Director, Interconnection Engineering

Reports to: VP of Interconnection

The Director of Interconnection Engineering will play a pivotal role in collaborating with lead across functions to strategize market analysis, site selection, project estimating, and establishing and executing project development plans. This individual will navigate the interconnection process and technical intricacies of each project while researching and analyzing interconnection strategies for both FTM and BTM projects across various RTO regions, including state incentive programs and wholesale market participation. Additionally, the successful candidate will drive greenfield development efforts by analyzing electrical grids to identify new opportunities for solar and storage projects, expedite pre-NTP interconnection study processes, and facilitate GIA negotiations. The role also entails due diligence and contributes to M&A activities, including benchmarking interconnection costs and fostering collaboration among Project Origination, Development, M&A, and Engineering teams.

Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with Market Development and Product teams to assess interconnection opportunities, expand the company's portfolio, and develop strategies for participation in wholesale markets within specific regions.

• Demonstrate expertise in interconnection processes and documentation, ensuring thorough assessments of the technical aspects of identifying points of interconnection, initiating interconnection requests, and adhering to established strategies.

• Stay informed about tariff changes, updates in the generation interconnection process, and policy adjustments in target markets, and effectively communicate these updates.

• Monitor the timeline of the Cluster Study Process and significant transmission upgrades in targeted markets to optimize the timing of interconnection requests, while meticulously maintaining records of interconnection statuses, project deadlines, milestones, cost estimates, and associated risks.

• Manage and oversee the project portfolio, including studies, applications, and follow-up obligations, ensuring alignment with established timelines and objectives.

• Act as the primary point of contact for engaging with RTOs and utilities, fostering effective communication and relationship-building, and coordinate the review and negotiation of interconnection-related agreements.

• Establish and cultivate a network of consultants, streamline engagement processes, and maintain internal databases for interconnection processes, outcomes, and cost assessments.

• Lead the technical information exchange between the engineering and development teams to ensure timely processing of interconnection applications and devise optimal strategies.

• Coordinate completion of interconnection applications, conduct peer reviews of designs and technical data, and prepare comprehensive application packages.

• Lead the review, analysis, and interpretation of interconnection study results.

• Lead the selection, contracting, and management of consultants as needed to support the interconnection process, encompassing injection analysis, technical design, and other application deliverables, along with detailed review of utility milestones and cost estimates.

• Assess interconnection system cost upgrades and collaborate with all stakeholders to implement necessary adjustments to the grid integration strategy and project development schedule.

• Perform data analyses, internally or externally, to forecast future system conditions, aiding in optimal siting, IA, PPA, financing, and mergers and acquisitions processes.

• Provide comprehensive overviews of the interconnection process and timelines across various markets for bid proposals and maintain a thorough understanding of interconnection processes, timelines, technical requirements and cost structures for key utilities and ISOs.

• Collaborate with the leadership team to enhance operational processes and efficiency and provide occasional educational opportunities to new hires and peer teams to enhance their understanding of grid interconnection dynamics.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering. Electrical Engineering Degree and PE is preferred.

• Minimum of 8+ years of industry experience and expertise in generation interconnection and transmission planning, acquired at a large infrastructure developer, electric utility, transmission provider, or energy consultancy.

• Experience navigating markets such as CAISO, PJM, SPP, ISO-NE, or other RTOs.

• Firm understanding of AC/DC fundamentals including understanding of three-phase Power systems.

• Experience with power system software packages such as PSS/e, TARA, Aspen One-Liner

• 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.

• Extensive knowledge of storage and solar project development, utilities, interconnection, permitting, and contracting.