Senior Interconnection Engineer
Location: Remote (must be based and authorized to work in the US)
The Senior Interconnection Engineer will play a crucial role in navigating the interconnection process and technical intricacies of each project, while researching and analyzing interconnection strategies for both front-of-the-meter (FTM) and behind-the-meter (BTM) projects across various Regional Transmission Organization (RTO) regions, including state incentive programs and wholesale market participation. This position will evaluate transmission and distribution tariffs, costs, timelines, and processes across various utilities and markets.
What You’ll Do:
- Understand all interconnection requirements, processes, study phases, timelines, and tariff rules for the relevant RTO/ISO.
- Manage and track the project portfolio of interconnection-related studies, applications, and follow-up requirements.
- Serve as the primary point of contact and the technical lead with ISOs, RTOs, transmission service providers, and utilities for all interconnection activities.
- Lead the technical information exchange between the engineering and development teams to ensure the timely processing of interconnection applications and devise optimal strategies.
- Identify optimal interconnection strategies based on system impact study reports and grid/hosting capacity; develop the best interconnection plan.
- Support negotiations of technical terms of interconnection agreements.
- Coordinate the completion of all interconnection applications with internal stakeholders, external consultants, utilities, and other external stakeholders.
- Perform peer-review of engineering designs and technical data in preparation of interconnection application packages.
- Lead the review, analysis, and interpretation of interconnection results; provide technical insights and guidance.
- Identify, contract, and manage consultants as necessary to support the interconnection process including injection analysis, technical design, and other application deliverables in addition to engineering review of utility schedules and cost estimates.
- Evaluate interconnection system cost upgrades and work with all stakeholders on necessary adjustments of the project development schedule.
- Lead data analyses to forecast future system conditions for optimal siting, IA, PPA, financing, and M&A processes.
- Provide interconnection process overview and timelines related to various markets for bid proposals.
- Work with the Development team to identify site selection issues by reviewing interconnection queues and providing feedback.
- Understand interconnection process, timelines, and cost structures for key utilities and ISO’s and communicate requirements with the Development and Engineering teams.
- Provide interconnection subject matter expertise in support of project financings and project hand-offs to the Project Execution team.
- Communicate on a regular basis with manager and team members, including in-person meetings at the NYC headquarters as needed to foster strong collaboration amongst the team.
Required Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering
- Minimum 6+ years’ experience with transmission and distribution planning, managing the interconnection of renewable energy power facilities, with experience in the PJM, NYISO and ISO-NE markets.
- Firm understanding of AC/DC fundamentals including understanding of three-phase Power systems.
- Power flow modeling and analysis experience.
- Ability to comprehend complex Interconnection study reports and communicate project technical and financial impacts.
- Familiarity with RTO and utility tariffs, business practices, protocols, procedures, and guidelines.
- Demonstrated expertise and understanding of U.S. power markets, with a focus on solar and battery energy storage interconnections.
- Extensive knowledge of storage and solar project development, utilities, interconnection, permitting, and contracting.
Preferred Qualifications
- Degree specialized in Electrical Engineering.
- PE is preferred.
- Experience with power system software packages such as PSS/e, TARA, Aspen One-Liner, is preferred.
- In-depth understanding of the protection principles and practices for transmission lines, distribution feeders, and major substation equipment.
Benefits:
Our priority is to ensure that every team member feels valued and supported to have a healthy balance between work life and personal life. We believe a full life outside of the office makes for a happier, healthier team. We support that by offering robust benefits such as but not limited to, the following:
- Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance
- Vacation, Sick, and Volunteer days
- 401K with an employer safe harbor match
- Special Vendor Discounts on programs for:
- Identity theft and fraud prevention