Senior Economist - Energy & Transportation

July 3, 2026 Auto Import

Overview <div>At PNNL, our core capabilities are divided among major departments that we refer to as Directorates within the Lab, focused on a specific area of scientific research or other function, with its own leadership team and dedicated budget. </div><div> </div><div>Our Science & Technology directorates include National Security, Earth and Biological Sciences, Physical and Computational Sciences, and Energy and Environment. <span data-ccp-charstyle="normaltextrun" data-ccp-charstyle-defn="{" objectid":"ac0262f4-8a9e-5820-b908-2d943c5f7113|1","classid":1073872969,"properties":[201342446,"1",201342447,"5",201342448,"1",201342449,"1",469777841,"calibri",469777842,"arial",469777843,"calibri",469777844,"calibri",201341986,"1",469769226,"calibri,arial",268442635,"22",469775450,"normaltextrun",201340122,"1",134233614,"true",469778129,"normaltextrun",335572020,"1",469778324,"default="" paragraph="" font"]}"="">In addition, we have an Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory, a Department of Energy, Office of Science user facility housed on the PNNL campus. <span data-ccp-charstyle="normaltextrun" data-ccp-charstyle-defn="{" objectid":"ac0262f4-8a9e-5820-b908-2d943c5f7113|1","classid":1073872969,"properties":[201342446,"1",201342447,"5",201342448,"1",201342449,"1",469777841,"calibri",469777842,"arial",469777843,"calibri",469777844,"calibri",201341986,"1",469769226,"calibri,arial",268442635,"22",469775450,"normaltextrun",201340122,"1",134233614,"true",469778129,"normaltextrun",335572020,"1",469778324,"default="" paragraph="" font"]}"="">The Energy and Environment Directorate delivers science and technology solutions for the nation’s biggest energy and environmental challenges. Our more than 1,700 staff support the Department of Energy (DOE), delivering on key DOE mission areas including: modernizing our nation’s power grid to maintain a reliable, affordable, secure, and resilient electricity delivery infrastructure; research, development, validation, and effective utilization of renewable energy and efficiency technologies that improve the affordability, reliability, resiliency, and security of the American energy system; and resolving complex issues in nuclear science, energy, and environmental management. The Electricity Infrastructure and Buildings Division, part of the Energy and Environment Directorate, is accelerating the transition to an efficient, resilient, and secure energy system through basic and applied research. We leverage a strong technical foundation in power and energy systems and advanced data analytics to drive innovation, transform markets, and shape energy policy. </div> Responsibilities The Energy Policy, Economics and Planning Group develops methods for analyzing economic impacts of energy system policies and regulations and defines new planning frameworks that speed the deployment of a modernized energy system. We work closely with subject matter experts across the broader Electricity Infrastructure & Buildings Division to support the Nation’s transition to an affordable, reliable, and secure energy system through innovative and actionable solutions. We are looking for a Senior Economist (Economist IV) to lead advanced economic and policy research on U.S. energy and transportation systems, focusing on intermodal networks and infrastructure investment. The role supports federal, state, regional, and industry partners in developing evidence-based strategies to enhance system performance, economic efficiency, supply chain resilience, and transportation sector investments. The position requires deep expertise in transportation economics, systems analysis, and applied policy research, and involves leadership of multidisciplinary teams across engineering, planning, and analytics domains. The position requires knowledge, or the ability to rapidly develop expertise, in the following areas:<ul><li>Lead development of economic models evaluating system-level performance, freight network behavior, rail system usage, transportation infrastructure investments, and modal interactions.</li><li>Conduct cost-benefit analysis, life-cycle economic evaluations, scenario modeling, and long-range forecasting for transportation and energy system alternatives.</li><li>Apply advanced econometric and spatial statistics methods to support energy investment, planning, and decision-making.</li><li>Integrate transportation modeling with related energy or infrastructure analyses (e.g., demand forecasting, infrastructure utilization, grid-transport interactions).</li><li>Evaluate the economic implications of new technologies, operational practices, and infrastructure investments.</li><li>Manage scope, schedule, sponsor engagement, and high-quality deliverables.</li><li>Mentor early-career staff and contribute to capability development in economics, economic modeling, and analytical methods.</li></ul>This position requires strong analytical and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with federal and state agencies, regional energy organizations, trade groups, and utilities. The role also involves engaging with DOE scientists and engineers, national laboratories, consultants, academics, manufacturers, trade organizations, utilities, and stakeholders across the energy supply chain, including consumers. The successful candidate will be accountable to the Energy Policy, Economics & Planning Group Leader, and Energy Policy Team Leader, for general staff performance and development, operational discipline (e.g., maintaining training qualifications, procedural compliance, safe operations), and project execution. The candidate will also be accountable to program managers for performing assigned roles, following applicable project and field procedures, and performance of assigned tasks on time and within budget. Qualifications Minimum Qualifications:<ul><li>BS/BA and 7+ years of relevant work experience -OR-</li><li>MS/MA and 5+ years of relevant work experience -OR-</li><li>PhD with 3+ year of relevant experience</li></ul>Preferred Qualifications: Candidates are encouraged to apply if they meet several of the preferred qualifications below, but do not need to meet all. <ul><li>Graduate degree in economics (or closely related field). A doctorate degree is preferred.