Job Description
The Principal Engineer, Transmission and Interconnection, is responsible for leading utility-scale solar and storage projects through interconnection processes across various markets, performing technical studies, negotiating agreements, and coordinating with utilities and ISOs to ensure timely and cost-effective project development.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead projects through the utility-scale solar and storage interconnection process from inception to commercial operation across multiple ISO and market regions.
- 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 all interconnection requirements, including applications, studies, agreements, and milestone tracking.
- Negotiate interconnection study results and agreements with utilities 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 through power flow and market risk analyses, considering cross-functional criteria.
- Monitor changes in tariffs, business practices, and transmission upgrades relevant to target markets.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to meet interconnection milestones and ensure project development aligns with technical and legal requirements.
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 (preferred).
Benefits & Perks
Competitive compensation with a salary range of $162,172 to $190,170 USD plus bonus
Excellent benefits package including 401(k) matching
Comprehensive medical and dental plan options
Flexible PTO
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