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Consultant - Energy Sector
Robotics Factory CREATE Program
Overview of Position
This consultant role is a critical addition to Innovation Works' Robotics Factory CREATE program,
extending the program's reach into the energy sector - one of the most consequential and capital-intensive
industries in the United States and the region. The energy sector represents a uniquely
rich source of tractable problems for robotic and automated solutions, spanning industrial energy
efficiency, grid operations, power generation, energy storage, and the transition to resilient clean-
energy infrastructure.
The Consultant will serve as the Robotics Factory's primary sector expert and relationship owner for
the energy industry. Drawing on deep knowledge of how the energy industry works, its major
players, investment patterns, regulatory environment, and unsolved operational challenges, the
The consultant will help identify real-world problems that are tractable to robotics solutions, and help identify
deal flow from both industry and university research pipelines.
This is a project supported through Build Back Better funding via the U.S. Economic Development
Agency is part of Innovation Works' long-standing mission of growing technology-based
entrepreneurship in Western Pennsylvania.
Roles and Responsibilities
CREATE SUMMIT - ENERGY SECTOR
Assist in building out a pipeline of energy-sector industry contacts and identify operational
Challenges amenable to robotics and automation solutions:
• Map key players in the energy industry - utilities, independent power producers, pipeline
operators, industrial energy users (steel, chemicals, manufacturing), grid operators, and
cleantech developers.
• Help convene an Energy Summit most likely to be scheduled in early 2027, which will include
workshops, roundtables, and summits to find industry problems and validate the proposed
robotics or automation solutions are both technically feasible and commercially viable.
• Collaborate with Robotics Factory program staff on the planning and execution of these
industry engagement activities.
• Working from practical experience, lead the selection of problems most appropriate for
regional robotics startups and new venture formation.
• Architect and formulate ideas for business creation, including the identification of founding
entrepreneurs, technology licensing pathways, and strategic partnerships.
• Identify energy-related research being conducted at universities (including CMU, University of
Pittsburgh, and partner institutions) and help recruit researchers to develop partnerships.
• Develop and maintain a robust network of energy-sector investors, industry executives, and
economic development partners to support deal origination and coalition building.
• Represent the Robotics Factory within the regional energy and cleantech innovation
ecosystem.
• Build and maintain relationships with university technology transfer offices, research centers,
and NSF/DOE program officers to ensure a steady pipeline of university-sourced energy
technology opportunities.
• Work collaboratively with the broader Robotics Factory and Innovation Works team,
contributing to shared learning on deal flow, investment decisions, and portfolio company
engagement across industry verticals.
Qualifications and Requirements
REQUIRED
Deep energy industry expertise. A minimum of 10 years working within or closely alongside
the energy sector - including industrial energy, power generation, grid operations, energy
storage, oil and gas, cleantech, or related fields.
Startup and entrepreneurship experience. Demonstrated track record supporting or
building tech-based startups, including mentoring founders, evaluating technology potential,
and helping early-stage companies navigate funding, product development, and market entry.
Technology transfer knowledge. Familiarity with university technology licensing, intellectual property
and moving research from the lab into commercial applications.
Prior experience working with university technology transfer offices or research commercialization programs.
Deal origination capability. Ability to identify, evaluate, and pursue opportunities for new
company formation or licensing deals. May include experience with funding, investor relations,
SBIR/STTR programs, and other mechanisms for bridging early-stage technology to market.
Coalition and network building. Proven ability to convene and sustain multi-stakeholder
coalitions involving industry, universities, investors, and government entities. Experience
leading or supporting regional economic development initiatives is a strong asset.
Communication and relationship skills. Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
Comfortable presenting at industry events and engaging with a wide range of stakeholders, from faculty researchers to C-suite executives.
PREFERRED
Advanced degree in business, law, or science; or equivalent professional experience.
Direct experience in the energy sector investment, including familiarity with venture capital,
corporate venture, or federal funding landscapes for energy technology.
Prior involvement with NSF, DOE, or related federal programs supporting energy innovation
and regional economic development.
Familiarity with the Western Pennsylvania and broader Appalachian energy economy,
including industrial energy users (steel, chemicals), traditional energy infrastructure, and the
Ongoing transition to resilient clean energy systems.
Experience working across the energy-robotics intersection (e.g., autonomous inspection,
grid robotics, pipeline maintenance, and industrial automation in energy contexts.)
Innovation Works provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.