Optimization Research Scientist

Job Description

To reach Net Zero, the U.S. needs 400 gigawatts of grid-scale energy storage by 2050, requiring over $1 trillion dollars in investment. Tierra Climate is at the forefront of this transformation. We are a team of dealmakers, operators, and dreamers building innovative solutions to maximize the decarbonization potential of grid-scale energy storage. As a trusted partner to some of the world’s largest companies, we manage the complexities of operating energy storage for both economic and environmental impact. With leadership roles across various corporate sustainability bodies, including the Energy Storage Solutions Consortium (ESSC) and the Greenhouse Gas Protocol, Tierra Climate is foundational in redefining energy storage as a force for planetary good. Discover more about us through features in The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, My Climate Journey (MCJ), and David Roberts’ Volts podcast.

About the Role

We are looking for an intellectually curious Optimization Research Scientist to join us as employee #5. In this pivotal role, you will focus on developing cutting-edge solutions to advance our battery optimization software across multiple US power markets. Your work will directly enhance revenue performance while also delivering measurable environmental benefits that accelerate the energy transition.

What You’ll Do

• Develop and refine optimization models for multiple wholesale power markets (e.g., CAISO, ERCOT, MISO, ISONE, NYISO, PJM, SPP)
• Enhance methods for handling decision-making under uncertainty (e.g., robust/stochastic optimization) and integrate probabilistic market forecasts into optimization workflows
• Refine bidding and algorithmic strategies to enhance revenue and environmental performance
• Explore and apply the latest developments in optimization research methods that hold promise
• Act as a power markets subject matter expert for external stakeholders
• Ability to periodically work extended hours and respond swiftly when appropriate

What You Bring (Required)

• Deep understanding of power systems and wholesale power market mechanisms
• Advanced degree (Master’s or PhD) in a related quantitative field (e.g., computer science, engineering, mathematics, physics, power systems, etc.)
• 5+ years of post-undergraduate experience in energy industry or academia
• 3+ years of experience writing software in Python, and utilizing Linear Programming, MIP, and Convex Optimization
• Experience with collaborative software development best practices, including version tracking and code reviews using GitHub
• Experience using relational databases and using SQL or other query languages

What You Bring (Preferred)

• 3+ years of experience with grid-scale battery projects in multiple US power markets
• Track record of academic publications or demonstrated thought leadership in developing novel optimization approaches for energy storage in power markets
• Experience with tradeoffs between speed, performance, and scalability in optimization
• Experience with stochastic optimization and decision-making under uncertainty
• Experience with optimization across a portfolio of grid-connected devices
• Experience with leading and mentoring technical team members
• Experience using AWS resources (EC2, S3, RDS)

What You Offer

• Entrepreneurial: You're personally invested in fulfilling our mission and growing the business. You’re constantly thinking outside-the-box and proposing new ideas that may influence our broader strategy and product roadmap.
• Commando Mindset: You aren’t afraid to parachute into a metaphorical jungle, build systems from scratch, and define solutions to complex problems. You’re an independent self-starter that is adaptable to change.
• Team-Oriented: You recognize the whole is greater than the sum-of-its-parts and work well with others. You are coachable and willing to invest in others.
• Data-Driven: You believe in hypothesis testing, iterative experimentation, and incremental delivery. You value underpinning conclusions with empirical evidence over unsubstantiated claims.

What We Offer

We provide team members a robust benefits package:

• Pay: Competitive salary ($150,000-200,000) plus equity (0.25-0.65%)
• Benefits: Health insurance (PPO) and a 401K with a 3% company contribution
• Flexible Work Environment: Co-working membership & home office stipend
• Development: Potential for professional advancement through growth in role & responsibility
• Mission: The opportunity to shape the future of energy storage at a mission-driven startup

Why Join Tierra Climate

Guided by our EARTH values below, we believe that company culture is a cornerstone of our success:

• Energy: We are ambitious and unceasing in our pursuit of a better planet.
• Authenticity: We see each other as whole people with unique stories, beliefs, and backgrounds.
• Responsibility: We take ownership of individual work and share in collective outcomes.
• Trust: We value moral character over ethical compromises in our work and our community.
• Humility: We believe ‘the best ideas win’ when free from pride and arrogance.