Senior Optimization Software Engineer

Powerline; Palo Alto (CA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 205,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading cleantech innovator seeks experienced professionals to develop automation algorithms for renewable energy projects. The role requires strong expertise in energy markets and optimization models, along with proficiency in Python. Join a dynamic team at the forefront of the energy transition, tackling critical challenges in a fast-growing industry. Competitive compensation ranging from $140K to $205K is offered.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience building optimization models for real-world problems.
• Strong knowledge of energy markets and renewable energy systems.
• Professional software engineering standards in Python.

Responsibilities

• Develop optimization algorithms for battery and renewable projects.
• Analyze market data trends to improve project performance.
• Lead as a market rules expert staying current on developments.

Skills

Building mixed-integer linear/nonlinear optimization models

Knowledge of energy markets

Proficiency in Python

Attention to detail

Excellent communication skills

Education

Ph.D. in a relevant field

Tools

Git

SQL-based databases

Job description

Base pay range

$140,000.00/yr - $205,000.00/yr

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.

Compensation Range: $140K - $205K