Remote Director, Interconnection Engineering

Summary

The job is a remote Director of Interconnection Engineering role at Convergent Energy and Power. The candidate will collaborate with various teams to strategize market analysis, site selection, project estimating, and establish project development plans. They will navigate the interconnection process, research and analyze interconnection strategies for both FTM and BTM projects across various RTO regions, lead greenfield development efforts, manage and oversee the project portfolio, and act as the primary point of contact for engaging with RTOs and utilities.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering
• 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
• Demonstrated expertise and understanding of U.S. power markets, with a focus on solar and battery energy storage interconnections
• Extensive knowledge of storage and solar project development, utilities, interconnection, permitting, and contracting
• Outstanding research and analytical abilities, adept at synthesizing information and communicating conclusions and recommendations clearly and effectively
• Highly organized and detail-oriented with self-motivation, drive, and a proactive approach to creative problem-solving

Responsibilities

• Collaborate closely with Convergent's 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
• Communicate regularly with manager and team members, including in person meeting at the NYC headquarters as needed to foster collaboration and ensure alignment with project objectives and timelines
• 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

Preferred Qualifications

• Degree specialized in Electrical Engineering
• PE is preferred
• In-depth understanding of the protection principles and practices for transmission lines, distribution feeder, and major substation equipment

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance
• Vacation, Sick, and Medical Care Leave
• Family or Medical Care Leave