Economist – Energy and Environmental Systems

Overview

At PNNL, our core capabilities are divided among major departments that we refer to as Directorates within the Lab, focused on a specific area of scientific research or other function, with its own leadership team and dedicated budget. The Science & Technology directorates include National Security, Earth and Biological Sciences, Physical and Computational Sciences, and Energy and Environment, and we also operate the Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory, a DOE Office of Science user facility on the PNNL campus.

The Electricity Infrastructure and Buildings Division, part of the Energy and Environment Directorate, accelerates the transition to an efficient, resilient, and secure energy system through basic and applied research. We leverage a strong technical foundation in power and energy systems and advanced data analytics to drive innovation, transform markets, and shape energy policy.

The Energy Policy, Economics, and Planning Group develops methods for analyzing the economic impacts of energy system policies and regulations and defines new planning frameworks that speed the deployment of a modernized energy system. We work closely with subject matter experts across the broader Electricity Infrastructure & Buildings Division to support the Nation’s transition to an affordable, reliable, and secure energy system through innovative and actionable solutions.

We are looking for an Economist III to serve as a technical contributor and task leader within a multidisciplinary team of engineers, economists, researchers, and analysts. This position will support applied economic research that evaluates technology and market trends, assesses impacts on energy systems and consumers, and analyzes implications for infrastructure investment, competitiveness, and system performance. The research outcomes will inform strategies to strengthen U.S. energy infrastructure, enhance manufacturing competitiveness, and improve long‑term system resilience.

• Understand energy system economics, including market design, cost formation, and system impacts.
• Analyze energy market and economic data to assess technology trends, policy impacts, and consumer behavior.
• Evaluate market structures, cost drivers, barriers to deployment, regulatory considerations, and supply chain dynamics affecting energy system outcomes.
• Apply lifecycle cost analysis, cost‑benefit analysis, and techno‑economic analysis to evaluate energy technologies and programs.
• Use econometric techniques and quantitative methods for program assessment and policy evaluation.
• Apply economic and statistical tools to support energy investment, planning, and decision‑making.
• Communicate technical and economic findings clearly to policymakers, program managers, industry stakeholders, and technical audiences.

• Report to Project Managers for performing assigned roles, following applicable project and field procedures, and completing assigned tasks on time and within budget.
• Report to the Energy Policy, Economics & Planning Group Leader, and Energy Economics Team Leader for staff performance, development, operational discipline, and project execution.

On‑site in Richland, WA;
Seattle, WA; or Portland, OR is strongly preferred. Remote work may be considered.

Minimum Qualifications

• BS/BA and 5+ years of relevant work experience, OR
• MS/MA and 3+ years of relevant work experience, OR
• PhD with 1+ year of relevant experience

Preferred Qualifications

• Graduate degree in economics or closely related field; a doctorate is preferred.
• Demonstrated understanding of energy science, energy policy, or technology assessment.
• Expertise in lifecycle cost analysis, cost‑benefit analysis, and techno‑economic analysis.
• Proficiency in econometric techniques and quantitative methods with statistical tools (Python, R, or Stata).
• Ability to become familiar with technologies and technical concepts quickly, at sufficient depth for project analysis and comparison to other approaches.
• Experience publishing technical reports and journal papers.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Collaborative approach to…