Title: Principal Manager, Systems InnovationLocation: Pomona Ca, (Hybrid)Schedule: Full-time, standard business hours, with up to 30% travelAssignment Type: Direct HirePay Rate: $230,000 - $250,000 base salary + 20% bonus Summary We are seeking a Principal Manager, Systems Innovation to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the power grid through innovation, advanced technologies, and forward-looking strategies. In this role, you will lead the development and adoption of next-generation grid capabilities, identifying where new technologies can deliver the greatest value and defining strategies to integrate them into long-term system planning. As a trusted technical and strategic leader, you will partner across engineering, operations, IT, and regulatory teams to translate innovation into scalable, real-world outcomes that advance reliability, affordability, and system performance. Key ResponsibilitiesShape overall strategy, leveraging analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills to achieve business objectivesDefine, articulate, and adjust strategy based on market direction, competitive landscape, and financial positionLead development of technology roadmaps and innovation initiatives for grid modernizationPartner with executive leadership to inform and develop large-scale investment strategiesDevelop and present business cases and executive-level presentations on complex topicsOversee delivery against key metrics, milestones, and financial objectives across a portfolio of initiativesLead cross-functional collaboration across engineering, operations, IT, and external partnersInterface with external vendors, research institutions, and industry stakeholdersLead and develop a team of senior managers and technical contributors Must-Haves7+ years of experience supervising teams and/or leading complex projectsExperience managing managers or senior technical leadersBackground in strategy, management consulting, investment banking, or corporate strategyStrong experience developing business cases and performing cost-benefit analysisExperience in utilities, infrastructure, or advanced technology environmentsProven ability to lead large, cross-functional initiatives with measurable impactAbility to communicate complex technical concepts to executive stakeholders Preferred Qualifications10+ years of progressively responsible experience in utilities, infrastructure, or system innovationMaster's degree or higher in Engineering, Systems Engineering, Data Science, Computer Science, or BusinessProfessional Engineering (PE) license or advanced certificationsExperience leading large, cross-functional efforts with measurable operational, financial, or strategic impactExperience leading capital planning, investment prioritization, or enterprise transformation effortsTrack record of evaluating new technologies, executing pilots, and scaling to deploymentFamiliarity with advanced grid technologies such as AI/ML analytics, digital twins, advanced communications, automation, or DER integrationExperience working across engineering, operations, IT, and cybersecurity in regulated or mission-critical environmentsStrong external engagement experience with vendors, research institutions, or industry groupsAbility to represent the organization in executive briefings or industry forums IMPORTANT-Two Direct Reports: Sr Managers-Development of GRID Technologies w Roadmap Strategy-Interface w/Executive Teams ongoing-Dev Executive presentation on complex tops making digestible for leadership-Developing Business cases, Financial background and CBA essential-First 6 months, Initiatives for development, create grid strategy, storage initiatives and physical grid technologies-Must have experience LEADING Innovation IN Grid Digitalization, advanced protection, AMI communications, wildfire mitigation or reliability analytics