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 it employees and is proud to offer flexible work arrangements. This position would be eligible to participate in a on-site or hybrid schedule. 

Relocation Assistance is available.

PRIMARY PURPOSE:

Under the general direction of the Manager, responsible for the advanced analytics needed to support the ISO’s data-driven policy decisions and development of market design. Analyzes large sets of energy market data, identifying trends and patterns, providing insights to support business decisions. Designs and develops long-term performance metrics and market solutions to ensure policy and software business rules and processes provide intended solutions. Uses advanced 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. Act as a subject matter expert (SME) on market data, metrics and reports.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES  

• Performs advanced 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 business decisions and 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. Performs complex mathematical and engineering analysis of market software and other advanced application results to determine optimality of market solutions.
   
• Monitors, analyzes and reports on market results, its efficiency and effectiveness. Monitors and detects emerging market trends, such as price and cost spikes, and identifies root causes of market design gaps. Develops and implements long-term market metrics and solutions. Identifies systemic market issues. Develops and presents advanced reports, dashboards and visualizations to communicate insights and trends.
   
• Participates in or leads cross function teams as assigned. Collaborates with market participants, regulators and other stakeholders to develop market solutions and solve complex market design problems. Provides advanced technical, analytical and reporting support to internal business units and external entities.
   
• Supports the production activities for default energy bid calculations, commitment costs, including complex analysis of all components of the default bids and commitment costs, to ensure the accuracy of the inputs and the calculation of the bids, and its impact on the market outcomes.
   
• Provides leadership, mentoring, and guidance to other team members and interns as appropriate. Stays up-to-date with the latest developments in energy markets, data science and technology and applicable federal, state and local regulatory requirements. Acts as a subject matter expert (SME) on energy markets, market data, data science and technology.

Level of Education and Discipline:

Bachelor’s degree (BA, BS) required in Engineering, Data Science, Computer Science, Statistics, Mathematics, or Economics with energy market focus. Master’s Degree preferred.

Amount of Experience:

Equivalent years of education and training, plus five (5) or more years related experience.

Type of Experience

• Advanced analytical and quantitative skills, with experience in data science.
• In depth knowledge and understanding of the ISO market design, energy markets, policies and regulations required.
• Experience with programming languages such as R, Python, or SQL.
• Experience with data visualization tools and techniques.
• Experience with applied optimization principles and techniques, power system operations and market design.

Additional Skills and Abilities:

Must be able to work effectively in a team environment as facilitator and team member.  Excellent analytical, 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.  Excellent 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.  Self-motivated, problem solving skills and the ability to influence others without direct authority.  Proficiency and working knowledge in various market systems and data structures.

The pay range for the Sr Market Development Analyst at the CAISO is $100,875 - $168,125 per year.

**We will also consider this position at the Journey level.  This level would require a Bachelor's or equivalent years of education and training, plus two (2) or more years related experience. The pay range for this position is $38.65 - $64.42 / hour.