahead and real-time, energy and reliability services, congestion revenue rights as well as operational performance. Develops and applies data science algorithms for predictive analytics to support the evolution of new market design and products. Develops and implements business solutions such as new market products and/or new market constraints and procedures.
   
• Monitors, analyzes and reports on market results, its efficiency and effectiveness. Monitors and detects emerging market trends, such as prices and cost spikes, and identify root causes of market design gaps. May develop and implement long-term market metrics and identify systemic market issues. Develop and present reports, dashboards, and visualizations to communicate insights and trends.
   
• Participates in cross functional teams as assigned. Collaborates with market participants, regulators and other stakeholders to develop analytics to support business decisions and market design. Provides technical, analytical and reporting support to internal business units and external entities.
   
• Supports the development of new data-driven products and services related to energy markets. Stays up-to-date with the latest developments in energy markets, data science, and technology.

Level of Education and Discipline:

Bachelor's degree (BA, BS) or equivalent education, training or experience in Data Science, Computer Science, Statistics, Mathematics, Economics, Engineering or related field. Master Degree preferred.

Amount of Experience:

• Equivalent years of education and training, plus two (2) or more years related experience.

Type of Experience

• Strong analytical and quantitative skills, with experience in data science.
• Knowledge of energy markets, energy policies, and regulations.
• Experience with programming languages such as R, Python, or SQL.
• Familiarity with data visualization tools and techniques.
• Exposure and experience with applied optimization principles and techniques, power system operations and market design.

Additional Skills and Abilities:

Strong verbal and written communication and documentation skills required, with a demonstrated attention to detail.  Ability to use deductive reasoning and analytical thinking with sound judgment and decision-making skills.  Strong interpersonal and conflict resolution skills are also essential.  Must be self-starting and willing and able to work independently in a dynamic corporate organization under pressure of tight deadlines and aggressive expectations.  Problem solving skills with the ability to influence others without direct authority. Must be able to work effectively in a team environment as facilitator and team member.  Must be proficient with Microsoft Office Suite. 

Strong mathematical analytical skills are required, including the ability to communicate effectively complex technical and mathematical materials and concepts.

The pay range for the Market Development Analyst is $37.50 - $62.50 per hour.