Energy and Climate Analyst

RTI International; United States; Hybrid; USD 76,000 - 93,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Telework options

Hybrid work model

HQ in RTP, NC

Job summary

RTI International is a scientific research institute in the United States seeking an Innovation Analyst focused on energy and climate to conduct rigorous research and translate findings into actionable recommendations for clients across sectors. You will work with cross-functional teams on market research, technoeconomic analyses, and commercialization support.

The role involves evaluating startup potential, engaging with government funding opportunities, and synthesizing complex information

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in science or engineering with interdisciplinary R&D experience.
• Business acumen and familiarity with technology transfer or commercialization, innovation accelerator programs, or startup fundraising.
• Strong scientific communication skills for technical and non-technical audiences; analytical and time-management skills.
• Willingness to learn new scientific or technical domains quickly and collaborate with diverse stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Conduct investment due diligence on start-up companies, evaluating TAM/SAM, IP position, value proposition, feasibility, and leadership.
• Collaborate with RTI experts to conduct market research informing technoeconomic analyses and bankability assessments.
• Support Pilot Accelerator companies with commercialization services (market sizing, value proposition testing, partnerships) to strengthen go-to-market strategies.
• Connect applicants with Department of Energy funding opportunities as part of the TechWerx team.
• Scout and assess emerging technologies and business models; evaluate feasibility, scalability, and impact.

Skills

Scientific communication

Time management

Team collaboration

Business acumen

MS Office

Education

Bachelor’s degree in science or engineering

Interdisciplinary R&D experience

Advanced degree (MS/PhD) preferred

Tools

MS Office

Teams

Job description

Why RTI

RTI International is an independent, scientific research institute dedicated to improving the human condition. Our vision is to address the world's most critical problems with technical and science-based solutions in pursuit of a better future. Clients rely on us to answer questions that demand an objective and multidisciplinary approach—one that integrates expertise across social, statistical, data, and laboratory sciences, engineering, and other technical disciplines to solve the world’s most challenging problems.

We believe in the promise of science and technical solutions, and we push ourselves every day to deliver on that promise for the good of people, communities, and businesses in the US and around the world. If you are looking for the opportunity to make a real difference, RTI is the place for you.

About The Hiring Group

RTI's Center for Innovation and Applied Economics helps clients build innovation capacity, accelerate technology from lab to market, and understand the economic impact of innovation on organizations and regions. As an Innovation Analyst focused on energy and climate, you will conduct rigorous research and translate findings into actionable recommendations for clients across commercial, government, and NGO sectors. Research topics may include renewable energy generation, renewable fuels, energy storage and demand management, electrification, energy efficiency, and carbon capture, storage, and utilization.

What You'll Do

• Conduct investment due diligence on start-up companies, including evaluation of the Total Addressable Market, Serviceable Addressable Market, intellectual property position, value proposition, technical feasibility, and leadership team structure.
• Collaborate with RTI subject matter experts to conduct market research that informs technoeconomic analyses and bankability assessments evaluating the business case and economics of energy and climate startups.
• Support companies operating in RTI’s Pilot Accelerator (https://rpx.rti.org) with commercialization services (e.g., market sizing, value proposition testing, partnership development) [GM2] to strengthen and advance their go-to-market strategies.
• Connect applicants with Department of Energy funding opportunities as part of the team for TechWerx (https://www.techwerx.org).
• Scout and assess emerging technologies, partners, and business models across academia, startups, and industry; evaluate feasibility, scalability, and potential impact.
• Leverage artificial intelligence tools responsibly, balancing adoption of leading-edge tools with a high bar for scientific rigor, quality, and validation of findings by human experts.
• Synthesize complex information into clear, compelling deliverables (reports, presentations, workshops) for technical and non-technical audiences.
• Collaborate with cross-functional, international teams; manage tasks, timelines, and client communications to deliver high-quality work on time.
• Facilitate meetings and present interim and final findings to clients and stakeholders.
• Contribute to a positive, inclusive team culture while upholding RTI’s mission and values.

What You'll Need

Minimum Qualifications

• 1-2 years of work experience related to the energy or renewable fuels industries.
• Bachelor’s degree in science or engineering with interdisciplinary R&D experience; electrical and computer engineering, chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, and environmental and civil engineering are preferred.
• Business acumen and some familiarity with technology transfer or commercialization, innovation accelerator programs, or startup fundraising.
• Strong scientific communication skills for technical and non-technical audiences; strong analytical and time-management skills.
• Demonstrated ability and willingness to work beyond your core field; comfort learning new scientific or technical domains quickly.
• Team-centric mindset and strong interpersonal skills; ability to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• Proficiency with MS Office (PowerPoint, Excel, Word) and collaboration tools (e.g., Teams), and a desire to learn and drive responsible use of artificial intelligence technologies in scientific research.

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with the structure, players, and regulatory environment shaping the electric utility[GM7] and generation industry in the United States; familiarity with the same in Canada, Europe, and other regions of the world.
• An advanced degree in science or engineering (e.g., PhD, MS) may be considered as R&D experience, especially if commercialization of research was explored.
• Degree or certificate in business, marketing, or finance, or equivalent experience working closely with one of these functions.
• To qualify, applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States and should not require now, or in the future, sponsorship for employment visa status.

Other Notes

• This is a full-time position. You may telework, work from our headquarters in Research Triangle Park, NC, or work in a hybrid model.
• We welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds whose experiences align with these qualifications.

EEO & Pay Equity Statements

For San Francisco, CA USA Job Postings Only: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. Further information is available here.

RTI accepts applications to our job openings from candidates with criminal histories or conviction records in accordance with all applicable laws, including the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act.

For Applicants in Massachusetts Only: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

The anticipated pay range for this role is listed below. Our pay ranges represent national averages and may vary by location as a geographic differential may be applied to some locations within the United States. RTI considers multiple factors when making an offer including, for example: established salary range, internal budget, business needs, and education and years of work experience possessed by the applicant. Further, salary is merely one element to our offer.

At RTI, we demonstrate our commitment to rewarding individual and team achievement through a total rewards package. This package includes (among other things) a competitive base salary, a generous paid time off policy, merit based annual increases, bonus opportunities and a robust recognition program. Other benefits include a competitive range of insurance plans (including health, dental, life, and short-term and long-term disability), access to a retirement savings program such as a 401(k) plan, paid parental leave for all parents, financial assistance with adoption expenses or infertility treatments, financial reimbursement for education and developmental opportunities, an employee assistance program, and numerous other offerings to support a healthy work-life balance.

Equal Pay Act Minimum/Range

$76,000 - $93,000