[Hiring] Principal, Power Systems & Data Centers @Rocky Mountain Institute

Role Description

RMI is seeking a Principal, Power Systems & Data Centers to build and lead RMI’s cross-program strategy and advisory work focused on the rapidly growing data center sector. The growth of AI and digital infrastructure is creating significant challenges and opportunities across various domains. Addressing these issues requires expertise that spans traditional organizational and sector boundaries.

The Principal will serve as an integrating leader across RMI’s capabilities, establishing RMI’s institutional theory of change for data centers, translating that strategy into differentiated market offerings, developing relationships with priority external partners and clients, and leading complex cross-program engagements.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of relevant professional experience, with substantial experience in data centers, digital infrastructure, energy infrastructure, or a closely related sector.
• Demonstrated understanding of the data center ecosystem and meaningful experience with several of the following:
  • Hyperscale or colocation development
  • Power availability and procurement
  • Utility engagement and interconnection
  • Site selection
  • Data center design and construction
  • Sustainability and decarbonization
  • Permitting and regulatory issues
  • Water and cooling
  • Backup generation
  • Infrastructure investment
• Proven experience developing and executing strategy in an ambiguous, rapidly evolving market.
• Experience leading complex, senior-client-facing consulting, advisory, or strategic engagements.
• Demonstrated ability to structure ambiguous problems, develop hypotheses, synthesize complex analysis, and translate technical information into actionable executive recommendations.
• Experience developing new offerings, shaping client opportunities, and contributing to business development, proposals, or commercial pursuits.
• Strong project and team leadership skills, including experience managing multidisciplinary workstreams, timelines, budgets, scope, and stakeholder expectations.
• Demonstrated ability to personally develop and shape high-quality analytical and client-facing deliverables.
• Ability to influence senior decision-makers and mobilize teams without direct reporting authority.
• Excellent written, verbal, presentation, and facilitation skills.
• Ability to bridge technical expertise and senior-level business decision-making across diverse stakeholders.

Requirements

• 15+ years of professional experience with increasing strategic, commercial, and operational responsibility.
• Graduate degree in engineering, business, economics, public policy, energy, sustainability, or a related field.
• Direct experience working for or advising hyperscalers, colocation providers, data center developers, utilities serving large-load customers, or digital infrastructure investors.
• Experience in strategy or management consulting focused on data centers, energy, infrastructure, technology, or sustainability.
• Experience with data center development, site selection, energy procurement, infrastructure strategy, or investment.
• Demonstrated success building new market offerings or business lines.
• Strong existing network across the data center, energy, utility, technology, or infrastructure ecosystem.
• Experience leading large, multidisciplinary initiatives involving stakeholders across multiple organizations or sectors.
• Combination of industry operating experience and consulting/advisory experience.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 403(b) retirement match with immediate vesting
• Group life, AD&D, and short- and long-term disability coverage
• Health savings or flexible spending accounts
• Fertility and hormonal health support
• Mental health and wellness support
• Comprehensive leaves of absence, including parental leave
• Generous paid time off and sick leave
• Regional and organization-wide holidays
• Work-from-home and home technology allowances
• Learning and development opportunities
• Potential for bonuses and merit increases
• Remote and hybrid work options
• Team gatherings and regional meetups
• Rewards and recognition programs