Principal/Transmission Strategy and Planning Expert (Energy practice)

About Charles River Associates

Since 1965, Charles River Associates has been a premier consulting firm that offers employees a place to learn from a diverse group of consultants, industry experts, and academics.  At CRA you will be exposed to leading minds who use economic, financial, and business analysis to solve complex world problems for an impressive roster of clients, including major law firms, Fortune 100 companies, and government agencies.  Through a collegial environment, formal and informal training opportunities, and a broad array of professional development resources, your experience at CRA will open doors for you as you launch your career.

Position Overview

We are seeking a Principal – Transmission Strategy and Planning to play a leadership role in delivering high-impact advisory services across transmission planning, interconnection, and grid strategy engagements.

Role and Responsibilities

As a Principal, you will lead client engagements and provide strategic and technical expertise across a range of transmission planning and market-related issues. You will be expected to operate as both a thought leader and a client advisor, while building and managing high-performing teams.

Key responsibilities include:

• Lead transmission planning and strategy engagements, including regional and local transmission planning, interconnection strategy, and evaluation of transmission expansion opportunities 
•  Advise clients on planning processes and regulatory frameworks, including RTO/ISO planning (e.g., MISO, PJM, SPP), FERC policies, and state-level transmission initiatives 
•  Apply and interpret advanced power system and market models, including power flow, production cost, and capacity expansion tools, to inform planning and investment decisions 
•  Support large load and generation interconnection strategy, including queue positioning, cost allocation, and timing considerations for utilities, developers, and hyperscale customers 
•  Provide commercial and strategic insight on transmission development, including project economics, risk assessment, and implications for rates and cost recovery 
•  Serve as a senior advisor in stakeholder processes, including regulatory proceedings, technical working groups, and investor diligence efforts 
•  Lead and mentor project teams, ensuring high-quality, defensible, and client-ready deliverables 
•  Drive business development, including maintaining existing client relationships, identifying new opportunities, and shaping new service offerings in transmission and grid strategy 
•  Communicate complex findings clearly through executive presentations, written reports, and expert testimony

Desired Qualifications

•  Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Power Systems Engineering, Engineering Economics, or a related field; Master’s degree preferred 
•  10+ years of experience in transmission planning, power system analysis, or electricity market modeling 
•  Deep familiarity with RTO/ISO transmission planning processes, interconnection procedures, and cost allocation frameworks 
•  Experience with power system and market modeling tools (e.g., PSS®E, PSLF, PROMOD, Aurora, or similar) and translating results into actionable insights 
•  5+ years of leadership experience, including managing project teams and overseeing complex engagements 
•  Demonstrated experience engaging with regulators, utilities, developers, or large energy users on transmission-related issues 
•  Proven track record in business development and client relationship management 
•  Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present to executive audiences 
•  Strong problem-solving capabilities, with the ability to structure and lead analyses on ambiguous and evolving issues 
•  Commitment to mentorship, team development, and collaborative project execution

To Apply

To be considered for a position in the United States, we require the following:

• Resume – please include current address, personal email and telephone number;
• Cover letter – please describe your interest in CRA and how this role matches your goals.

If you are interested in applying for one of our international locations, please visit our Careers site to view and apply for available jobs.

Career Growth and Benefits 

• CRA’s robust skills development programs, including a commitment to offering 100 hours of training annually through formal and informal programs, encourage you to thrive as an individual and team member. Beginning with research and analysis skill building, training continues with technical training, presentation skills, internal seminars, and career mentoring and performance coaching from an assigned senior colleague. Additional leadership and collaboration opportunities exist through internal firm development activities.
• We offer a comprehensive total rewards program including a superior benefits package, wellness programming to support physical, mental, emotional and financial well-being, and in-house immigration support for foreign nationals and international business travelers.

Work Location Flexibility

CRA creates a work environment that enables our colleagues to benefit from being together in the office to best deliver on our promise of career growth, mentorship and inclusivity. At the same time, we recognize that individuals realize a range of benefits when working from home periodically. We currently expect that individuals spend at least 3 to 4 days a week working in the office (which may include traveling to another CRA office or to client meetings), with specific days determined in coordination with your practice or team.

Our Commitment to Equal Employment Opportunity

Charles River Associates is an equal opportunity employer (EOE). All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.

Salary and other compensation

A good-faith estimate of the annual base salary range for this position is $175,000 - $250,000. Stating pay within this range may vary based on factors such as education level, experience, skills, geographic location, market conditions, and other qualifications of the successful candidate. This position may be eligible for additional bonus incentive compensation.

CRA offers a comprehensive benefits package, subject to eligibility requirements, which may include: medical, dental, and vision insurance; 401(k) retirement plan with employer match; life and disability insurance; paid time off (vacation, sick leave, holidays); paid parental leave; wellness programs and employee assistance resources; and commuter benefits.