Market Analyst Journey

SMUD; Sacramento (CA); Hybrid; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

SMUD is seeking a journey-level Market Analyst on the Distributed Energy Strategy team to drive advanced analytics for distributed energy solutions, including VPPs, electrification, and grid optimization. You will translate complex data into actionable strategies that influence planning, programs, and policy.

The role requires strong analytical foundations, independence, and the ability to turn insights into decisions. Hybrid work options are available as SMUD evolves its remote work model.

Qualifications

• At least three years of load research, forecasting, modeling, or economic analysis.
• Bachelors degree in Economics, Engineering, Mathematics, Statistics, Data Science, or related field or seven years of relevant experience.
• Experience with Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) data and related grid connectivity datasets is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Develops long-term customer, load and demand forecasts, program evaluations, and load analysis.
• Designs and develops databases to support load research and analysis.
• Evaluates, procures and coordinates various analytical modeling tools to facilitate modeling and evaluation activities.
• Develops and delivers technical and verbal reports to staff, peers, management, and the public.
• Supports project planning, budgeting, scheduling and coordination.

Skills

Forecasting

Load research

Data analysis

Economic modeling

Project management

Communication

Education

Bachelors degree or equivalent

Tools

Python

SAS

R

SQL

DataBricks

Job description

This posting intends to fill one (1) full-time regular position and establish an eligibility list which may be used to fill future regular full-time and limited-term vacancies.

This position will be posted until a sufficient number of qualified applicants has been received but may close at any time after November 5, 2026.

Join SMUD and help shape a cleaner, smarter energy future. As a journey-level Market Analyst on our Distributed Energy Strategy team, you'll play a meaningful role in advancing innovative solutions that support affordability, reliability, and environmental responsibility for the communities we serve.

This is not a role for someone who simply runs analyses and reports results. It's an opportunity for a thoughtful, inquisitive professional who enjoys digging into complex information, uncovering patterns, and asking the deeper questions that lead to better decisions. We're looking for someone who is energized by making sense of what others might overlook-someone who naturally asks why, explores what's driving the data, and turns insight into action.

In this role, you'll use advanced data, modeling, and analytical techniques to inform business cases and strategy for emerging distributed energy solutions, including Virtual Power Plants, building and transportation electrification, managed charging and vehicle-to-grid, non-wires solutions, distributed solar, and more. Your work will help SMUD design forward-looking programs that empower customers, manage growing electrification, and support smart investments in the grid.

The ideal candidate brings a strong analytical foundation, along with the judgment and curiosity to work through ambiguity with a high degree of independence. Success in this role will come from connecting data to real-world outcomes, partnering across teams, and translating complex findings into clear, actionable recommendations that influence planning, programs, and strategy.

Application Requirements

As part of the application process, candidates will be required to answer one (1) question when submitting their application. Please note that there is a character limit of 2,000 characters. Please be advised, "Refer to resume" responses will not be accepted. Failure to respond to the questions may preclude you from moving forward in this process.

• Describe a time when you used interval, meter, customer, or other operational data to identify a trend or opportunity that influenced a business, program, or planning decision. What data did you analyze, what approach did you take, and what recommendation did you make?

Purpose

Provide analysis and technical support for producing the customer, load and demand forecasts, load research and related assessment, and program evaluations.

Nature and Scope

This job is part of a classification series comprised of four levels: Level "E" is the entry level where incumbents acquire knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the tasks associated within the series. The journey level “J” is where the incumbent, either hired into or progressed from the entry level, has the required skills and knowledge to independently perform the full scope of the job. The Senior "Sr" level is comprised of the advanced journey level resource who is responsible for advanced assignments. The principal level is comprised of the subject matter expert/lead level and is responsible for leading the most advance work. Promotion to the senior or principal level is not through a progression and will happen through SMUD's standard civil service hiring process.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Develops long-term customer, load and demand forecasts, program evaluations, and load analysis.
• Designs and develops of databases to support load research and analysis.
• Evaluates, procures and coordinates various analytical modeling tools to facilitate modeling and evaluation activities.
• Supports the administration of internal/external projects by assisting in identifying project objectives; identifying internal/external project team within area of responsibility; assisting in the development of Request for Proposals where applicable; participating in developing project plans including schedule, cost, key work products, and milestones; monitoring project progress and completion in area of responsibility against plan/contract; monitoring and revising schedules, scope, expenditures and assignments as warranted; reviewing work products; assisting in resolving conflicts and discrepancies; maintaining project records and files; and participating in the overall review of the completed project results and making recommendations for next steps.
• Conducts technical analysis for other departments for their use in operations planning and power scheduling, contract negotiations, supply- and demand-side resource assessment, rate design, and financial planning.
• Supports the analysis in the financial and market assessment of new products and services.
• Independently analyzes and provide recommendations on projects requiring significant capital commitments.
• Reviews and oversees contract work performed by consultants on certain special projects.
• Develops and delivers technical and verbal reports to staff, peers, management, and the general public.
• Performs other related duties as needed to include working outside of typical business hours when necessary.
• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university majoring in Economics, Engineering, Mathematics, Statistics, Data Science, or related field or equivalent experience. If no degree, a minimum of seven (7) years of relevant experience is required.

