OATI Career Opportunities
At Open Access Technology International, Inc. (OATI), your career is always on the move. Our employees have expertise across diverse verticals and technology platforms. OATI combines the agility of a small company with the stability of a large company, where we have built a nurturing and rewarding culture diligently over the last 28 years. Our work culture is collaborative and we encourage every Team Member to go beyond their defined roles and learn more. If you are looking for an energetic, challenging, and rewarding career, then OATI is the place to be!
AI
AI Internship and Full-Time
Open Access Technology International (OATI) is seeking highly motivated individuals to join our team of AI researchers focused on power systems. This is a fantastic opportunity for Master’s and Ph.D. students to gain practical experience working on real-world AI applications alongside leading experts in the energy sector.
Our team is tackling critical challenges in electric power system operations using Artificial Intelligence.
Responsibilities:
- Conduct research on specific AI problems critical to power system operations, leveraging OATI’s vast datasets spanning decades (e.g., forecasting load, wholesale electricity market prices, renewable energy generation; optimizing grid reliability, resiliency, and stability; signature analysis and anomaly detection).
- Develop and implement machine learning models using popular frameworks (e.g., TensorFlow, PyTorch) to analyze and extract meaningful insights from power system data.
- Participate in the full research cycle, including literature review, data exploration, experimentation, analysis, and presentation of findings.
- Collaborate effectively with other researchers, engineers, and data scientists.
- Stay up-to-date on the latest advancements in AI and power systems research.
- Contribute to the development and documentation of technical code.
Qualifications:
Education:
- Currently enrolled in a Master’s program in Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Computer Science, Data Science, or a closely related field (e.g., Robotics, Computational Linguistics). Alternatively, be a Ph.D. student in a relevant field.
Technical Skills:
- Strong foundation in machine learning concepts, including algorithms (e.g., deep learning, reinforcement learning) and statistical methods.
- Proficiency in multiple programming languages commonly used in AI, such as Python, C++, and R.
- Experience with popular AI frameworks (e.g., TensorFlow, PyTorch, scikit-learn) is a plus.
- Familiarity with version control systems like Git.
- Familiarity with SQL and No-SQL database engines is a plus.
Research and Project Experience:
- Experience conducting independent research or working on AI-related projects.
- (For Ph.D. students) A strong publication record demonstrating research experience.
- (For Master’s students) Experience conducting independent research or working on AI-related projects.
Other Skills:
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to tackle complex problems.
- Strong communication skills to present research findings and collaborate effectively within a team.
- Ability to work independently and manage time effectively.
- A passion for research and development in the field of AI and a strong interest in the power sector.
Benefits:
- Gain valuable experience working on real-world AI projects with a significant impact on the future of power systems.
- Work alongside leading experts in AI and the energy sector.
- Potential for co-authorship on research publications (depending on contribution).
- Opportunity to develop your research skills and expertise in a rapidly evolving field.
- Be part of a dynamic and collaborative research team working on a critical global challenge.
Engineering and Software Development
Microgrid Controls Engineer
Open Access Technology International, Inc. (OATI), an innovative Minnesota-based technology company, is seeking a Microgrid Controls Engineer to work in the design, programming, and deployment/testing of microgrid systems. OATI’s Microgrid group is growing fast, and looking to add additional qualified staff to the team.
Microgrids are an exciting part of the new smart grid. They are electrical systems with the ability to generate their own power, disconnect and reconnect with the grid, and perform services to aid the greater power grid when they are grid-tied. These systems provide benefits such as greener power supply, resilient power through catastrophic events, and financial benefits to the system owners.
This position will involve the following tasks/responsibilities:
- Working with OATI software teams to develop, deploy, and test microgrid control platforms.
- Configuring and testing OATI’s software-based microgrid control platform.
- Programming SEL RTACs (Real-Time Automation Controllers) to perform ancillary functions, along-side OATI’s software based microgrid control platform.
- Supporting customers in troubleshooting SEL relays, meters, recloser controllers, etc.
- Designing control networks and infrastructure to perform communications at microgrid sites.
- Field implementation, commissioning and troubleshooting of new microgrid sites.
