Embedded systems engineer Jobs in Lexington, KY

Director of Energy Systems Modeling EPIC

Job Title - Director of Energy Systems Modeling EPIC

Department Name - Center For Applied Energy Research

Work Location - Lexington, KY

Type of Position - Staff

Position Time Status - Full-Time

Required Education - BA

Required Related Experience - 5 yrs

Physical Requirements - Sitting long periods of time. Lifting objects up to 10 lbs.

Shift - 8am-5pm, M-F, located in Lexington, Kentucky. Periodic travel throughout the Commonwealth and occasional out-of-state travel for meetings and conferences is required.

Job Summary - The Energy Planning and Inventory Commission (EPIC) is an independent state agency created by the Kentucky General Assembly to review power plant retirements, evaluate electricity supply adequacy, and oversee statewide energy planning. EPIC is administratively attached to the University of Kentucky Center for Applied Energy Research. The Director of Energy Systems Modeling reports to the Executive Director of EPIC and serves as EPIC's senior technical leader responsible for the quantitative analysis and modeling infrastructure supporting the Kentucky Electricity Adequacy Plan (KEAP) and EPIC's broader statutory mission. This position is responsible for developing, maintaining, and operating the analytical models EPIC relies upon to assess Kentucky's current and future electricity needs, evaluate generation and transmission adequacy, and analyze emerging large-load developments. The role is technical and internal in nature; it does not include legislative, media, or stakeholder-facing responsibilities. A central responsibility of this role is building and running the models supporting the Kentucky Electricity Adequacy Plan (KEAP) and providing technical modeling support to EPIC's three standing technical committees: the Demand Forecasting Committee, the Primary Energy Supply Committee, and the Transmission Infrastructure Committee. The Director works in close coordination with and under the direction of the Executive Director, who sets analytical priorities and maintains final authority over EPIC's work products and public positions. The ideal candidate possesses a strong knowledge of electric power systems, including generation, transmission, distribution, and grid operations, as well as resource adequacy concepts, reserve margin standards, and reliability metrics applicable to electric power systems. They demonstrate proficiency with one or more energy modeling platforms, such as PLEXOS, Aurora, or comparable production cost and capacity expansion tools, and have strong quantitative data analysis skills using Python, R, SQL, or similar technologies. Familiarity with GIS platforms for spatial analysis of energy infrastructure and load data is also essential. The candidate is able to manage complex data systems while maintaining transparent and well-documented analytical processes, and can synthesize large, complex datasets into clear, concise written products for both technical and non-technical audiences. Additionally, they possess strong project management skills, with the ability to oversee multiple concurrent analytical workstreams and consistently meet deadlines.

Skills / Knowledge / Abilities - Advanced degree in electrical engineering, energy systems, economics, public policy, or a related field. Professional experience with production cost modeling platforms, capacity expansion modeling, integrated resource planning (IRPs), or transmission planning studies. Experience modeling data center and other large-load growth scenarios on the electric system. Familiarity with PJM, MISO, TVA, and regional reliability and resource adequacy frameworks. Strong understanding of Kentucky's utility landscape and regulatory framework. Experience working with energy modeling teams to support regulatory or legislative presentations.

Preferred Education/Experience - Significant professional experience in electric utility system modeling, resource adequacy analysis, demand forecasting, production cost modeling, or capacity expansion planning. Demonstrated experience working with electric utilities, regional transmission organizations, public utility commissions, energy consultants, or related organizations. Strong quantitative, analytical, and written communication skills, including proficiency with energy modeling software and large data sets. Ability to communicate complex technical and modeling concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences. Driver's License Preferred

Our University Community - We value the well-being of each of our employees and are dedicated to creating a healthy place for everyone to work, learn and live. In the interest of maintaining a safe and healthy environment for our students, employees, patients and visitors, the University of Kentucky is a Tobacco & Drug Free campus. The University follows both the federal and state Constitutions as well as all applicable federal and state laws on nondiscrimination. The University provides equal opportunities for qualified persons in all aspects of institutional operations and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnic origin, religion, creed, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, uniformed service, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information or social or economic status. Any candidate offered a position may be required to pass pre-employment screenings as mandated by University of Kentucky Human Resources. These screenings may include a national background check and/or drug screen.

Required Documents

1. Resume
2. Cover Letter