Senior Interconnection Engineer

Position Overview:

Our client is seeking a Senior Interconnection Engineer who will be instrumental in guiding their projects through the complexities of the interconnection process. This role involves deep analysis and strategic planning for both front-of-the-meter (FTM) and behind-the-meter (BTM) projects across various Regional Transmission Organization (RTO) regions. You will also be responsible for evaluating tariffs, costs, timelines, and processes related to transmission and distribution, ensuring our projects align with state incentive programs and participate effectively in wholesale markets.

Key Responsibilities:

• Interconnection Expertise: Master the interconnection requirements, processes, study phases, timelines, and tariff rules across relevant RTO/ISO regions.
• Project Management: Oversee and manage a portfolio of interconnection-related studies, applications, and follow-up activities.
• Primary Point of Contact: Act as the technical lead and liaison with ISOs, RTOs, transmission service providers, and utilities for all interconnection-related matters.
• Technical Strategy: Facilitate the exchange of technical information between engineering and development teams to optimize interconnection strategies and ensure timely application processing.
• Study Analysis: Evaluate system impact study reports, grid/hosting capacity, and develop optimal interconnection plans.
• Negotiation Support: Assist in negotiating the technical terms of interconnection agreements.
• Application Coordination: Oversee the completion of all interconnection applications in collaboration with internal stakeholders, consultants, utilities, and external partners.
• Technical Review: Perform peer reviews of engineering designs and technical data to prepare comprehensive interconnection application packages.
• Results Interpretation: Lead the review, analysis, and interpretation of interconnection study results, offering technical insights and guidance.
• Consultant Management: Identify, contract, and manage consultants for tasks such as injection analysis, technical design, and engineering review.
• Cost Evaluation: Assess interconnection system cost upgrades and work with stakeholders to adjust project development schedules as needed.
• Data Analysis: Conduct data analysis to forecast future system conditions, supporting optimal site selection, interconnection agreements, PPAs, financing, and M&A processes.
• Market Proposals: Provide interconnection process overviews and timelines for bid proposals across various markets.
• Site Selection: Collaborate with the Development team to review interconnection queues and provide feedback on site selection issues.
• Communication: Clearly communicate interconnection processes, timelines, and costs to Development and Engineering teams, ensuring alignment and understanding.
• Project Financing: Offer subject matter expertise in interconnection for project financings and support project transitions to the Project Execution team.
• Team Collaboration: Engage in regular communication and in-person meetings with team members and managers to foster collaboration and maintain strong working relationships.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering.
• At least 6 years of experience in transmission and distribution planning, particularly in managing renewable energy interconnections, with a focus on PJM, NYISO, and ISO-NE markets.
• Solid understanding of AC/DC fundamentals, including three-phase power systems.
• Proficient in power flow modeling and analysis.
• Ability to interpret complex interconnection study reports and communicate their technical and financial impacts.
• Familiarity with RTO and utility tariffs, business practices, protocols, procedures, and guidelines.
• Extensive knowledge of U.S. power markets, with a strong focus on solar and battery energy storage interconnections.
• Deep understanding of the development, utilities, interconnection, permitting, and contracting processes for storage and solar projects.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Degree in Electrical Engineering.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license preferred.
• Experience with power system software such as PSS/e, TARA, Aspen One-Liner.
• In-depth knowledge of protection principles and practices for transmission lines, distribution feeders, and major substation equipment.

Benefits:

We are committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming culture that prioritizes the safety and well-being of all our clean energy professionals. Our diverse backgrounds are our strength, and we encourage open dialogue and continuous learning through active Employee Resource Groups, DEI initiatives, and comprehensive training and workshops. We believe in a healthy work-life balance and offer robust benefits to support our team members, including:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance
• Paid Vacation, Sick, and Volunteer days
• 401K with an employer safe harbor match
• Special Vendor Discounts on identity theft and fraud prevention programs

Base Salary Range: $130,000-$175,000, commensurate with qualifications and experience.