Qualifications/Requirements:
- Bachelor or Associate Degree in Electrical Engineering (Technology), or Computer Science – OR equivalent experience
- Experience and knowledge with AC power, 3-phase AC power, real/reactive/apparent power, metering
- Experience with automation technology and/or any type of computer coding
- Valid US driver’s license
- U.S. Citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident
- Local to MN
Prior experience with the following technology is a plus but not required
- Automation protocols such as Modbus/TCP, DNP3/IP, SEL protocol
- Networking design and fundamentals such as IP addressing, IP subnets, IP protocols
- Experience programming automation controllers (e.g. SEL RTAC or other IEC 61131-3 style)
- Cogeneration, Microgrids, renewable energy, energy storage
- Linux – at least basic operational skills
- General scripting/coding in computing systems
- Experience with Relays, Meters, Switchboards, Transformers, and other electrical gear
- Knowledge of electric utility operations
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:
- Can interpret engineering diagrams
- Ability to analyze AC power dynamics and provide corrective input to solve problems
- Ability to investigate, learn, and analyze independently
- Ability to troubleshoot system and controls issues
- Detail, quality, and documentation oriented personality
- Highly motivated and a self-starter
- Ability to travel as required (<10%)
Microgrid Sales Engineer
As a long time, dedicated, and industry leading, solution provider to the energy industry, OATI has leveraged its core competencies in energy, software development and technology adaption. OATI is seeking candidates passionate about the industry and capable of quickly becoming subject matter experts in various new and innovative software products, including microgrids and specifically the OATI microgrid controller solution. This position presents the opportunity for extensive exposure to customers and thus requires excellent communication, relationship building and sales skills. It will rely heavily on technical information, problem-solving, and the ability to provide advice and support to our customers and sales team.
Qualifications/Requirements:
- Maintain a climate that attracts, retains, and motivates top quality personnel.
- Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering (Technology), Computer Science or equivalent related field
Energy industry experience or equivalent related experience specific to electrical operations at a site or utility. - Preference towards experience in site management that includes various generation sources, in particular solar/battery; hydrogen; and other similar assets.
- High preference towards microgrid technologies, microgrid design, microgrid project deployment experience
- Technical background in information technology, software, electrical/mechanical engineering, or equivalent, with high preference towards microgrid related experience.
- Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communications
- Acceptable background investigation report
- U.S. Citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident
- Local to MN
Job duties include, but are not limited to:
- Prepare and deliver technical presentations explaining products or services to existing and perspective customers
- Speak with customers to determine system requirements, performances and gaps.
- Provide insight, direction, design and system design to support proposals on customer energy solutions
- Collaborate with sales team to develop and price projects including microgrids, backup generation, energy storage and renewable energy implementations
- Provide hands-on experience with computers, IT networks, and software solutions
- Specialize in technologically advanced products
- Maintain a thorough understanding of software product parts and functions
- Work with internal resources (engineering, operations, and sales) to support customer interactions and conduct engineering
Software Developer
OATI is looking for Software Developers with experience in building innovative, smart, and complex applications for openings in Minneapolis, MN. Successful candidates will have strong understanding of requirement specifications and software design in order to write code in already developed modules or new module development. This position requires the ability to write efficient and quality code per coding standards from software design.
Qualifications/Requirements:
- Education: Electrical and/or Computer Engineering with emphasis on power generation, transmission, and/or distribution systems
- Software development experience (Python, Java, C++, etc.) and in various power systems applications, such as distribution system design, distribution protection systems,
- Automatic Generation Control, load and generation forecasting, scheduling and optimization, power system analysis (Model Building, Power Flow, Optimal Power Flow, Contingency Analysis, State Estimation)
- Understanding of electricity markets
- Familiarity with communications and message payload standards and protocols such as OpenADR, IEEE 2030.5, CIM, ICCP, DNP3, Modbus, and others
- Ability to be a team player and work in collaboration with other team members
- Willing to relocate to MN
Other Requirements:
- Experience in data integration, web services, and database optimization
Experience in agile development methodology
Facilities
Facilities Technician
OATI is seeking a Facilities Technician to maintain and support OATI’s facilities and equipment. The Facilities Technician will focus on the mechanical/electrical systems at OATI’s internal facilities.
Responsibilities include:
- Hands on operation, repair, and maintenance of HVAC equipment, including regularly scheduled preventive maintenance
- Ensure infrastructure equipment uptime to meet Data Center and building occupant needs
- Operate and monitor equipment using facilities automation systems to maintain redundancy and energy efficient operation
- Maintain water treatment testing for HVAC equipment
- Maintain and create equipment documentation and maintenance records as necessary
- Assist with administration of physical security and card access systems, including cardholder management
- On call rotation for after-hours emergency maintenance work
Qualifications/Requirements:
- Mechanical inclination, willingness to learn, and strong work ethic
- Detail and quality oriented
- Highly motivated and a self-starter
- Work independently and as part of a team
- Willing to learn new tasks, take on research necessary to deliver solutions on new projects
- Comfortable using Microsoft Windows and Microsoft Office Suite of applications
- Valid US driver’s license
- U.S. Citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident
- Local to Minneapolis area.
- Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 lbs
Additional qualifications a plus:
- Technical diploma/certificate/training for HVAC, or equivalent facilities equipment maintenance experience, including pump and motor maintenance and/or repairs
- Prior experience with any building automation and monitoring software
- Familiarity with chilled water cooling, hot water heating, and air handling systems
- Experience with high and low voltage electrical systems including backup generators and distribution equipment
- Prior experience supporting data center infrastructure (power, cooling systems, and clean agent fire suppression)
- Ability to interpret blueprints and electrical diagrams
- Ability to identify and resolve electrical and mechanical component issues
- Ability to handle routine building and facilities maintenance issues
- Ability to work with contractors to perform routine maintenance on buildings
Administrative
Administrative Coordinator
OATI has immediate openings for Administrative Coordinator positions. Administrative Coordinators provide support to OATI staff and customers by performing a variety of complex administrative and clerical tasks in the Administrative Support area. These tasks typically include document organization and formatting, filing, data entry, communication with customers on behalf of OATI staff, internal document routing, and collaboration with other departments to complete inter-departmental projects.
Qualifications/Requirements:
- A minimum of 2 years of experience providing administrative support and associate degree or a bachelor’s degree
- Excellent writing and verbal communication skills
- Demonstrate ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Ability to work in a dynamic, fast-paced environment and respond quickly to changing priorities
- Ability to multi-task and organize multiple projects
- Excellent organizational skills, analytical and problem solving abilities, and attention to detail
- Creative/high level of initiative, good sense of ownership
- Hands on experience with Microsoft® Office products (particularly MS Word and MS Excel); ability to learn new software
- Previous experience with Microsoft Visio and Microsoft Project is a plus
- Acceptable background investigation report
- U.S. Citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident
- Local to MN
Full-time employment including a 60 day probationary period, includes competitive salary and benefits, a 401(k) plan with company match, paid time off, and excellent health and dental insurance programs. OATI prides itself on providing a stable, supportive environment for career development with opportunities for future growth and promotion within the company. Applicants must be self-motivated, energetic, and willing to work in a team-oriented company.
Executive Receptionist
At OATI, we thrive when our people thrive. We are currently looking for an executive assistant to be the supportive force that empowers our senior leadership. The ideal person for the job will be a proactive problem solver with exceptional communication skills and a meticulous attention to detail. They will have previous experience working in an office environment, performing administrative duties and providing support to management. Given the changing nature of the executive landscape, we rely on our assistants for flexibility and foresight, while maintaining confidences related to high-level systems and operations
Objectives of this Role:
- With a primary responsibility of supporting the President & CEO as well as certain Executive Vice Presidents, provide support to the executive team as directed to ensure that company goals and objectives are accomplished, and operations run efficiently
- Executive reception duties
- Maintain internal processes that support to the highest-ranking executives company-wide
- Manage communication between upper management and employees, liaising with internal and external executives on various projects and tasks
- Plan and orchestrate work to ensure the senior executives’ priorities are met, organizational goals are achieved, and best practices are upheld
Daily and Monthly Responsibilities:
- Manage professional scheduling for senior executives’, including agendas, email, phone calls, travel arrangements, client management, and other company logistics
- Coordinate complex scheduling and extensive calendar management, as well as management of content and flow of information to executives
- Perform administrative and support, spreadsheet creation, and maintenance of electronic filing system and contact database, document creations, etc.
