Power Grid Operator Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

AWS is seeking a strategic leader to drive grid integration policy and commercial strategy in the PJM region. This role combines commercial expertise, technical knowledge, and policy leadership to accelerate data center infrastructure deployment in evolving power markets.
You will lead cross-functional initiatives to engage with PJM stakeholders, utilities, and regulators on interconnection frameworks, capacity delivery strategies, and grid integration policies. Rather than simply monitoring regulatory changes, you will proactively position AWS to influence policy development through technical forums and establish collaborative partnerships that support infrastructure growth.
This is a high-visibility role with direct impact on AWS's ability to scale critical infrastructure in one of North America's most important power markets.
Key job responsibilities
Policy Strategy & Industry Engagement
- Lead AWS's engagement strategy in PJM technical stakeholder forums (TEAC, MRC, MC, OC) on interconnection policy, capacity market frameworks, and large load integration
- Develop strategic positions on emerging regulatory constructs and market design changes, providing technical and commercial expertise to inform AWS's policy advocacy
- Serve as subject matter expert to internal teams on PJM policy implications, translating regulatory changes into operational and commercial impacts
- Represent AWS in industry technical forums where utilities and grid operators discuss implementation of policy frameworks
- Coordinate with Public Policy teams by providing technical analysis and commercial impact assessments that inform advocacy priorities
Commercial Strategy & Execution
- Negotiate interconnection agreements with utilities that support infrastructure deployment timelines and operational requirements
- Develop standardized frameworks for grid integration that can be applied across multiple projects and jurisdictions
- Create financial models and business cases that evaluate interconnection strategies and infrastructure investment decisions
- Structure agreements that align grid capacity delivery with data center construction and energization schedules
- Design integrated solutions that may include distributed energy resources, backup generation, and grid services
Technical Leadership & Grid Integration
- Monitor grid code and interconnection requirements across PJM, tracking changes to utility rules, ISO protocols, and reliability standards
- Serve as subject matter expert on PJM grid integration requirements, including technical standards and their commercial implications
- Assess the impact of proposed market rule changes on AWS's infrastructure portfolio and operations
- Coordinate technical compliance activities for interconnection projects, working with internal teams and external consultants
- Translate technical grid requirements into actionable commercial strategies in partnership with transmission planning teams
Cross-Functional Coordination
- Partner with energy infrastructure teams on campus-level planning, including backup generation strategies and operational requirements
- Collaborate with transmission planning teams to translate grid analysis into commercial strategies and interconnection approaches
- Work with Legal, Finance, Engineering, and Construction teams to align technical requirements with regulatory frameworks and business objectives
- Lead pilot initiatives with utilities and industry partners to demonstrate innovative approaches to grid integration
About the team
AWS Energy Infrastructure teams work to ensure reliable, cost-effective power delivery for AWS's global infrastructure. We engage with utilities, grid operators, and regulators to support the deployment of data centers that power critical workloads for customers worldwide.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- 1. 10+ years of experience in energy infrastructure, utility operations, grid interconnection, or technical business development with deep PJM market expertise
- 2. Proven track record of stakeholder engagement in PJM or similar ISO/RTO technical forums through regulatory proceedings or utility negotiations
- 3. Strong technical knowledge of power systems, transmission/distribution infrastructure, and interconnection processes
- 4. Understanding of PJM's regulatory frameworks governing large load interconnections and capacity markets
- 5. Demonstrated ability to lead complex commercial negotiations with utilities or grid operators
- 6. Experience developing financial models and business cases for infrastructure investments
- 7. Proven ability to lead cross-functional initiatives across technical, commercial, and policy domains
- 8. Excellent communication skills, including ability to present complex concepts and strategic recommendations to senior leadership
- 9. Ability to interpret technical data and translate into business requirements and financial implications
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- 1. Direct experience with PJM stakeholder processes and demonstrated success in policy engagement
- 2. Experience with innovative interconnection frameworks or alternative capacity delivery approaches
- 3. Knowledge of PJM capacity market mechanics, transmission planning processes, and interconnection procedures
- 4. Background in distributed energy resources, backup generation systems, or grid services
- 5. Experience coordinating between on-site generation resources and utility grid services
- 6. Understanding of backup power technologies and their integration with utility interconnections
- 7. Track record of developing innovative commercial structures or industry frameworks
- 8. Strong financial modeling skills with experience in energy project economics and capital allocation
- 9. Advanced degree in engineering, energy policy, economics, or related technical field
- 10. Professional Engineer (PE) license
- 11. Experience with reliability standards and their application in organized markets
Amazon is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected veteran status, disability, or other legally protected status.
Our inclusive culture empowers Amazonians to deliver the best results for our customers. If you have a disability and need a workplace accommodation or adjustment during the application and hiring process, including support for the interview or onboarding process, please visit https://amazon.jobs/content/en/how-we-hire/accommodations for more information. If the country/region you're applying in isn't listed, please contact your Recruiting Partner.
The base salary range for this position is listed below. Your Amazon package will include sign-on payments and restricted stock units (RSUs). Final compensation will be determined based on factors including experience, qualifications, and location. Amazon also offers comprehensive benefits including health insurance (medical, dental, vision, prescription, Basic Life & AD&D insurance and option for Supplemental life plans, EAP, Mental Health Support, Medical Advice Line, Flexible Spending Accounts, Adoption and Surrogacy Reimbursement coverage), 401(k) matching, paid time off, and parental leave. Learn more about our benefits at https://amazon.jobs/en/benefits.
USA, VA, Arlington - 192,200.00 - 260,000.00 USD annually