Application Guide

How to Apply for Principal Economist

at The Cadmus Group

๐Ÿข About The Cadmus Group

The Cadmus Group has been at the forefront of sustainable change since 1995, blending innovative policy research with strategic stakeholder engagement. Working here means contributing to meaningful projects that shape energy efficiency and decarbonization efforts across the U.S. The company's collaborative culture and mission-driven focus make it an ideal place for economists passionate about real-world impact.

About This Role

As Principal Economist, you'll lead quantitative research and analysis for energy utility consulting engagements, focusing on demand response, EV managed charging, distributed energy resources, and dynamic pricing. You'll mentor teams, translate complex data into actionable client recommendations, and manage project budgets and resources. This role is impactful because your insights directly influence utility programs that reduce carbon emissions and lower energy costs for consumers.

๐Ÿ’ก A Day in the Life

Your day might start with a team stand-up to review progress on a demand response impact evaluation. You'll then run regression models in R to analyze customer participation data, followed by a client call to discuss preliminary findings. After lunch, you'll mentor a junior economist on sampling design for an EV charging study, then wrap up by reviewing project budgets for the next quarter.

๐ŸŽฏ Who The Cadmus Group Is Looking For

  • An economist with 5-7 years of experience (MS/MA) or 2-5 years (PhD) applying inferential statistics (regression, sampling, research design) to energy sector problems, especially demand response or DERs.
  • Proficient in R, Python, SAS, or Stata for data collection, cleaning, and modeling, with a track record of delivering client-ready reports and presentations.
  • A natural mentor who enjoys guiding junior team members and synthesizing complex findings into clear, actionable recommendations for non-technical stakeholders.
  • Experienced in managing project budgets, timelines, and resources while maintaining high-quality deliverables in a consulting environment.

๐Ÿ“ Tips for Applying to The Cadmus Group

1

Tailor your resume to highlight specific experience with demand response, EV managed charging, or dynamic pricing studiesโ€”use keywords from the job description.

2

Include a project portfolio or case study showing how your statistical analysis led to measurable client outcomes (e.g., reduced peak load, cost savings).

3

Mention any experience with utility regulatory filings or working with energy regulators, as this demonstrates industry familiarity.

4

In your cover letter, explicitly connect your research methodology (e.g., regression models, experimental design) to the types of engagements Cadmus handles.

5

If you have experience with distributed energy resources (solar, storage), emphasize itโ€”this is a growing area for Cadmus.

โœ‰๏ธ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your expertise in inferential statistics and statistical software (R, Python, etc.) and how it applies to energy utility consulting.', 'Specific examples of leading research projects from design to actionable recommendations for clients.', 'Your ability to mentor teams and manage project budgets and resources effectively.', "Your passion for sustainable energy and understanding of the utility industry's challenges."]

Generate Cover Letter โ†’

๐Ÿ” Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • โ†’ Review Cadmus's recent case studies or publications on demand response and DERs (available on their website).
  • โ†’ Look into their Energy Practice area to understand the types of clients and projects they serve (utilities, government agencies).
  • โ†’ Read their company blog or news section for insights into current trends they're focusing on (e.g., electrification, grid modernization).
  • โ†’ Familiarize yourself with key energy regulations (e.g., FERC orders, state-level clean energy standards) that influence their work.

๐Ÿ’ฌ Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Describe a time you used regression analysis to evaluate a demand response program. What were the key findings and client impact?
2 How do you approach mentoring junior economists while managing tight project deadlines?
3 Walk us through your process for designing a sample for a study on EV managed charging behavior.
4 How do you handle conflicting stakeholder priorities when translating analysis into recommendations?
5 What experience do you have with project budget management and resource allocation in a consulting setting?
Practice Interview Questions โ†’

โš ๏ธ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Don't submit a generic cover letterโ€”failing to mention specific energy sector experience or statistical methods will stand out negatively.
  • Avoid overstating your proficiency in statistical software if you can't discuss specific models or packages (e.g., glmm, lme4, caret).
  • Don't neglect to demonstrate your project management skillsโ€”Cadmus explicitly requires budget and resource management experience.

๐Ÿ“… 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

โœ“

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to The Cadmus Group!