University of Kentucky

Director of Energy Systems Modeling EPIC

University of Kentucky$90K — $120K *
Energy & Utilities
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • BA degree required, advanced degree preferred in relevant fields.
  • 7 years of experience in energy systems modeling or related areas required.
  • Proficiency with energy modeling platforms like PLEXOS or Aurora is essential.
  • Strong quantitative analysis skills using Python, R, SQL, etc.
  • Familiarity with GIS for energy infrastructure analysis is necessary.

Responsibilities

  • Lead the development and operation of analytical models for EPIC.
  • Oversee assessments of Kentucky's electricity needs and generation adequacy.
  • Provide technical modeling support to EPIC’s technical committees.
  • Manage data exchange and model validation with Kentucky power utilities and regulatory bodies.
  • Synthesize complex datasets into clear reports for diverse audiences.

Benefits

  • Full-time position with a standard shift (8am-5pm, M-F).
  • Periodic travel within Kentucky and occasional out-of-state travel required.
  • No physical licensing or certification fees mentioned.
  • Opportunity to work closely with various technical experts and committees.
Full Job Description
Posting Details

Posting Details

Job Title
Director of Energy Systems Modeling EPIC

Requisition Number
RE55137

Working Title

Department Name
40550:Ctr For Applied Energy Res

Work Location
Lexington, KY

Grade Level
00

Salary Range

Type of Position
Staff

Position Time Status
Full-Time

Required Education

BA

Click here for more information about equivalencies:
https://hr.uky.edu/employment/working-uk/equivalencies

Required Related Experience

7 yrs

Required License/Registration/Certification

None

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 Director of Energy Systems Modeling 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 of Energy Systems Modeling reports to the Executive Director of EPIC. The Director works closely with EPIC's Director of Regulatory and Economic Analysis, Director of Strategic Initiatives, and administrative staff. External coordination includes data exchange and model validation activities with Kentucky electric utilities, the Kentucky Public Service Commission, PJM, MISO, TVA, the U.S. Department of Energy, national laboratories, university researchers, and energy consultants. Legislative, media, and senior stakeholder engagement responsibilities are carried out by the Executive Director and other designated EPIC staff.

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.


Does this position have supervisory responsibilities?
No

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

Deadline to Apply
08/15/2026

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