Job Description
The Principal Engineer, Transmission and Interconnection, is responsible for leading utility-scale solar and storage projects through interconnection processes, performing system analysis, negotiating agreements, and coordinating with utilities and ISOs to ensure timely and cost-effective project development.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead projects through the transmission interconnection process from inception to commercial operation across multiple ISO markets.
- Perform power flow, stability, and short circuit studies using specialized software for project prospecting and analysis.
- Evaluate transmission interconnection tariffs, costs, timelines, and processes to develop strategic approaches for projects.
- Coordinate and manage interconnection applications, studies, agreements, and milestones with utilities and ISOs.
- Negotiate interconnection study results and agreements to achieve favorable project outcomes.
- Build and maintain relationships with utilities, ISOs, and regulators, tracking progress to ensure timely project completion.
- Identify optimal interconnection locations based on market criteria and power flow analyses.
- Monitor changes in interconnection tariffs, business practices, and transmission upgrades in target markets.
Requirements
- Ten (10) years minimum of related experience in interconnection project development or transmission planning at a utility, ISO RTO, or project developer.
- Deep understanding of CAISO WECC utilities tariffs, interconnection processes, transmission service processes, transmission planning processes, and late-stage resource implementation processes.
- Demonstrated ability to work autonomously at a dynamic pace, find creative solutions, track major milestones, and prioritize several projects simultaneously.
- Ability to provide verbal and written summaries of interconnection processes, results, milestones, and statuses for both a technical and non-technical audience.
- Ability to read and negotiate long legal contracts including Interconnection Agreements, Power Purchase Agreements, Independent Engineer Reports, and Financing Documents.
- Experience developing lasting relationships with utilities, consulting firms, ISO RTOs, and regulators.
- Strong capability in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Adobe Acrobat, and Google Earth.
- Bachelor’s and/or Master’s degree in Electric Power Systems Engineering and/or MBA.
- Fluent in PSLF, PSSE, TARA, UPLAN, PSCAD, ASPEN, PowerWorld, and/or AutoCAD, with the ability to perform studies using these tools.
- Ability to learn UPLAN if familiar with PROMOD, as these are standard power system engineering tools.
- Experience working with TARA is highly regarded.
Benefits & Perks
Competitive compensation with a salary range of $162,172 to $190,170 USD plus bonus
Flexible Paid Time Off (PTO)
Comprehensive medical and dental plan options
401(k) matching
Ready to Apply?
Join Avantus and make an impact in renewable energy
Stay Updated on Sustainability Jobs
Get the latest renewable energy jobs and career tips delivered to your inbox.
Job Alerts
Get notified about new sustainability jobs
More at Avantus
More jobs at Avantus
Sr. or Principal Engineer, Transmission Interconnection
Avantus
San Diego
Full Time
Dec 17
$162k-190k
Associate, Portfolio Analytics
Avantus
San Diego
Full Time
Dec 19
$105k-124k
Chief of Staff
Avantus
San Diego
Full Time
Dec 19
$209k-240k
More jobs in San Diego, California
California Energy Advisor- Commercial Sales
5
Remote
Full Time
Nov 4
California Energy Advisor- Commercial Sales
5
Remote
Full Time
Jan 1
Manager, Asset Management
Clearway Energy
San Diego
Full Time
Oct 31
$120k-160k