Grid Technology Specialist

The Grid Technology Specialist supports the modernization and transformation of New Mexico’s electric grid. The position advances system reliability, integrates distributed energy resources, and improves customer engagement.

This role ensures that grid modernization initiatives balance innovation with cost containment while promoting affordability, resilience, and reliable access for all customers, including low-income households.

This position will report to the Utility Division Director. This role is distinguished by its broad and interdisciplinary scope. The Grid Technology Specialist is expected to work as a part of a team to:

• Research and remain knowledgeable about cutting edge advancements in grid enhancing technologies.
• Provide expertise in distribution and transmission operations, advanced grid technologies, and emerging solutions.
• Translate technical concepts into strategies that inform regulatory and policy decisions.
• Support customer adoption of new technologies, with particular emphasis on affordability for low-income households.
• Address cybersecurity and communications challenges inherent in modern grid operations.

The salary range and exempt status reflect the senior-level nature of the position, requiring both technical mastery and the ability to engage with utilities, regulators, and stakeholders at a strategic level.

• Grid Modernization & Reliability: Advanced metering infrastructure (AMI), hosting capacity analysis, system reliability metrics (SAIDI/SAIFI), Volt/VAR optimization, advanced conductors, and outage management devices.
• Distributed Energy & Rate Design: Integration of virtual power plants, non-wires alternatives, and time-of-day/dynamic rate structures.
• Cybersecurity & Communications: Grid communication systems for AMI and distributed resource integration; cybersecurity risks in T&D networks.
• Customer Engagement & Equity: Utility-side customer engagement platforms, strategies to build customer understanding and adoption, and solutions that balance modernization with affordability for vulnerable populations.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Effective communication across technical and non-technical audiences.
• Strategic planning and project management experience.
• Collaborative ability to work with utilities, consumer groups, and regulatory bodies.

Candidates must have either:

• A master’s degree in electrical or mechanical engineering, energy systems, computer science, or related field, with three to five years of relevant experience; or
• A bachelor’s degree in a related field with seven to ten years of progressively responsible experience in grid modernization, utility engineering, distributed energy integration, or regulatory/consulting roles.

Preferred qualifications include:

• Experience with regulatory proceedings or stakeholder processes.
• Experience designing or implementing customer affordability and engagement programs.

FLSA status:
Exempt

Salary: $ to $ plus benefits

Job Type: Full-time, Governor Exempt “at will” position

Submit letter of interest, resume and three references to:
Human Resources, sarahe.valencia.gov NMPRC P.O. Box 1269, Santa Fe, NM . This posting will close on Friday, October 17, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. MST and interviews will occur within the two weeks following.