Posh, a YC W22 startup, is hiring an Energy Analysis & Modeling Engineer. This role will involve building and maintaining energy models to optimize battery performance and efficiency within their virtual power plant (VPP) software platform. The ideal candidate has experience in energy systems modeling, optimization algorithms, and data analysis, preferably with a background in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related field. They are looking for someone proficient in Python and comfortable working in a fast-paced startup environment.
Posh Technologies, a promising startup specializing in the innovative field of home energy management and recently nurtured by the prestigious Y Combinator accelerator program (Winter 2022 cohort), is actively seeking a highly skilled and motivated Energy Analysis & Modeling Engineer to join their burgeoning team. This individual will play a pivotal role in developing and refining sophisticated energy models that lie at the heart of Posh's groundbreaking technology. These models will be instrumental in predicting and optimizing home energy consumption, thereby empowering homeowners to make more informed decisions regarding their energy usage and contributing to a more sustainable future. The ideal candidate possesses a strong foundation in engineering principles, particularly those pertaining to thermodynamics, heat transfer, and building science, coupled with a demonstrable proficiency in programming languages commonly used in data analysis and modeling, such as Python. They should also exhibit a keen analytical mind capable of dissecting complex systems, identifying key performance indicators, and translating theoretical models into practical, real-world applications. This position offers the unique opportunity to contribute to a rapidly evolving industry, work alongside a passionate and dedicated team of innovators, and make a tangible impact on the way people interact with and manage their home energy resources. While specific experience with HVAC systems is highly desirable, it is not strictly mandatory, suggesting that Posh is open to considering candidates with transferable skills and a demonstrable aptitude for learning new technologies. This role represents a significant opportunity for professional growth and development within a dynamic and forward-thinking organization committed to revolutionizing the home energy landscape.
Summary of Comments ( 0 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43129944
The Hacker News comments express skepticism and concern about Posh's business model and the specific job posting. Several commenters question the viability of Posh's approach to automating customer service for banks, citing the complexity of financial transactions and the potential for errors. Others express concerns about the low salary offered for the required skillset, particularly given the location (Boston). Some speculate about the high turnover hinted at by the constant hiring and question the long-term prospects of the company. The general sentiment seems to be one of caution and doubt about Posh's potential for success.
The Hacker News post titled "Posh (YC W22) Is Hiring" links to a job posting for an Energy Analysis & Modeling Engineer at Posh, a YC-backed company. The discussion generated a modest number of comments, mostly focused on the compensation offered and the nature of the work.
One commenter questions the listed salary range of $140k-$200k, expressing skepticism that it's truly competitive for a role requiring deep expertise in energy modeling, particularly given the demanding technical requirements involving Python, SQL, optimization, and potentially machine learning. They suggest that experienced candidates in this field, especially those familiar with tools like PLEXOS or Aurora, likely command higher salaries elsewhere.
Another commenter builds on this point, highlighting the specialized nature of energy modeling and the relatively small pool of qualified individuals. They argue that the salary offered might be suitable for someone earlier in their career but wouldn't attract highly experienced professionals, especially given the current demand for such skills.
A separate thread discusses the potential challenges of accurately modeling energy systems, emphasizing the complex interplay of various factors and the difficulty in predicting outcomes. One participant expresses concern about the potential for "garbage in, garbage out" scenarios, where flawed models could lead to poor decision-making. Another commenter counters this by pointing out that while perfect accuracy is impossible, valuable insights can still be gained from modeling, and that model improvement is an iterative process.
One commenter briefly touches upon the job's location, noting that the posting mentions "remote within the US" but the linked application form requires selecting a state. They find this discrepancy confusing.
Finally, a commenter with apparent domain expertise suggests that the job description might be targeting individuals with experience in specific energy market software tools rather than broader energy modeling experience. They mention specific software used in day-ahead and real-time energy markets, suggesting the role might involve optimizing bidding strategies or similar tasks.
Overall, the comments primarily revolve around the appropriateness of the offered compensation given the specialized skills required, the inherent complexities of energy modeling, and some minor confusion regarding the remote work policy. They offer valuable perspectives on the challenges and opportunities within this specific niche.