The Utility Relations Program Manager serves as the primary liaison between Tesla and assigned utility companies, driving operational efficiency, process improvement, and policy alignment to accelerate clean energy deployment. This role leverages data analysis to identify trends, forecast regional performance, and streamline interconnection processes through automation and standardization. The Utility Relations Program Manager educates utility grid engineers on Tesla Energy products, facilitates regular utility meetings, and partners with internal teams- including Product, Policy, and Interconnection- to address technical questions, support market expansion, and reduce approval timelines. Additionally, the role involves interpreting complex utility regulations, hosting team roundtables, training staff, and helping shape Tesla's participation in emerging utility markets and utility programs.
- Conduct weekly and monthly reporting on regional trends, forecasts, and process improvements; provide proactive analysis on assigned utility companies to drive efficiency and support automation and standardization
- Lead regular utility meetings and monthly calls to address trends, correction issues, and process improvements, fostering strong relationships and alignment with utility partners
- Educate utility grid engineers on Tesla Energy products, such as Powerwall variants and Backup Switch, and explain how these technologies interact with the grid
- Collaborate with Tesla's Product and Policy teams to answer technical questions and drive initiatives that streamline interconnection processes and reduce approval timelines
- Host bi-weekly roundtables for utility team management and regional interconnection teams; consult on utility-specific process guides and support internal training
- Communicate new utility requirements to internal stakeholders and ensure smooth integration into Tesla's operational processes
- Research new utility markets and state incentive programs; support business case development for Tesla's market expansion efforts in collaboration with policy and research analysts
- Solid understanding of utility operations, interconnection processes, and energy products such as battery storage and backup systems. Experience working directly with utility companies or grid engineers is a strong plus
- Ability to analyze complex data sets, identify trends, and translate insights into process improvements and actionable reporting. Proficiency with Excel and data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau) is preferred
- Comfortable interpreting technical requirements, regulatory tariffs, and engineering standards. Capable of collaborating with policy teams to advocate for regulatory improvements
- Proven ability to manage multiple priorities across cross-functional teams. Strong verbal and written communication skills, with experience leading meetings and facilitating stakeholder discussions
- Demonstrated track record of driving operational efficiency through process standardization and automation. Able to effectively introduce and implement new utility processes within internal systems
- Self-starter who thrives in fast-paced, ambiguous environments. Able to travel occasionally to regional offices and utility locations and quickly adapt to evolving business needs
Benefits
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
- Earned Wage Access: Real-time pay access paid daily, subject to eligibility and schedule (applicable for below Sr. Managers levels)