Energy Optimization Associate

Organization Name: Applied Talent Resources

Reports To: VP of Operations

FLSA Status: Exempt/Full Time

Job Level: Individual Contributor

Primary Location: Fargo or Jamestown, ND

At Applied Digital, we are the epicenter of AI innovation, crafting cutting-edge data center solutions tailored for the demands of high-performance computing. Designed from the ground up to support AI and machine learning workloads, our infrastructure is the backbone of tomorrow’s technological advancements, including AI-driven video and generative platforms.

We are:

• Forward-Thinkers: With a keen eye on current market trends and future innovations, we adapt swiftly and lead technological evolution.
• Resilient: We navigate complex challenges and emerge stronger, delivering robust and reliable solutions for industry pioneers.
• Innovative Designers: Leveraging the latest technologies, we create visionary solutions that redefine industry standards.

We remain committed and steadfast in solving intricate problems, advancing business initiatives, maximizing operational efficiency, and reducing our carbon footprint. We are a team of resilient, forward-thinking innovators driving the AI revolution.

Job Overview:

The Energy Optimization Associate is an entry-level to early-career position designed to support Applied Digital’s Energy Optimization Team through reporting, analytics, operational support, and data quality management. This role helps ensure accurate market intelligence, data flow, and documentation to enable real-time decision-making.

This is a foundational role with a clear growth path into Real-Time Scheduling, Curtailment Operations, Market Forecasting, or Optimization Analytics. The ideal candidate is curious, analytical, detail-oriented, and eager to learn power market dynamics, industrial load behavior, and curtailment strategy.

Candidates with backgrounds in utility operations support, engineering technology, energy analytics, industrial operations, or technical data roles are strong fits, as are high-potential candidates with strong quantitative or operational aptitude.

Key Responsibilities:

Operational Support & Reporting

• Compile daily operational reports summarizing price curves, curtailment events, operational status, and identified risk factors.
• Maintain optimization logs, data repositories, and documentation for real-time and day-ahead activities.
• Support Schedulers and Analysts by preparing datasets, charts, and summaries for morning and evening volatility windows.
• Track key KPIs including forecast accuracy, response time, savings performance, and execution compliance.

Data Management & Quality Assurance

• Perform data validation checks on SCADA inputs, market price feeds, and internal dashboards.
• Support reconciliation of curtailment events with settlement data and utility billing.
• Maintain historical archives of prices, load patterns, weather impacts, and operational adjustments.

Market & System Monitoring

• Monitor market notifications, outage advisories, weather alerts, and system operator bulletins.
• Provide early-warning flags to the team when conditions indicate potential volatility.
• Assist in documenting real-time issues or anomalies for post-event review.

Cross-Functional Coordination

• Collaborate with Operations, Engineering, and Site Leadership to collect operational metrics and contextual data.
• Help communicate upcoming volatility windows or operational changes to Operators.
• Assist with preparation for leadership briefings and performance reviews.

Growth & Skill Development

• Participate in structured training covering LMP fundamentals, curtailment strategy, grid operations, and forecasting basics.
• Shadow Real-Time Schedulers during morning and evening peaks.
• Take on increasingly complex tasks including basic modeling, forecasting, or intraday analysis as skills develop.

Required Qualifications:

• 0–3 years of experience in:
• Energy operations support
• Utility or industrial operations
• Technical analysis or reporting roles
• Engineering or quantitative support functions
• Strong analytical and critical-thinking skills.
• Proficiency in Excel/Google Sheets; ability to work with structured datasets.
• Strong communication, documentation, and organizational skills.
• Demonstrated ability to learn quickly in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Exposure to power markets, grid operations, or SCADA systems.
• Experience with Python, SQL, Power BI, Tableau, or other analytic tools.
• Degree in engineering, economics, mathematics, energy systems, or related field.
• Prior experience supporting industrial loads, utilities, or operational teams.

Physical Requirements:

Able to remain in a seated position for an extended period and to lift and carry up to 15 lbs. (office manuals, case notebooks, case files, case materials, standard boxes, report binders, etc.) as needed.

Please note that Applied Digital is currently unable to sponsor new applicants for employment authorization or provide immigration-related support for this position. This includes, but is not limited to, visa…