- Maintain professionalism and strict confidentiality with all materials, and exercise discretion when interfacing with the business
- Attends executive meetings as needed, taking notes, and distribute notes after the meeting
Skills and Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree, or equivalent combination of education, training
- 4+ years’ experience in administrative role reporting directly to upper management
- Superb written and verbal communication skills
- Strong time-management skills and the ability to organize and coordinate multiple projects at once
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and other office productivity tools, with aptitude to learn new software and systems
- Flexible team player willing to do what it takes to get the job done; adaptable and enjoys a challenge
- Ability to keep company confidences
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience overseeing budgets and expenses
- Experience developing internal processes and filing systems
- Acceptable background investigation report
- U.S. Citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident
- Local to MN
Project Management
Associate Project Manager
OATI Associate Project Manager 2-4 Years Direct Experience required
OATI is seeking business and operations professionals for positions as Associate Project Managers who are responsible for assisting in managing mission-critical software application deployments within the energy industry. These positions require demonstrated proficiency in communication, problem analysis, and the ability to review and understand industry business practices and standards. The successful candidates will assist in guiding customer-facing projects that feature software solutions for utility clients responsible for managing electrical grid system operations. OATI professionals lead client and vendor teams responsible for the development and delivery of OATI regulatory, compliance, transmission, energy trading, transmission scheduling, energy accounting, settlement, and smart grid solutions. These positions provide opportunities in a fast-paced environment to work on the latest industry initiatives and the inherent growth opportunities. Bachelor’s degree is required, however adequate industry work experience in system operations and IT will also be considered.
Qualifications/Requirements:
- Bachelor’s Degree with 2-4 years of direct experience
- Strong analytical and communication skills
- Ability to acquire new skills
- Infrequent travel required
- Acceptable background investigation report
- U.S. Citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident
- Local to MN
The Following Qualifications Are an Advantage:
- Juris Doctor Degree from an accredited law school
- Working knowledge of legal aspects of compliance and regulatory standards
- Working knowledge of FERC, NERC, and NAESB regulations and standards
- Understanding of the software development process
- Energy industry knowledge
- Industry work experience in system operations and IT
Project Coordinator
OATI is seeking both recent graduates and business professionals for positions as Project Coordinators to assist with coordinating project deployments in the energy industry. These positions require demonstrated proficiency in communication, understanding of project structuring, planning and implementation. Successful candidates will assist in customer, vendor, and internal projects, including administrative functions. These positions provide opportunities in a fast-paced environment working on the latest industry initiatives and the inherent growth opportunities.
Job responsibilities include:
- Provide administrative functions and support to project teams
- Participate in various solution project teams, providing support to the project team leader
- Actively support, track, and monitor project communication and activities
- Compile and track data and documentation for specific projects
Qualifications/Requirements:
- Bachelor’s Degree
- 0-2 years of experience as a Project Coordinator or similar role
- Strong analytical and communication skills with the ability to acquire new skills
- Strong attention to detail
- Ability to coordinate multiple assignments
- Excellent teamwork, work independently, creative/good level of initiative, good sense of ownership
- Bilingual preferred (Spanish)
- Acceptable background investigation report
- U.S. Citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident
- Local to MN
Other Requirements:
- Knowledge of Microsoft® Office
Senior Project Manager
OATI Project Manager– 5+ Years Experience required
OATI is seeking engineers and business professionals for positions as Project Managers who are responsible for assisting in managing complex software application deployments within the energy industry. These positions require demonstrated proficiency in communication, problem analysis, and the ability to review and understand energy industry business practices and standards. The successful candidates will guide customer-facing projects that feature software solutions for utility clients responsible for managing energy system operations and emerging renewable and distributed resource technologies. OATI professionals lead client and vendor teams responsible for the development and delivery of OATI industry-leading solutions for smart grid, transmission, energy trading, transmission scheduling, energy accounting, and settlement applications. These positions provide opportunities in a fast-paced environment to work on the latest industry initiatives and the inherent growth opportunities.
Qualifications/Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in engineering, business or computer science, or a related field, Juris Doctor Degree from an accredited law school or Master’s degree in project management or equivalent experience
- Minimum of 5 years of energy industry experience in operations, planning, trading, or Information Technology.
- Strong analytical and communication skills with the ability to acquire new skills
- Acceptable background investigation report
- Demonstrated career progression in technical, management, and personal growth.
- U.S. Citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident
The Following Qualifications Are an Advantage:
- Working knowledge of FERC, NERC, and NAESB regulations and standards (a plus)
- Understanding of the software development process
- Spanish language proficiency
- Legal and/or Policy experience
- Working knowledge of legal aspects of compliance and regulatory standards
Sales and Marketing
Sales Account Executive
Join a dynamic sales team as an Account Executive supporting both new sales to current and future customers. A successful candidate will identify, strategize and execute plans to advance the use of OATI products with current customers.
