How to apply for Senior Principal -Western Markets and Regulatory Policy

About Advanced Energy Economy

Advanced Energy Economy (AEE) is a national business association representing companies that are accelerating the transition to 100% clean energy, reducing costs, and creating jobs. Working at AEE means shaping the policies and markets that will define the clean energy economy, alongside innovative companies and thought leaders. The organization’s nonpartisan, solutions-oriented approach makes it a unique place to influence real-world outcomes in the energy sector.

About the role

As Senior Principal for Western Markets and Regulatory Policy, you will be at the forefront of the most significant wholesale electricity market transformation in a generation, including CAISO’s transition to independent regional governance under ROWE, SPP’s Markets+, and RTO West. You will represent advanced energy companies in proceedings and stakeholder processes, advocating for market and transmission rules that enable rapid, cost-effective clean energy integration. Your work will directly influence how the West integrates clean energy, unlocks resource diversity, and delivers reliable, affordable power.

A typical day

A typical day might involve reviewing the latest FERC filing on CAISO governance, drafting comments on a transmission planning proposal, and joining a call with member companies to align on strategy. You could also meet with state regulators to advocate for market rules that value advanced energy resources, or prepare testimony for a legislative hearing. The pace is fast, and you’ll constantly balance long-term strategy with immediate policy fights.

Who Advanced Energy Economy is looking for

• Deep expertise in wholesale electricity market design and regulatory policy, particularly in Western markets such as CAISO, SPP, and emerging RTOs.
• Proven track record of advocating for advanced energy technologies (e.g., solar, storage, EVs, efficiency) in regulatory or legislative settings.
• Strong relationships with key stakeholders, including state regulators, utilities, market operators, and industry coalitions.
• Exceptional analytical and communication skills, with the ability to translate complex market rules into clear, persuasive positions for diverse audiences.

Tips for this application

• Highlight specific experience with Western electricity markets (CAISO, SPP, etc.) and name-drop relevant proceedings or initiatives you’ve worked on.
• Demonstrate familiarity with AEE’s policy positions and recent victories in Western markets by referencing them in your cover letter or resume.
• Emphasize your ability to build coalitions and work with diverse stakeholders, as this role requires representing member companies with varying interests.
• Use concrete examples of how your advocacy led to tangible policy outcomes that advanced clean energy.
• Show you understand the nuances of ROWE, Markets+, and RTO West, and articulate a vision for how advanced energy companies can thrive under these frameworks.

What to cover in your cover letter

['Your hands-on experience in Western wholesale market design and governance, including specific proceedings or rulemakings you influenced.', 'How you have successfully represented business interests in regulatory or stakeholder forums, ideally with examples of coalition-building.', 'Your understanding of the advanced energy industry and the policy barriers it faces in Western markets.', 'Why you are passionate about AEE’s mission and how you can contribute to its Western markets strategy.']

Research before applying

• Review AEE’s recent filings, comments, and policy positions on Western markets, especially regarding CAISO, ROWE, SPP Markets+, and RTO West.
• Understand the current status and key debates in Western wholesale market transformation, including governance, transmission, and resource adequacy.
• Identify AEE’s member companies and their priorities to understand the constituency you would represent.
• Follow recent news and regulatory developments from FERC, CAISO, SPP, and Western state commissions to speak fluently about the landscape.

Likely interview topics

Based on the job description, expect questions about:

• How would you approach advocating for advanced energy companies in the CAISO ROWE governance transition?
• What are the key differences between SPP’s Markets+ and RTO West, and how should AEE position itself in each?
• Can you describe a time you successfully influenced a regulatory outcome that benefited clean energy?
• How would you build consensus among AEE member companies with divergent interests on a contentious market design issue?
• What transmission planning reforms are most critical to unlocking clean energy integration in the West, and how would you push for them?

Common mistakes to avoid

• Being vague about your experience with Western markets; generic clean energy policy experience is not enough.
• Failing to demonstrate an understanding of the business perspective of advanced energy companies.
• Overlooking the importance of coalition-building and stakeholder engagement in this role.