Zach Ambrose

About Your Role at Sense

What is your day to day like at Sense?

As senior program manager, I’m working with both internal (engineering, data science, product) and external (utilities, meter makers) stakeholders to coordinate the successful rollout of key pilots and programs. No two days are alike. It’s an exciting role – working with true industry leaders as we discover how Sense can impact their ability to respond to some of their biggest challenges.

What do you find that surprises utilities most about Sense?

Utilities are often amazed—not just by our energy disaggregation and usage bubbles (though those are well known)—but by the deeper visibility we offer: home‑level and grid‑level diagnostics such as fault identification and localization as well as identification and control of DERs. Our embedded intelligence unlocks a new layer of insights for grid operations and energy reduction goals. And with each partnership, we’re discovering even more capabilities.

Thoughts on the Energy Industry

How did you get into the energy industry?

I earned my bachelor’s and master’s in sustainability and environmental studies. My career began with Allegheny County’s sustainability office in Pittsburgh—leading employee behavior-change efforts and energy efficiency upgrades in county‑owned buildings. I then moved into program implementation with Performance Systems Development, managing residential energy assessments and new home construction initiatives. I’ve been in the energy space ever since.

What changes have you seen in the industry?

After more than a decade in energy efficiency, I’ve watched the sector evolve rapidly – both in technology and tactics used to help people save energy and get them more engaged in their energy usage. LED lightbulbs used to be the backbone of programs, since incandescent lighting was still widespread. Now we are thinking much more holistically – staring at the intersection of energy efficiency and peak demand and how the two are inextricably linked. And with so much competition for mind-share, we’re having to get a lot more creative in engaging people in their energy use that is both personalized and relevant.

Life Outside of Work

I’m a wanderlust at heart and love exploring new places, new cultures and especially new food. I love getting lost and seeing where life takes me.

What do you do to pass time in the summer? 

Drinking sangria and dancing with friends anywhere we can enjoy the outdoors!

What’s on your summer playlist?

“Dreams” by Fleetwood Mac.  Stevie Nicks is my Diva. I can’t get through my summer without a lot of Fleetwood Mac.

Lake or Ocean? 

Definitely ocean – as long as it’s warm!