Interconnection Engineer

Job description

This is a fully remote role for candidates who are based outside of the New York Metropolitan area. For those located in the area, we encourage you to consider our hybrid work arrangement (1-2 days a week in our NYC office). That said, we value flexibility and if you have a different preference, please do not let that deter you from applying – let’s talk about it!

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the United States or Canada. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of any employment-based visas at this time.

Energy storage is the key to unlocking a future where our world is powered by renewable resources. At Convergent Energy and Power, our mission is to make the electrical grid cleaner, more reliable, and less expensive by leveraging state-of-the-art energy storage and distributed generation technologies.

The Engineer, Interconnection drives project success across diverse markets and utilities by contributing to the utility interconnection process for both Front-Of-the-Meter (FTM) and Behind-The-Meter (BTM) projects across various Regional Transmission Organizations (RTOs). This role involves evaluating transmission and distribution tariffs, costs, and timelines, and managing interconnection efforts with utilities and Independent System Operators (ISOs). This role oversees consultants, ensuring compliance with utility requirements and improving internal design standards.

This is an individual contributor role and therefore, does not have any direct reports but will exercise informal mentorship and guidance to junior level staff.

What You’ll Do

Interconnection Strategy and Analysis (30%)

• 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. o Develop interconnection strategies that directly align with the company’s long-term financial and operational goals.

Project and Portfolio Management (15%)

• 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.

Stakeholder Collaboration and Leadership (15%)

• 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.

Technical Review and Guidance (30%)

• 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.

Consultant and Agreement Management (10%)

• 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.

Required Qualifications

• 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.

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.

We’re dedicated to fostering a welcoming and inclusive culture that prioritizes the safety and well-being of all our clean energy professionals. We embrace and learn from our diverse backgrounds, encouraging open dialogue and growth. Through resources like our active Employee Resource Groups, DEI Working Group, and comprehensive training and workshops, we’re continuing to build a supportive community that celebrates the convergence of our identities.

Our priority is to ensure that every team member feels valued and supported to have a healthy balance between work life and personal life. We believe a full life outside of the office makes for a happier, healthier team. We support that by offering robust benefits such as but not limited to, the following:

• 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

Base Salary Range: $125,000- $140,000; Salary Commensurate with Qualifications and Experience.

We encourage people from minority or marginalized groups to apply. If you don’t meet 100% of the above qualifications, but see yourself contributing, please submit an application.

Convergent is an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran status, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, height, weight, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations, and ordinances. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements in the country where we operate. If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or the recruiting process, please send a request to [email protected]