Interconnection Planning Engineer

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

• Complete interconnection applications and supporting documentation for company projects in various RTOs (CAISO, PJM, NYISO, MISO, ERCOT, SPP) and vertically integrated markets (WECC, SERC, Southeast etc.). Liaison with different departments for technical data gatherings to prepare the application packages;
• Routinely perform power flow studies (using GE PSLF and Siemens PSS/E software) to assess electric interconnection viability of renewable projects and support the Development Team for due diligence studies and efforts before commencing interconnection applications. Identify optimal interconnection locations in target markets based on multiple cross-functional siting criteria;
• Routinely perform due diligence for M&A projects by reviewing interconnection documents from data room and brief the Development Team on key findings;
• Assist the Engineering team routinely with technical task assignments for projects under engineering and design phase and attend project meetings (internal and external);
• Review and summarize Curtailment study results for management review and support the Project Finance department on routine assignments with external consultants;
• Evaluate transmission & interconnection tariffs, costs, timelines, queue, and processes for a variety of markets and provide strategy to the Development team;
• Handle interconnection Tariff related administrative responsibilities and necessary paperwork;
• Provide communication and build relationships with utilities/ISOs and track interconnection progress to ensure projects are complete in a timely and cost-effective manner;
• Track changes to interconnection tariffs and key transmission upgrades in target markets in North America;
• Provide technical support and coordination to the Engineering department and Project Directors throughout the engineering and design of projects;
• Create regular project interconnection status reports and monitor engineering milestones;
• Analyze renewable energy projects;
• Contribute innovative ideas to enhance interconnection and quality in practices;
• Regular attendance, in accordance with company's attendance policy and supervisory assignment, is an essential job duty requirement for this position; and
• Perform other duties and special projects, as assigned.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• A degree in Electrical engineering, Master’s, and/or MBA preferred.
• Advanced Degree (MSEE) in electrical engineering (EE) from university with an ABET-accredited electrical engineering program is strongly preferred.
• Specialization in power systems engineering required.
• (PE) Professional Engineering License with an EE background strongly preferred.
• Four (4) years of transmission and interconnection planning experience on renewable projects and at least two years of solar photovoltaic and energy storage utility scale projects.
• Development or transmission planning at a utility, ISO/RTO, or project developer.
• Ability to use proficiently GE PSLF, Siemens PSS/E and AutoCAD software.
• Demonstrated ability to work autonomously at a dynamic pace, find creative solutions, and communicate with both a technical and non-technical audience.
• Experience communicating / working with utilities, consulting firms, ISO/RTOs, and regulators
• Candidate must possess experience in successfully executing projects from inception thru development and into engineering while providing strong technical direction/guidance in power engineering background (especially having interconnection Tariff background).
• Some level of experience in performing due diligence for solar and energy storage assets are preferred.
• High proficiency with power industry standard software widely used in transmission planning analysis and AutoCAD and other applicable software, in addition to MS Excel, MS Project, and the MS Office suite.