Innovation Lead - DC Flex Sandbox
Innovation Lead - DC Flex Sandbox
The Innovation Lead, DCFlex Sandbox is a technical role responsible for designing, operating, and advancing EPRI's DCFlex Sandbox as the premier neutral validation environment for emerging datacenter and grid-interactive hardware technologies in the United States. This role sits at the intersection of advanced engineering research, industry validation, and executive stakeholder engagement. The incumbent is a recognized technical authority who leads complex, first-of-its-kind validation efforts where precedent is limited, technical ambiguity is high, and creative, systems-level thinking is required. Reporting to the DCFlex Program Director, with executive sponsorship from senior EPRI leadership, the Innovation Lead represents EPRI internally and externally, shaping how utilities, hyperscalers, and technology innovators confidently adopt next-generation datacenter infrastructure.
Key Responsibilities:
- Technical Leadership & Research Oversight
- Sandbox Curation & Program Ownership
- Industry & Innovator Engagement
- Member & Executive Collaboration
- Cross-Sector Leadership & Mentorship
What Success Looks Like:
- Execution of high-credibility validation programs that influence deployment, procurement, standards, or regulatory discussions.
- Recognition by members and external stakeholders as a trusted technical authority and neutral arbiter.
- Effective translation of advanced research into actionable guidance for AI-era datacenter infrastructure.
- Strengthened EPRI technical leadership and visibility in datacenter flexibility and grid integration.
Qualifications:
- Required: Advanced degree in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, computer science, or related scientific/engineering discipline (or equivalent experience). Minimum 7+ years (10+ preferred) of experience in datacenter infrastructure, power technology, AI infrastructure, or related fields. Demonstrated responsibility for highly specialized technical problems requiring original thinking and limited precedent. Track record designing or overseeing structured validation, pilot, or testbed programs whose results informed real-world decisions. Ability to operate effectively with senior subject matter experts as peers. Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including executive-level technical briefing capability.
- Preferred: Graduate degree (MS, PhD, or MBA with strong technical foundation). Experience working with utilities, hyperscalers, datacenter operators, or national-scale research organizations. Familiarity with grid flexibility, demand response, or datacenter participation in grid services. Experience contributing to or interfacing with technical standards organizations.
The salary range for this position is $175,000 USD to $190,000 USD annually. This salary range is an estimate, and the actual salary may vary based on various factors, including without limitation applicant's education, experience, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data. The salary may also be adjusted based on applicant's geographic location. This role is eligible to participate in EPRI's annual incentive program. The amount of incentive varies and is subject to the terms and conditions of the plan. This role is eligible to participate in EPRI's standard employee benefit programs, which currently include the following: medical, dental, vision, 401k, STD/LTD and paid family leave, life and accident insurance, paid time off (flexible vacation, sick leave, and holiday pay).