Senior Engineer, Interconnection (NY/NE)

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The Grid Integration group is responsible for siting and interconnecting the AES Clean Energy portfolio to transmission systems across the United States. The group consists of a Transmission Strategy team, Interconnection team, High Voltage Engineering team, and a Generation Modelling and Technical Compliance team.

The primary responsibilities of this role are: strategic analysis of the interconnection procedures, queue and transmission system in a given RTO/ISO to formulate and steer greenfield project siting, and to then prepare and manage interconnection requests through to an Interconnection Agreement with the most favorable terms possible. The Interconnection Project Engineer supports the Manager, Interconnection (NY/NE, Regional Lead) on progressing projects through the interconnection process and working cross functionally with the broader Development Team to optimize the position throughout the development lifecycle.

The preferred candidate has experience in: the preparation and review of interconnection requests; review and management of PSS/E and/or PSLF models; and participating in the management of solar, storage, and wind projects through the generator interconnection processes including negotiation and execution of Generator Interconnection Agreements. Additional responsibilities include monitoring the progress of required system upgrades and identifying creative mitigation solutions when needed within the applicable open access transmission tariff.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities:

The Interconnection Project Engineer will support all interconnection activities through the full life cycle of development and construction of projects. The position will support the NY/NE Manager, Interconnection and other internal stakeholders leading to the successful execution of both new and acquired projects across the United States. Some travel required (~15-20%).
• Support greenfield development: review transmission system analysis, identify interconnection agencies and procedures, prepare and file interconnection requests including supporting internal and external parties on preparation of technical materials, provide viability feedback to the NY/NE Manager, Interconnection, and other internal stakeholders to support any financial and project approvals needed.
• Interconnection study process: support the review and analysis of utility study reports; tracking and reporting results throughout process; support negotiation and execution of interconnection agreements and engineering and procurement agreements
• Implementation of portfolio projects: assist internal groups to complete deliverables required by transmission owners to construct interconnection facilities including integrating schedules of Transmission Owner into project construction schedule.
• Support project due diligence efforts, identify existing and potential red flags for project acquisitions and existing pipeline projects.

Desired Skills and Expertise:
• Familiarity with reviewing interconnection studies and power flow models. Experience running study models a plus.
• Ability to analyze power flow and system impact studies for interconnection of utility scale solar, wind, and storage generating facilities.
• Knowledge of System Impact Studies (SIS) and other interconnection studies and procedures for interconnection renewable energy generating facilities >10 MWac.
• Understanding of electrical diagrams, preliminary site plans, and preparation of interconnection request packages for submittal.
• Awareness of transmission systems and transmission expansion plans in US.
• Knowledge of Open Access Transmission Tariffs and Generator Interconnection Procedures.

Minimum Qualifications:
• BS in Electrical Engineering or related field.

3+ years work history in renewable or traditional energy development, utility generation development, or transmission planning. Previous employment or experience working at an Electric Utility, or consultants providing services within those footprints is strongly preferred.

AES is an Equal Opportunity Employer who is committed to building strength and delivering long-term sustainability through diversity and inclusion. Respecting all backgrounds, differences and perspectives enables us to improve the lives of our people, customers, suppliers, contractors, and the communities in which we live and work. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity and/or expression, race, national origin, ethnicity, age, religion, marital status, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical condition, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law. E-Verify Notice: AES will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) with information from each new employee's I-9 to confirm work authorization.

Safety comes first at AES. To protect the health and safety of our people, customers, communities and partners, and to provide and maintain a workplace that is free of known hazards, AES requires all newly-hired people or current AES people applying for U.S.-based role(s), to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or be willing to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by their date of hire. Except where prohibited by law or not specifically covered in a collective bargaining agreement, new hires and transfers will be required to provide proof of vaccination during onboarding and periodically thereafter. This policy will comply with all applicable laws and is based on guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and local health authorities, as applicable.