Senior Optimization Software Engineer

Powerline; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 150,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

Powerline is transforming the electricity grid through advanced optimization and AI-driven analytics for battery storage and renewable projects. We seek a senior contributor to design and implement optimization models, forecast performance, and improve project outcomes across diverse markets.

You will own algorithm performance, stay current on wholesale-market developments, and communicate complex ideas clearly.

Qualifications

• 5+ years building mixed-integer linear and/or nonlinear optimization models.
• Strong knowledge of energy markets, EV/fleet optimization, batteries, virtual power plants, and related energy systems.
• Proficiency in Python with professional software engineering standards.
• Excellent communication skills and attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Develop optimization, forecasting, and control algorithms for battery and renewable projects.
• Take ownership of algorithm performance across Powerline projects.
• Lead as a market rules expert and stay current on developments.
• Analyze market data and asset performance to propose feature improvements.
• Collaborate with teams to enhance offerings and impact.

Skills

Optimization modeling

Energy markets

Python

Attention to detail

Communication

Education

PhD in Operations Research / EE / CS / Stats / Economics

Tools

Git

CI/CD

SQL (MySQL / PostgreSQL)

Dashboard tools

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.