Senior Interconnection Engineer

Summary

Join Convergent Energy and Power as a Senior Interconnection Engineer and lead the utility interconnection process for both front-of-the-meter (FTM) and behind-the-meter (BTM) projects. This fully remote role (or hybrid in NYC) requires managing interconnection efforts with utilities and ISOs, evaluating tariffs and costs, overseeing consultants, and ensuring compliance. You will leverage technical expertise and commercial acumen to navigate complex processes and drive project success. The ideal candidate will possess strong analytical skills, experience in relevant markets (PJM, NYISO, ISO-NE), and a proven ability to collaborate with various stakeholders. This is an individual contributor role with mentorship responsibilities. The position offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering
• Minimum 6+ years’ experience with transmission and distribution planning, and managing the interconnection of renewable energy power facilities, with experience in the PJM, NYISO, and ISO-NE markets
• Firm understanding of AC/DC fundamentals including understanding of three-phase Power systems
• Power flow modeling and analysis experience
• 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
• Extensive knowledge of storage and solar project development, utilities, interconnection, permitting, and contracting
• Proven ability to identify and resolve 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
• This role involves full ownership of interconnection strategies, requiring independent decision-making and initiative to align projects with corporate objectives
• Proven experience mentoring junior engineers and fostering cross-functional collaboration between internal and external stakeholders
• This is an individual contributor role and therefore does not have any direct reports but will exercise mentorship and guidance to junior-level staff
• Previous experience in a role that directly impacted the success of projects across diverse markets and utilities, influencing long-term company strategy
• Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the United States or Canada

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 to 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
• 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, transmission service providers, 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 the team
• 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
• Identify, contract, and manage consultants as necessary to support the interconnection process including injection analysis, technical design, and other application deliverables in addition to engineering review of utility schedules and cost estimates
• Support negotiations of technical terms of interconnection agreements and subcontractor MSAs and work orders

Preferred Qualifications

• Degree specialized in Electrical Engineering
• PE is preferred
• Experience with power system software packages such as PSS/e, TARA, and Aspen One-Liner, 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
• Remote work
• Hybrid work arrangement (1-2 days a week in our NYC office)