Sr. Director, Interconnection and Grid Integration

Company Overview Pattern Energy is a leading renewable energy company that develops, constructs, owns, and operates high-quality wind and solar generation, transmission, and energy storage facilities. Our mission is to transition the world to renewable energy through the sustainable development and responsible operation of facilities with respect for the environment, communities, and cultures where we have a presence.

Our approach begins and ends with establishing trust, accountability, and transparency. Our company values of creative spirit, pride of ownership, follow-through, and a team-first attitude drive us to pursue our mission every day. Our culture supports our values by fostering innovative and critical thinking and a deep belief in living up to our promises.

Headquartered in the United States, Pattern has a global portfolio of more than 35 power facilities and transmission assets, serving various customers that provide low-cost clean energy to millions of consumers.

Responsibilities

Job Purpose

The position will have responsibility for leading all aspects of electrical interconnection, delivery strategies, strategic transmission acquisition and basis and curtailment analysis for company generation and transmission projects. The successful applicant will implement these strategies by assessing transmission opportunities, preparing and filing interconnection documents and managing the Company’s overall transmission positions. The position will be responsible for analysis that informs Pattern’s view and forecast of congestion on various transmission systems throughout North America.

Key Accountabilities

• Identify transmission development opportunities that make sense as standalone project as well as part of renewable energy project development
• Negotiate transmission agreements with utilities and potential development counterparties
• Advocate for transmission development in various ISO/RTO working groups and renewable trade groups
• Evaluate potential project sites based on transmission considerations.
• Lead the interconnection process for Pattern projects, from assessment of interconnection options, filing of necessary applications, evaluation of utility technical studies, and negotiation of interconnection agreements.
• Assist Development and Power Marketing in assessment of power delivery options, including preparing transmission service applications, reviewing OASIS data, assessing status and opportunity to participate in multi-party or interregional transmission solutions, etc.
• Provide assessments of transmission-related market dynamics, such as LMP pricing, nodal basis risks, congestion risks, etc.
• Understand turbine behavior and impacts on electrical transmission systems (SSR, reactive power, etc) and ensure compliance with technical interconnection requirements for both development and operational projects.
• Serve as Pattern’s expert on transmission-related market design and regulatory issues (e.g. RUC, CRRs, etc), monitor key developments in these areas, and provide recommendations for Pattern strategies in these areas.
• Provide technical leadership of development and conceptual design of major switchyard and transmission line projects within Pattern’s scope.
• Identify and recommend transmission development project opportunities
• Serve as Pattern’s transmission interface with utilities and RTOs

Qualifications

Experience / Qualifications / Education Required

Educational Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a technical discipline is required. Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering with emphasis on Power Systems is preferred. Masters in Electrical Engineering and Professional Engineer qualification is a plus.

Required Work Experience

A minimum of 15 years in the electric industry. Transmission Planning experience with a utility or ISO is important.

Additional Requirements

• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Good ability to identify and explain transmission opportunities
• Must be willing and able to travel and be able to get a US passport.
• Ability to prioritize requests and resolve multiple issues on multiple projects under demanding schedule constraints
• Keen ability to form and maintain relationship with key transmission counterparts (utilities, ISOs, etc.)
• Thorough knowledge of FERC transmission tariffs and interconnection processes
• Must be able to function effectively and keep the workflow going when traveling
• A keen business sense beyond engineering and a sense of urgency in completing a job

Technical Skills

• Significant experience developing power flow base cases and running one or more of PowerWorld, PSSE, PSLF, ASPEN, UPLAN, PROMOD with the ability to evaluate results
• Must be proficient in typical software applications, including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Microsoft Project.
• Coding is a plus (e.g., python)

The expected starting pay range for this role is $149,000 – $201,000 in local currency. This range is an estimate and base pay may be above or below the ranges based on several factors including but not limited to location, work experience, certifications, and education. In addition to base pay, Pattern’s compensation program includes a bonus structure for full-time employees of all levels. We also provide a comprehensive benefits package which includes medical, dental, vision, short and long-term disability, life insurance, voluntary benefits, family care benefits, employee assistance program, paid time off and bonding leave, paid holidays, 401(k)/RRSP retirement savings plan with employer contribution, and employee referral bonuses.

Pattern Energy Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer.