Application Guide

How to Apply for Manager, Industry Solutions

at Uplight

🏢 About Uplight

Uplight is a clean energy software company that partners with leading utilities to manage distributed energy resources like smart thermostats, EVs, and solar panels. By optimizing these resources, we help balance the grid, reduce fossil fuel use, and accelerate the transition to clean energy. Working here means being at the forefront of the energy transition, with a mission-driven culture and a focus on innovation.

About This Role

As Manager of Industry Solutions, you will lead a team that designs and delivers customized energy solutions for utility clients. You'll bridge technical product capabilities with real-world utility challenges, driving programs that generate clean energy capacity and save customers money. This role is pivotal in scaling Uplight's impact across the industry.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might start with a stand-up with your solutions team to review client deliverables, followed by a call with a utility partner to discuss program design. You'll then analyze data from a recent demand response event, prepare a presentation for an executive briefing, and end the day by mentoring a team member on a new DER integration. The role balances strategic planning with hands-on project management.

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who Uplight Is Looking For

  • Has 5+ years experience in clean energy, utilities, or energy software, with a proven track record in managing client-facing projects or solutions teams.
  • Possesses deep understanding of utility operations, demand-side management, and distributed energy resources (DERs) like EVs, storage, and heat pumps.
  • Demonstrates strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to translate complex technical concepts into actionable business strategies for utilities.
  • Exhibits excellent leadership and communication skills, capable of managing cross-functional teams and building trusted relationships with utility executives.

📝 Tips for Applying to Uplight

1

1. Highlight specific experience with DERs (e.g., smart thermostats, EV charging, solar) and how you've used them to create grid benefits or customer savings.

2

2. Showcase any direct experience working with utilities on demand response, energy efficiency, or load management programs.

3

3. Emphasize leadership of cross-functional teams—especially if you've managed product, engineering, and client stakeholders simultaneously.

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4. Quantify your impact: include metrics like MW of load shifted, percentage of customer engagement, or cost savings achieved.

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5. Tailor your resume to Uplight's language: use terms like 'clean energy capacity,' 'grid balancing,' and 'personalized energy experiences.'

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Your passion for clean energy and how Uplight's mission aligns with your career goals.", "Specific examples of how you've led solutions for utilities, including challenges overcome and measurable outcomes.", "Your leadership style and how you've built high-performing teams in a fast-paced, remote environment.", "Understanding of Uplight's unique value proposition—personalized energy management that benefits both utilities and customers."]

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Read Uplight's case studies and blog posts about their partnerships with utilities like National Grid or Puget Sound Energy.
  • → Understand the concept of 'clean energy capacity' and how Uplight's software creates it through behavioral and device-based programs.
  • → Familiarize yourself with key industry trends: virtual power plants, time-of-use rates, and the Inflation Reduction Act's impact on DER adoption.
  • → Review Uplight's culture and values on their careers page, especially their commitment to diversity and remote work.

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you approach a utility client that is skeptical about the value of DER management?
2 Describe a time you led a team through a complex project with tight deadlines and multiple stakeholders.
3 What metrics would you use to measure the success of a demand response program?
4 How do you stay current with clean energy regulations and technology trends?
5 Walk me through how you would design a solution for a utility wanting to integrate EV charging management with existing grid infrastructure.
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Submitting a generic cover letter that doesn't mention clean energy or Uplight's specific solutions.
  • Focusing only on technical skills without demonstrating client-facing or business acumen.
  • Ignoring the remote-first nature of the role—failing to show how you collaborate effectively in a distributed team.

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Uplight!

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