Clean Energy Innovation Engineer

PURPOSE STATEMENT:
The Clean Energy Innovation Engineer drives Hawai'i Gas's clean-energy strategy by leading utility and non-utility projects involving propane, natural gas, and emerging renewable fuels, including hydrogen. Reporting to the Director, Innovation, this role provides advanced technical expertise to shape project scopes, evaluate investment options, assess risks, and develop engineering solutions that are both operationally feasible and financially sound. Working closely with Operations, analysts, external partners, and regulatory teams, this role coordinates technical development, supports regulatory proceedings, and delivers clear recommendations that inform project go/no-go decisions. This position also contributes to technology evaluation and innovation initiatives that advance Hawai'i Gas's transition toward cleaner, more resilient energy systems.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/RESPONSIBILITIES:

Project Planning & Management
• Lead the development and execution of assigned utility and non-utility clean-energy projects, including propane, natural gas, and emerging renewable fuels such as hydrogen, on O'ahu and the Neighbor Islands.
• Manage projects from concept through completion, including scope development, feasibility analysis, budgeting, scheduling, resource planning, procurement, construction coordination, and commissioning.
• Analyze project investment options from a technical perspective and summarize risks, mitigation strategies, and potential upside for leadership review.
• Monitor key performance indicators and develop dashboards and reports to maintain visibility into project progress, performance, and risk.
• Support capital planning by partnering with SNG Plant, Engineering, Transmission & Distribution, Client Services, Accounting, and other internal stakeholders to ensure accurate planning and budgeting.
• Technical Execution & Engineering
  • Coordinate the development of technical solutions for each project, collaborating with internal subject matter experts, external consultants, vendors, and technology partners.
  • Conduct engineering analyses, system modeling, design reviews, and risk assessments to evaluate technical feasibility and develop recommended solutions.
  • Provide direction and guidance to analysts to determine economic value, perform sensitivity analyses, and identify technical enhancements to improve project value
  • Prepare, review, and validate engineering drawings, specifications, technical documentation, and performance criteria.
  • Stay current on industry trends, policy developments, and market conditions impacting clean-energy technologies, fuels, and system design to inform technical recommendations.
• Cross-Functional & External Collaboration
  
  • Serve as a primary technical liaison between the Clean Energy team and Operations departments, including SNG Plant, Transmission & Distribution, Engineering, Field Services, Construction, Safety, and Compliance.
  • Coordinate with external technology partners, vendors, consultants, permitting agencies, and other stakeholders to ensure alignment and operational readiness.
  • Support regulatory proceedings related to assigned projects by collaborating with Clean Energy, Regulatory, and Legal teams to provide technical documentation and testimony inputs.
  • Facilitate project meetings, technical discussions, and decision-making forums, providing clear communication across internal and external teams.
• Innovation & Future Technology Development
  
  • Support the Director, Innovation, and Director, Project & Business Development in evaluating emerging technologies, leading technical pilots, and recommending pathways for commercialization or scale-up.
  • Identify opportunities for system enhancements, operational improvements, and innovative approaches to accelerate Hawai'i Gas's clean-energy transition.
  • Provide technical insights to senior leadership to inform project go/no-go decisions, risk considerations, and long-term innovation strategy.
  • Promote a culture of continuous improvement, innovation, and accountability within the Clean Energy department.
• Documentation & Reporting
  
  • Prepare technical reports, project proposals, leadership briefings, external communications, and presentations for diverse audiences, including regulatory bodies, internal executives, and external partners.
  • Maintain accurate and comprehensive project documentation, including engineering analyses, specifications, schedules, risk registers, and financial inputs.
  • Develop and present clear summaries of project status, challenges, and recommendations to internal stakeholders and senior leadership.

OTHER FUNCTIONS/RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Complies with all safety rules and cooperates in the fullest in the promotion of safety and safe work habits, to include the reporting of any unsafe conditions or acts. Maintains all EH&S training on a current basis.
• Complies with all applicable corporate and Hawaii Gas policies and procedures.
• Maintains assigned work area and equipment in a clean, orderly and safe manner; performs housekeeping duties as required and/or instructed. Works in a safe and responsible manner.
• Performs all other related duties as instructed by manager.

Required Education and/or Work Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, preferably mechanical, chemical or process engineering.
• Minimum seven (7) years of experience working in an engineering role with proven experience in reviewing engineering calculations, drawings and models.
• Minimum three (3) years demonstrated project management experience leading technical or engineering projects from concept through completion.
• Working knowledge of natural gas, propane and clean energy technologies.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook.

Preferred Education and/or Work Experience:

• Master's Degree in Engineering, preferably mechanical, chemical or process.
• Ten (10) years of experience working in an engineering role.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Project.
• Prior experience with Public Utilities Commission and/or regulatory involvement.

Preferred Licensure, Certification, Registration or Designation:

• Professional Engineer (PE) license.
• Project Management Professional (PMP).
• Lean Six Sigma certification.