Managing Policy Advisor, Virtual Power Plant & Rates Policy

Tesla is seeking a strategic policy expert to join the Energy Policy Team to guide nationwide efforts in unlocking the full value of Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) in support of Tesla's residential energy products. The Managing Policy Advisor will drive policy outcomes to grow the market for Virtual Power Plants (VPPs), create retail opportunities for distributed grid services, implement favorable electricity tariffs, remove barriers for Vehicle Grid Integration (VGI), and facilitate integration of DER aggregations into wholesale electricity markets. This role may also involve leading additional energy policy efforts in targeted geographic areas of North America as needed. Collaboration with Tesla's commercial, product, engineering, and operations teams will be essential to advance policies aligned with company goals, alongside working with trade associations and stakeholders to strategize, align priorities, and ensure coverage of Tesla's business objectives.

• Drive strategy in coordination with the business to evaluate and engage in regulatory, legislative, and market-level policy efforts to expand Tesla's VPP footprint, grow retail grid service offerings, and improve retail electric rates
• Lead advocacy within key RTO/ISO stakeholder processes to create, refine, and fix participation models for DER aggregations while working with state public utility commissions to harmonize retail tariffs with wholesale market participation
• Advocate for modern rate designs that incentivize DER dispatch when beneficial to the electric grid
• Engage with external stakeholders and develop coalitions to drive advocacy for energy priorities while building and deepening relationships with policymakers, commission staff, utility partners, and trade associations
• Represent Tesla through written and verbal comments at state agencies, regulatory proceedings, technical working groups, and public hearings
• Respond to the needs of Tesla leadership and internal business units by assisting in problem-solving issues related to market growth and entry

• 6+ years of relevant work experience with energy policy, electric utilities, or utility regulation with preferred direct experience in DER aggregations
• Bachelor's Degree in a relevant field such as Energy, Political Science, Economics, or Utility Business Models, or equivalent experience with a Master's, Juris Doctor, or other advanced degree preferred
• Deep knowledge of electric utility regulations, regional transmission system operations, utility resource planning processes, and interconnection rules
• Excellent verbal and written communication and presentation skills with the ability to effectively communicate complex and technical policy points to a wide range of individuals

Along with competitive pay, as a full-time Tesla employee, you are eligible for the following benefits at day 1 of hire:

• Medical plans > plan options with $0 payroll deduction
• Family-building, fertility, adoption and surrogacy benefits
• Dental (including orthodontic coverage) and vision plans, both have options with a $0 paycheck contribution
• Company Paid (Health Savings Accounts) HSA Contribution when enrolled in the High-Deductible medical plan with HSA
• Healthcare and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• 401(k) with employer match, Employee Stock Purchase Plans, and other financial benefits
• Company paid Basic Life, AD&D
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance (90 day waiting period)
• Employee Assistance Program
• Sick and Vacation time (Flex time for salary positions, Accrued hours for Hourly positions), and Paid Holidays
• Back-up childcare and parenting support resources
• Voluntary benefits to include: critical illness, hospital indemnity, accident insurance, theft & legal services, and pet insurance
• Weight Loss and Tobacco Cessation Programs
• Tesla Babies program
• Commuter benefits
• Employee discounts and perks program

Pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. The total compensation package for this position may also include other elements dependent on the position offered. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an employee receives an offer of employment.