Lead Engineer, Interconnection & Transmission

Our client is seeking a Lead Engineer to play a key role in their Transmission and Interconnection Group. You will lead efforts in analyzing tariffs, managing timelines, evaluating costs, and ensuring project alignment with state incentive programs while participating in wholesale markets.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop a deep understanding of interconnection requirements, processes, study phases, timelines, and tariff rules across relevant RTO/ISO regions.
• Lead the analysis of interconnection study results, providing technical insights and actionable recommendations.
• Oversee and manage a portfolio of interconnection studies, applications, and follow-up activities to ensure successful project progression.
• Serve as the technical lead and liaison with ISOs, RTOs, transmission service providers, and utilities on all interconnection-related issues.
• Facilitate communication between engineering and development teams to optimize interconnection strategies and ensure timely processing of applications.
• Review and evaluate system impact study reports and grid/hosting capacity to develop optimal interconnection plans.
• Assist in negotiating the technical terms of interconnection agreements with utilities and transmission service providers.
• Oversee the preparation and submission of all interconnection applications in collaboration with internal teams, consultants, utilities, and external partners.
• Conduct peer reviews of engineering designs and technical data to prepare comprehensive interconnection application packages.
• Identify, hire, and manage external consultants for tasks such as injection analysis, technical design, and engineering reviews.
• Perform data analysis to forecast future system conditions, aiding in site selection, interconnection agreements, PPAs, financing, and M&A processes.
• Offer detailed overviews of interconnection processes and timelines for bid proposals in various markets.
• Assess system upgrade costs for interconnections and coordinate with stakeholders to adjust project timelines as necessary.
• Collaborate with the Development team to review interconnection queues and provide insights on site selection challenges.
• Provide expertise in interconnection matters during project financing discussions and support the transition of projects to the Execution team.
• Clearly articulate interconnection processes, timelines, and costs to Development and Engineering teams to ensure alignment.
• Engage in regular communication and in-person meetings with colleagues and managers to foster a collaborative and productive working environment.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Electrical Engineering preferred.
• 5+ years of experience in transmission and distribution planning, with a focus on renewable energy interconnections in markets such as PJM, NYISO, and ISO-NE.
• Strong knowledge of AC/DC fundamentals, including three-phase power systems.
• Proficiency in power flow modeling and analysis.
• Ability to interpret complex interconnection study reports and communicate their technical and financial implications.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license preferred.
• Experience with power system software such as PSS/e, TARA, and Aspen One-Liner.
• Strong understanding of protection principles for transmission lines, distribution feeders, and major substation equipment.
• Familiarity with RTO and utility tariffs, business practices, protocols, and procedures.
• Extensive knowledge of U.S. power markets, particularly in solar and battery energy storage interconnections.
• Comprehensive understanding of development, utilities, interconnection, permitting, and contracting processes for storage and solar projects.