Required Experience Qualifications

• At least three (3) years of progressively responsible relevant work experience conducting load research, load modeling, forecasting, modeling and/or economic analysis.

Knowledge Of

Methods and techniques for planning, organizing, directing and controlling work activities; policies and standards for interacting with local, state and national authorities and agencies; fundamentals and practices for budget administration; fundamentals and practices for business strategic planning and development; methods and techniques for report preparation and writing; techniques and strategies for public speaking; concepts for cost control and project scheduling; performance management techniques related to Project Management; procedures and practices for project budget management; fundamentals and practices of economic analyses of projects and programs; fundamentals and practices of various analytical approaches; techniques and practices for cost benefit analyses; fundamentals of complex mathematics and statistics; fundamentals and practices of finance and accounting; concepts of utility financial planning and forecasting; techniques for developing forecasting models.

Skills To

Interpret and apply SMUD policies procedures, applicable MOU and/or other special agreements; participate with upper management to establish corporate strategic plans and objectives; plan, organize, direct, control, and review the work of others; compile and prepare technical, statistical and/or analytical reports and presentations; develop and conduct oral presentations to internal/external audiences; explain complex and/or controversial policies, regulations, procedures and/or activities internally/externally; express ideas/facts clearly and concisely to others, taking into account the audience and nature of information; monitor and manage projects; plan, organize, prioritize and schedule projects; evaluate complex issues and develop/implement resolution alternatives; identify the potential long-term outcomes of a change in operations; develop an estimation of how a system should work under ideal conditions; gather data from appropriate sources and identify relevant factors; generate a number of viable alternatives to problems; interpret, evaluate and apply pertinent policies, procedures, regulations and requirements; interpret, clarify, understand and evaluate verbal/written information and ideas; organize highly complex and conflicting data in a readily understandable manner for various audiences; prepare a business case to weigh the relative costs and benefits of a potential action; assist in customer, load and demand forecasts with the aid of sophisticated computer programs; assist in load and financial evaluations; assist in assessment of advanced research and forecasting techniques and develop new techniques to address unique problems; communicate effectively orally and in writing internally/externally; establish and maintain effective working relationships internally/externally.

Desirable Qualifications

• Experience working with Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) data and related grid connectivity datasets.
• Strong skills in programming languages and tools including Python, SAS, R, SQL, and DataBricks for data analysis and modeling.
• Familiarity with distributed energy resources technologies, including virtual power plants, managed charging, and smart home systems.
• Knowledge of emerging energy technologies, electricity grid components, grid services.
• Strong statistical analysis and modeling capabilities.
• Proven ability to lead or contribute to cross-functional projects involving both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Experience using or managing forecasting, load research, and economic modeling tools.

Physical Requirements

Applicants must be able to perform the essential job functions with or without a reasonable accommodation.

Hybrid Work

This position may be eligible for SMUD's remote work employee benefit, the schedule of which will be determined by the successful candidate and the Hiring Manager. SMUD takes pride in powering the Sacramento region community where we live and work. We value the strong working relationships we develop with our colleagues. Our approach to remote work will continue to evolve. Please be aware that should SMUD’s business needs change, emergencies occur, or various other reasons arise, you may be required to report onsite on a part-time or full-time basis.

CalPERS

SMUD is a CalPERS agency

As a member of the California Public Employees’ Retirement System (CalPERS), SMUD offers eligible employees access to a defined benefit pension plan along with other valuable retirement and health benefits. This program helps provide financial security both during your career and after retirement. To learn more about CalPERS and the benefits it offers, please visit www.calpers.ca.gov.