Interconnection Engineer

esVolta•Newport Beach, CA

17d•Remote

About The Position

We are seeking motivated and energetic individuals to join as an Interconnection Engineer to support the execution of utility scale battery energy storage projects form development through commissioning. The Interconnection Engineer will report to the company’s Interconnection Director and will work across the organization in an individual contributor capacity, supporting the interconnection process through Development, pre-construction and project execution.

Requirements

ABET accredited bachelor’s degree in Power Systems, electrical engineering or related field. PE or equivalent Certification preferred.
3+ years of experience in renewable or clean energy design and interconnection, with deep understanding of tariff structures and business practices within CAISO, WECC markets, or Eastern Interconnect markets.
TARA, PSSE, PowerWorld, PSLF, or other Powerflow software experience required.
Proven ability to leverage deep knowledge of interconnection studies (SIS, Facilities Studies, etc.) within the CAISO, WECC markets, or Eastern Interconnect markets to assess project feasibility and guide development decisions. Must be able to clearly explain technical study results to a non-technical audience.
Strong knowledge of transmission systems and transmission expansion plans in US.
Proficiency in interpreting electrical diagrams, site plans, and preparing interconnection request packages.
Working knowledge of NERC planning standards and FERC rules and regulations.
Strong proficiency with Microsoft 365.
Superior communication and presentation skills, both written and verbal.
Outstanding interpersonal skills, including an ability to maintain calm and effective exchanges by all parties during stressful situations, and executive level reporting that ensures timely action and decision making in time-pressured scenarios.
Open to change based on diverse input and feedback.
Willingness to be remotely based and ability to travel to project sites.
Willing to travel up to 15%.
Demonstrate strong teamwork orientation, initiative, communication, problem solving, organizational and leadership skills.
Strong time management and analytical skills.

Nice To Haves

PE or equivalent Certification preferred.
UPLAN, PLEXOS, or other market simulation and forecasting tool experience preferred.
Programing experience preferred.
Familiarity with battery energy storage systems (BESS) design and technical standards preferred.
Experience with substation design and transmission-level power system protection and coordination is preferred.

Responsibilities

Lead and facilitate communication and coordination between Project Development, EPC, and Market Operations teams to achieve seamless interconnection of utility-scale storage projects.
Guide the development of necessary systems and processes to ensure that technical inputs and assumptions are vetted at each stage of a project’s lifecycle, from Interconnection Request through to Commercial Operations, to ensure seamless handoffs between Development, EPC, and Asset Management as a project matures.
Facilitate the interconnection process by preparing and filing interconnection requests, providing guidance and support to internal and external parties on the development of technical materials. Support project execution by reviewing transmission system analysis, interconnection agencies and procedures.
Lead the review of all interconnection-related studies, including those performed by consultants and transmission owners. Prepare for and participate in study review meetings and document key outcomes.
Analyze interconnection due diligence materials to support project acquisition efforts, identify existing and potential red flags.
Support the electrical design and associated interconnection application process for utility scale storage projects.
Register as the Company’s point of contact or authorized user for each transmission owner’s portal (i.e. CAISO, WECC Utilities, Eastern Interconnect RTOs and utilities, etc.).
Lead utility status calls, maintain utility relationships, and manage utility performance to tariff deadlines.
Ensure project compliance with GIA, and utility standards.
Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local grid codes and regulations.
Maintain operational knowledge of grid code and associated safety by design standards, regulations, laws, and procedures.