Key focus areas include:
- Electric Reliability
- Power Transmission
- Commodity Trading
- Risk Management
- Energy Trading
OATI is seeking a highly motivated Account Executive for Software Sales. This is a sales role that will focus on identifying new market segment opportunities, new customers, growing existing accounts and driving the expansion of OATI solution sales. The Account Executive participates in a team-selling environment, providing the customer with a primary point of contact within OATI. Responsibilities include facilitating successful relations with customers, all sales activities, including: industry analysis, identifying new customers and new opportunities, building customer relationships, sales presentations and demonstrations, customer consultation, and proposal responsibility.
Qualifications/Requirements:
- Have a minimum of five years of experience in at least one of the following areas:
- ETRM
- System Operations
- Energy Trading
- Transmission Management
- A BS/BA degree from an accredited 4 year university is required
- Software Sales Experience desired but not required
- Customer Sales and Support
- Excellent oral and written communication skills
- Acceptable background investigation report
- U.S. Citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident
- Ability to travel (travel required)
IOU Sales Account Executive
Investor-Owned Utilities (IOUs) are actively seeking solutions helping them to effectively incorporate and optimize Distributed Energy Resources (DER) (e.g. solar PVs, energy storage batteries, customer-owned generators, etc.), and Demand Response (DR) asset (e.g. smart thermostats, irrigation pumps, etc.) strategies into their grid operations for cost savings, greater grid resiliency and carbon emissions reductions. This will further be spurred as the national outlook calls for a $400 billion investment over ten years, as one part of a broad mobilization of public investment, in clean energy and innovation.
OATI is seeking highly motivated sales hunters and results-orientated individuals responsible for generating revenue for OATI’s industry-leading Grid Modernization solutions that includes a high field-proven and comprehensive DR/DER management platform and other related solutions. OATI’s Energy only Private Cloud securely hosts these solutions for utilities unburdening utility staff from expensive hardware and software maintenance and upgrade processes.
Successful candidates will possess an aggressive and strategic prospecting skill set and a consultative approach to sales. Successful candidates will have a passion for technology and either will be or will become a subject matter expert on OATI’s portfolio. This position is responsible for developing an annual territory sales plan and identifying specific actions to achieve assigned targets/goals and quotas. Performance will be measured by new bookings, recognized revenue, sales pipeline growth, and the ability to attain other sales objectives. Key responsibilities include: prospecting, building a sales pipeline, moving opportunities through the sales cycle; proposing, presenting, discussing solutions, and closing business. Other responsibilities include: market research, sales strategy development, tradeshow support, and proposal writing, and sales reporting. Collaboration with technical staff, other colleagues, and supporting the overall team effort within the sales organization is expected.
This position requires extensive customer outreach and travel. Experience in electric utility industry operations, DERs, demand management, smart thermostat solutions, and or related fields are highly preferred. Experience working with and knowledge of IOUs are highly preferred as well. Preference is for a Minneapolis-based position but candidates could be based within a designated regional territory upon further discussions. This position has high growth potential.
Qualifications/Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in engineering, business or related discipline
- Experience and/or knowledge with AMI/AMR and related technology
- Experience and/or knowledge with load control, demand management, DERs, smart thermostat programs and technology
- Minimum of 10 years of sales experience or equivalent, including exposure to utility/distribution industry
- Proven success identifying and closing new business
- Knowledge of the fundamental constructs of electric utilities
- Ability to develop and maintain customer relationships at all levels, including C-level staff
- Ability to build and manage a large, multi-year pipeline
- Customer-centric mindset, ability to translate customer issues/needs into profitable business solutions
- Strong ability to work in a team environment
- Exceptional interpersonal skills
- Excellent communication skills: both written and verbal
- Fully skilled with standard desk top tools
- U.S. Citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident
Other Requirements:
- The position will focus on a specific subset of the US based IOUs
- Knowledge or experience with IOU business processes and budget cycles
- Travel: Expected 50%+
- Acceptable background investigation report
- All prospective employees are required to provide a minimum of one relevant work reference
OATI offers full-time employment with competitive salary and benefits, including a 401(k) plan with company match, paid time off, and excellent health and dental insurance programs. OATI prides itself on providing a stable, supportive environment for career development with opportunities for future growth and promotion within the company. Applicants must be self-motivated, energetic, and willing to work in a team-oriented company.
To apply please send resume to:
OATI Recruitment: talent@oati.net or visit www.oati.com/recruiting for more information.
OATI is an EEO/AA employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, familial status, membership or activity in a local human rights commission, or status with regard to public assistance, or protected Veteran status.
OATI is committed to providing access, equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation, contact the Personnel Services Department at 763.201.2000 x 1262 or hr@oati.net.