</li><li>Demonstrated technical leadership in energy science, energy policy, or technology assessment</li><li>Demonstrated ability to become familiar with technologies and technical concepts quickly, at sufficient depth for project analysis and comparison to other approaches</li><li>Experience in the publication of technical reports and journal papers</li><li>Experience leading teams and projects that are interdisciplinary and multi-year</li><li>Experience writing proposals and securing Federal research funding</li><li>Excellent verbal and written communication skills </li><li>A collaborative approach to problem-solving and the ability to work well with inter-disciplinary and geographically distributed teams </li><li>Expertise in lifecycle cost analysis, cost-benefit analysis, and technoeconomic analysis</li><li>Proficient in econometric techniques and quantitative methods with capabilities in statistical tools (Python, R, or Stata)</li></ul> Hazardous Working Conditions/Environment Not applicable. Testing Designated Position This is not a Testing Designated Position (TDP). About PNNL Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is a world-class research institution powered by a highly educated, diverse workforce committed to the values of Integrity, Creativity, Collaboration, Impact, and Courage. Every year, scores of dynamic, driven people come to PNNL to work with renowned researchers on meaningful science, innovations and outcomes for the U.S. Department of Energy and other sponsors; here is your chance to be one of them! At PNNL, you will find an exciting research environment and excellent benefits including health insurance, and flexible work schedules. PNNL is located in eastern Washington State—the dry side of Washington known for its stellar outdoor recreation and affordable cost of living. The Lab’s campus is only a 45-minute flight (or ~3 hour drive) from Seattle or Portland, and is serviced by the convenient PSC airport, connected to 8 major hubs. Commitment to Excellence and Equal Employment Opportunity Our laboratory is committed to fostering a work environment where all individuals are treated with fairness and respect while solving critical challenges in fundamental sciences, national security, and energy resiliency. We are an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. PNNL considers all applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), protected veteran status, and any other status or characteristic protected by federal, state, and/or local laws. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures and in employment. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, contact us at <a href="mailto:careers@pnnl.gov" target="_blank" rel="noopener">careers@pnnl.gov</a>. Drug Free Workplace PNNL is committed to a drug-free workplace supported by Workplace Substance Abuse Program (WSAP) and complies with federal laws prohibiting the possession and use of illegal drugs. If you are offered employment at PNNL, you must pass a drug test prior to commencing employment. PNNL complies with federal law regarding illegal drug use. Under federal law, marijuana remains an illegal drug. If you test positive for any illegal controlled substance, including marijuana, your offer of employment will be withdrawn. Security, Credentialing, and Eligibility Requirements As a national laboratory, PNNL is responsible for adhering to the Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, which require new employees to obtain and maintain a HSPD-12 Personal Identify Verification (PIV) Credential. To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete the applicable tier of federal background investigation post hire and receive a favorable federal adjudication. The tier of federal background investigation will be determined by job duties and national security or public trust responsibilities associated with the job. All tiers of investigation include a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last 1 to 7 years (depending on the applicable tier of investigation). Illegal drug activities include marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws. For foreign national candidates:If you have not resided in the U.S. for three consecutive years, you are not eligible for the PIV credential and instead will need to obtain a favorable Local Site Specific Only (LSSO) Federal risk determination to maintain employment. Once you meet the three-year residency requirement thereafter, you will be required to obtain a PIV credential to maintain employment. The tier of federal background investigation required to obtain the PIV credential will be determined by job duties at the time you become eligible for the PIV credential. Mandatory Requirements Please be aware that the Department of Energy (DOE) prohibits DOE employees and contractors from having any affiliation with the foreign government of a country DOE has identified as a “country of risk” without explicit approval by DOE and Battelle. If you are offered a position at PNNL and currently have any affiliation with the government of one of these countries, you will be required to disclose this information and recuse yourself of that affiliation or receive approval from DOE and Battelle prior to your first day of employment. Rockstar Rewards Employees and their families are offered medical insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, robust telehealth care options, several mental health benefits, free wellness coaching, health savings account, flexible spending accounts, basic life insurance, disability insurance*, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, tuition assistance, relocation, backup childcare, legal benefits, supplemental parental bonding leave, surrogacy and adoption assistance, and fertility support. Employees are automatically enrolled in our company-funded pension plan* and may enroll in our 401 (k) savings plan with company match*. Employees may accrue up to 120 vacation hours per year and may receive ten paid holidays per year.* Research Associates excluded.**All benefits are dependent upon eligibility. <a href="https://careers.pnnl.gov/rockstar-rewards" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Click Here For Rockstar Rewards</a> Notice to Applicants PNNL lists the full pay range for the position in the job posting. Starting pay is calculated from the minimum of the pay range and actual placement in the range is determined based on an individual’s relevant job-related skills, qualifications, and experience. This approach is applicable to all positions, with the exception of positions governed by collective bargaining agreements and certain limited-term positions which have specific pay rules. As part of our commitment to fair compensation practices, we do not ask for or consider current or past salaries in making compensation offers at hire. Instead, our compensation offers are determined by the specific requirements of the position, prevailing market trends, applicable collective bargaining agreements, pay equity for the position type, and individual qualifications and skills relevant to the performance of the position. Minimum Salary USD $138,500.00/Yr. Maximum Salary USD $207,900.00/Yr.

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