Staff Economist, Data Center, Economic Strategy

In this role, you will be part of the Economic Strategy Team, Google's global infrastructure economic analysis unit. You will transform Google’s Data Center and Energy economic narrative to proactive leadership by delivering economic intelligence. You will empower data-driven decision-making and safeguard Google’s license to operate by quantifying, forecasting, and communicating the fundamental value of Data Center and Energy infrastructure investments to global markets and local communities. You will provide the economic analysis necessary for the entire data center life-cycle; by doing it, you will optimize site selection, strengthen positions, and ensure accountability. Your goal is to make sure Google, local governments, and communities have a clear, data-backed understanding of the benefits brought to the table. By connecting infrastructure projects to economic data, you will help Google grow responsibly while supporting the communities called home.

The US base salary range for this full-time position is $192,000-$278,000 + bonus + equity + benefits. Our salary ranges are determined by role, level, and location. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range for your preferred location during the hiring process.

Please note that the compensation details listed in US role postings reflect the base salary only, and do not include bonus, equity, or benefits. Learn more about benefits at Google.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute economic impact models (e.g., direct, indirect, and induced) for United States (US) data center investments to quantify job creation, Gross Domestic Product (GDP) contributions, and local tax generation.
• Evaluate the fiscal impacts of projects on local municipalities to support fair and sustainable development agreements.
• Develop novel frameworks to measure wider economic benefits, such as regional productivity gains, digital infrastructure resilience, and the "crowding-in" of high-tech industries.
• Manage a centralized economic data program; translate technical insights into persuasive white papers, presentations, and policy briefs for internal leadership and external stakeholders.

Minimum qualifications:

• Master's degree in Economics, Econometrics, Public Policy, Statistics, or equivalent practical experience.
• 7 years of experience in economic consulting, corporate economic strategy, public sector economic development, or think tanks, with a specific focus on US regional economics, economic impact analysis, fiscal impact analysis, or utility economics.
• Experience using economic modeling tools (e.g., IMPLAN, REMI) and statistical analysis software (e.g., R, Python, STATA, EViews, or MATLAB) to forecast regional economic outcomes.
• Experience conducting economic impact studies (EIA), cost-benefit analyses, and labor market assessments for infrastructure or industrial projects.

Preferred qualifications:

• Experience with tax policy analysis, including the evaluation of economic development incentives and fiscal impact modeling.
• Familiarity with real estate economics, including land valuation, site selection metrics, and construction supply chain analysis.
• Understanding of the US technology and energy sectors, including electricity pricing structures, grid infrastructure economics, and the interplay between energy policy and industrial development.