Principal, Power Systems – Data Centers

RMI

. Build and lead RMI’s cross-program strategy and advisory work focused on the rapidly growing data center sector .

Posted 9/18/2026full-timeRemote • United StatesLead💰 $139,823 - $172,332 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates extensive experience in developing and executing strategies within the data center and energy infrastructure sectors, with a strong focus on sustainability, decarbonization, and stakeholder engagement. Capable of leading multidisciplinary teams and delivering high-quality analytical and client-facing outputs in complex environments.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Data Center Ecosystem ExpertiseStrategic Engagement LeadershipComplex Problem StructuringClient Relationship DevelopmentProject Management Skills

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Data Center DevelopmentEnergy ProcurementSustainability and DecarbonizationSite SelectionInfrastructure StrategyAnalytical ApproachesProposal DevelopmentMarket Strategy ExecutionRegulatory ComplianceUtility Engagement

Soft Skills

Excellent Communication SkillsTeam LeadershipInfluencing Senior Decision-MakersFacilitation SkillsMentoring and Coaching

Certifications & Qualifications

Graduate Degree in EngineeringGraduate Degree in BusinessGraduate Degree in EconomicsGraduate Degree in Public PolicyGraduate Degree in EnergyGraduate Degree in Sustainability

Industry Keywords

Digital InfrastructureHyperscale DevelopmentColocation ProvidersEnergy InfrastructureInfrastructure InvestmentBackup GenerationCooling SystemsInterconnectionStakeholder EngagementMarket Offerings

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Build and lead RMI’s cross-program strategy and advisory work focused on the rapidly growing data center sector
Establish RMI’s institutional theory of change for data centers and translate it into differentiated market offerings
Develop relationships and opportunities with priority external partners and clients
Lead complex cross-program engagements within Impact Consulting’s Delivery Excellence Team
Identify system-level barriers, leverage points, and interventions aligning data center growth with clean energy deployment, grid reliability, affordability, decarbonization, and community outcomes
Integrate perspectives and expertise across RMI’s programs into a coherent data center strategy
Represent RMI as a senior thought leader on data center growth, energy infrastructure, and the clean energy transition
Develop and execute RMI’s data center go-to-market strategy
Define priority client segments, buyers, pain points, and differentiated offerings
Cultivate relationships with hyperscalers, colocation providers, developers, utilities, infrastructure investors, technology providers, and other stakeholders
Develop account strategies, pipeline opportunities, concept notes, proposals, scopes of work, staffing plans, delivery approaches, and commercial models
Lead large, strategically important data center projects spanning multiple RMI programs and capabilities
Translate ambiguous client questions into structured workstreams, hypotheses, analytical approaches, and decision-oriented outputs
Assemble and lead multidisciplinary teams across RMI
Maintain accountability for project scope, timeline, budget, quality, and client expectations
Synthesize technical inputs into integrated executive-level recommendations
Guide rigorous presentations, reports, analyses, and other client deliverables
Lead executive client meetings, workshops, working sessions, and presentations
Identify project risks and take corrective action
Shape follow-on opportunities and ensure delivery lessons inform future offerings and strategy
Build RMI’s integrated data center platform across organizational boundaries
Identify capability gaps and develop repeatable approaches, methodologies, analytical modules, frameworks, datasets, and deliverables
Capture and institutionalize knowledge from engagements and market interactions
Mentor and coach RMI staff and contribute to the broader Impact Consulting leadership community

Requirements

What you’ll need

10+ years of relevant professional experience, with substantial experience in data centers, digital infrastructure, energy infrastructure, or a closely related sector
Demonstrated understanding of the data center ecosystem and meaningful experience with several listed areas, including hyperscale or colocation development, power availability and procurement, utility engagement and interconnection, site selection, data center design and construction, sustainability and decarbonization, permitting and regulatory issues, water and cooling, backup generation, and infrastructure investment
Proven experience developing and executing strategy in an ambiguous, rapidly evolving market
Experience leading complex, senior-client-facing consulting, advisory, or strategic engagements
Ability to structure ambiguous problems, develop hypotheses, synthesize complex analysis, and translate technical information into actionable executive recommendations
Experience developing new offerings, shaping client opportunities, and contributing to business development, proposals, or commercial pursuits
Strong project and team leadership skills, including managing multidisciplinary workstreams, timelines, budgets, scope, and stakeholder expectations
Ability to personally develop and shape high-quality analytical and client-facing deliverables
Ability to influence senior decision-makers and mobilize teams without direct reporting authority
Excellent written, verbal, presentation, and facilitation skills
Ability to bridge technical expertise and senior-level business decision-making across diverse stakeholders
Preferred: 15+ years of professional experience with increasing strategic, commercial, and operational responsibility
Preferred: Graduate degree in engineering, business, economics, public policy, energy, sustainability, or a related field
Preferred: Direct experience working for or advising hyperscalers, colocation providers, data center developers, utilities serving large-load customers, or digital infrastructure investors
Preferred: Experience in strategy or management consulting focused on data centers, energy, infrastructure, technology, or sustainability
Preferred: Experience with data center development, site selection, energy procurement, infrastructure strategy, or investment
Preferred: Demonstrated success building new market offerings or business lines
Preferred: Strong existing network across the data center, energy, utility, technology, or infrastructure ecosystem
Preferred: Experience leading large, multidisciplinary initiatives involving stakeholders across multiple organizations or sectors
Preferred: Combination of industry operating experience and consulting/advisory experience
Ability to work from anywhere in the continental United States
Willingness to travel for occasional in-person meetings

Benefits

Comp & perks

Medical, dental, and vision insurance
403(b) retirement match with immediate vesting
Group life, AD&D, and short- and long-term disability coverage
Health savings or flexible spending accounts
Fertility and hormonal health support
Mental health and wellness support
Comprehensive leaves of absence, including parental leave
Generous paid time off and sick leave
Regional and organization-wide holidays
Work-from-home and home technology allowances
Learning and development opportunities
Potential for bonuses and merit increases
Remote and hybrid work options
Team gatherings and regional meetups
Rewards and recognition programs
Travel costs covered for occasional in-person meetings