Consultant – Energy Sector Robotics Factory CREATE Program

Overview of Position

This consultant role is a critical addition to Innovation Works’ Robotics Factory CREATE program, extending the program’s reach into the energy sector – one of the most consequential and capital-intensive industries in the United States and the region. The energy sector represents a uniquely rich source of tractable problems for robotic and automated solutions, spanning industrial energy efficiency, grid operations, power generation, energy storage, and the transition to resilient clean-energy infrastructure.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Assist in building out a pipeline of energy-sector industry contacts and identify operational Challenges amenable to robotics and automation solutions:
• Map key players in the energy industry – utilities, independent power producers, pipeline operators, industrial energy users (steel, chemicals, manufacturing), grid operators, and cleantech developers.
• Help convene an Energy Summit most likely to be scheduled in early 2027, which will include workshops, roundtables, and summits to find industry problems and validate the proposed robotics or automation solutions are both technically feasible and commercially viable.
• Collaborate with Robotics Factory program staff on the planning and execution of these industry engagement activities.
• Working from practical experience, lead the selection of problems most appropriate for regional robotics startups and new venture formation.
• Arcitect and formulate ideas for business creation, including the identification of founding entrepreneurs, technology licensing pathways, and strategic partnerships.
• Identify energy-related research being conducted at universities (including CMU, University of Pittsburgh, and partner institutions) and help recruit researchers to develop partnerships.
• Develop and maintain a robust network of energy-sector investors, industry executives, and economic development partners to support deal origination and coalition building.
• Represent the Robotics Factory within the regional energy and cleantech innovation ecosystem.
• Build and maintain relationships with university technology transfer offices, research centers, and NSF/DOE program officers to ensure a steady pipeline of university-sourced energy technology opportunities.
• Work collaboratively with the broader Robotics Factory and Innovation Works team, contributing to shared learning on deal flow, investment decisions, and portfolio company engagement across industry verticals.

Qualifications and Requirements

• Deep energy industry expertise. A minimum of 10 years working within or closely alongside the energy sector – including industrial energy, power generation, grid operations, energy storage, oil and gas, cleantech, or related fields.
• Startup and entrepreneurship experience. Demonstrated track record supporting or building tech-based startups, including mentoring founders, evaluating technology potential, and helping early-stage companies navigate funding, product development, and market entry.
• Technology transfer knowledge. Familiarity with university technology licensing, intellectual property and moving research from the lab into commercial applications.
• Prior experience working with university technology transfer offices or research commercialization programs.
• Deal origination capability. Ability to identify, evaluate, and pursue opportunities for new company formation or licensing deals. May include experience with funding, investor relations, SBIR/STTR programs, and other mechanisms for bridging early-stage technology to market.
• Coalition and network building. Proven ability to convene and sustain multi-stakeholder coalitions involving industry, universities, investors, and government entities. Experience leading or supporting regional economic development initiatives is a strong asset.
• Communication and relationship skills. Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills. Comfortable presenting at industry events and engaging with a wide range of stakeholders, from faculty researchers to C-suite executives.

PREFERRED

• Advanced degree in business, law, or science; or equivalent professional experience.
• Direct experience in the energy sector investment, including familiarity with venture capital, corporate venture, or federal funding landscapes for energy technology.
• Prior involvement with NSF, DOE, or related federal programs supporting energy innovation and regional economic development.
• Familiarity with the Western Pennsylvania and broader Appalachian energy economy, including industrial energy users (steel, chemicals), traditional energy infrastructure, and the Ongoing transition to resilient clean energy systems.
• Experience working across the energy–robotics intersection (e.g., autonomous inspection, grid robotics, pipeline maintenance, and industrial automation in energy contexts.)