Interconnection Engineer

Summary

Join Convergent Energy and Power, a company dedicated to making the electrical grid cleaner, more reliable, and less expensive through energy storage and distributed generation technologies. As an Engineer, Interconnection, you will play a crucial role in driving project success by managing the utility interconnection process for both Front-Of-the-Meter (FTM) and Behind-The-Meter (BTM) projects. This fully remote role involves evaluating transmission and distribution tariffs, costs, and timelines, and managing interconnection efforts with utilities and Independent System Operators (ISOs). You will also oversee consultants, ensuring compliance with utility requirements and improving internal design standards. This individual contributor role offers opportunities for informal mentorship and guidance to junior level staff.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering
• Minimum 4-5+ years’ experience with transmission and distribution planning, managing the interconnection of renewable energy power facilities, with experience in the PJM, NYISO, and ISO-NE markets
• Previous experience in a role that directly impacted the success of projects across diverse markets and utilities, influencing long-term company strategy
• Proficient understanding of AC/DC fundamentals and three-phase Power systems
• Advanced working knowledge and experience of Power flow modeling and analysis
• Minimum 2+ years’ experience of model development and transient simulation in PSCAD software for renewable generation projects especially for Standalone BESS and BESS + PV
• 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 distributed and transmission interconnections
• Advanced knowledge of storage and solar project development, utilities, interconnection, permitting, and contracting
• Proficient in identifying and resolving complex problems both independently and collaboratively, delivering comprehensive solutions that meet the needs of all stakeholders
• Requires expertise in independently analyzing and interpreting complex interconnection study results and proactively resolving technical, financial, and strategic challenges
• As applicable, this role may involve physical activity, including but not limited to standing, walking, or lifting up to 50 lbs
• Alignment with Convergent’s mission and values: Continuous Improvement, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Ethical Governance, Safety, Sustainability, and a strong interest in the Clean Energy Transition
• This role requires 20% travel, primarily for team events, company-wide meetings, and occasional site visits. Travel to remote sites may be required, which could involve driving or air travel

Responsibilities

• Understand interconnection process, timelines, and cost structures for key utilities and ISO's and communicate requirements with the Development and Engineering teams
• Identify optimal interconnection strategies based on pre-application reports, system impact study reports, and grid/hosting capacity to develop the best interconnection plan
• Lead data analyses to forecast future system conditions for optimal siting, IA, PPA, financing, and M&A processes
• Evaluate interconnection system cost upgrades and work with all stakeholders on necessary adjustments of the project development schedule
• Develop interconnection strategies that directly align with the company's long-term financial and operational goals
• Manage and track the project portfolio of interconnection-related studies, applications, and follow-up requirements
• Coordinate the completion of all interconnection applications with internal stakeholders, external consultants, utilities, and other external stakeholders as applicable
• Work with the Sales and Land Acquisition teams to identify site selection issues by reviewing interconnection queues and providing feedback
• Research and provide interconnection process overview and timelines related to various markets for bid proposals
• Serve as the primary point of contact and the technical lead with ISOs, RTOs, TSPs, third-party consultants, and utilities for all interconnection activities
• Lead the technical information exchange between the Sales, Pre-Construction, and Engineering teams to ensure timely processing of interconnection applications and devise optimal strategies
• Communicate on a regular basis with manager and team members, including in-person meetings at the NYC headquarters as needed to foster strong collaboration amongst teams
• Perform peer-review of engineering designs and technical data in preparation of interconnection application packages and Pre-Construction design sets (10%, 30%, and 50%)
• Lead the review, analysis, and interpretation of interconnection results and provide technical insights and guidance
• Provide interconnection subject matter expertise in support of project financing and project hand-offs to the Project Execution team
• Conduct cross-training sessions for the Interconnection team, enhancing their skills from introductory to expert levels in transient stability analysis, PSCAD model development for renewable generation projects, and simulation execution under diverse system operations
• Identify, contract, and manage consultants as necessary to support the interconnection process, including injection analysis, technical design, models, and other application deliverables in addition to engineering review of utility schedules and cost estimates
• Support negotiations of technical terms & conditions of interconnection agreements and subcontractor MSA’s and work orders

Preferred Qualifications

• Degree specialized in Electrical Engineering
• EIT is preferred
• Experience with other power system simulation software packages such as TARA, Aspen One-Liner, and SKM is preferred
• Experience or training in Lean and/or Six Sigma concepts preferred
• In-depth understanding of the protection principles and practices for transmission lines, distribution feeders, and major substation equipment
• Experience working for both utility(s) and developer(s) is preferred

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance
• Vacation, Sick, and Volunteer days
• 401K with an employer safe harbor match
• Special Vendor Discounts on programs for: Identity theft and fraud prevention