Senior Optimization Software Engineer

Powerline; Palo Alto (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A cleantech company based in Silicon Valley is seeking an experienced Algorithm Developer to optimize renewable energy projects using advanced algorithms. Responsibilities include developing algorithms for battery and renewable projects, leading as a market rules expert, and analyzing market data to enhance performance. Ideal candidates have 5+ years of experience with optimization models, strong knowledge of energy systems, and proficiency in Python. This is an exciting opportunity to shape the future of the electricity grid.

Qualifications

• 5+ years building optimization models.
• Strong knowledge of energy markets and battery systems.
• Excellent communication of technical concepts.

Responsibilities

• Develop algorithms for battery and renewable project optimization.
• Analyze market data for performance improvement.
• Lead as an expert on market rules.

Skills

Optimization algorithms

Energy market knowledge

Communication skills

Python proficiency

Attention to detail

Education

Ph.D. in a relevant field

Tools

SQL

Git

Job description

Join Powerline and help revolutionize the future of the electricity grid!

We are a disruptive, VC-backed cleantech company based in Silicon Valley. Our cutting-edge technology leverages machine learning and artificial intelligence to optimize renewable energy and battery storage projects on the electricity grid. Our products help renewable project owners achieve strong economics and operational excellence, paving the way for a decarbonized and profitable future grid. We work on exciting projects with leaders in the world’s most lucrative and complex electricity markets.

This is an incredible opportunity to become an early and foundational team member at a climate tech company that is at a growth inflection point, addressing a critical problem in one of the most important and fastest-growing markets.

Responsibilities

• Develop optimization, forecasting, and control algorithms that automate battery and renewable projects to achieve maximum performance.
• Take ownership of algorithm performance across projects operated by Powerline.
• Bring a results-focused mindset that is agnostic to the algorithmic approach as long as it wins.
• Lead as a market rules expert. Take responsibility for staying current on new developments in the wholesale markets Powerline operates.
• Analyze trends in market data and individual asset performance to recommend new features and methods that improve project performance and/or Powerline's offerings.

Requirements

• 5+ years building mixed-integer linear and/or nonlinear optimization models to solve real-world problems with high dimensionality.
• Strong knowledge of energy markets, EV/fleet optimization, batteries, virtual power plants, renewable energy, energy policies/regulations, and/or energy systems.
• Proficiency in Python with professional software engineering standards.
• High attention to detail.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to articulate complex technical concepts.

Strong Pluses

• Ph.D. in operations research, electrical engineering, computer science, statistics, economics, or related field with a strong mathematical foundation.
• Experience with Git, CI/CD pipelines, and agile development.
• Experience with SQL-based databases (e.g., MySQL, PostgreSQL).
• Experience with analytic dashboard development and visualization tools.