Senior Engineer I, Interconnection

Convergent Energy and Power

9h•Remote

About The Position

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 Senior Engineer I, Interconnection drive project success and optimize resources across diverse markets and utilities by leading 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, while 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.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree.
Minimum 6+ 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 on 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 of Power flow modeling and analysis.
Foundational knowledge of RTO and utility tariffs, business practices, protocols, procedures, and guidelines.
Expert knowledge 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.
Proficient in independently analyzing and interpreting complex interconnection study results and proactively resolving technical, financial, and strategic challenges.
Proven experience of mentoring junior engineers and fostering cross-functional collaboration between internal and external stakeholders.
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.
20% travel expected, primarily for team events, project sites, and company-wide meetings. Travel to remote sites may be required, which could involve driving or air travel.

Nice To Haves

Degree specialized in Electrical Engineering.
PE is preferred.
Experience working for both utility(s) and developer(s) is preferred.
Experience with power system software packages such as PSCAD, SKM, AutoCAD, PSS/e, TARA, Aspen One-Liner is preferred.
Experience in modeling Battery Energy Storage System for transient stability analysis using PSCAD and feasibility analysis using SKM software is plus.
In-depth understanding of the protection principles and practices for transmission lines, distribution feeders, and major substation equipment.
Experience or training in Lean and/or Six Sigma concepts preferred.

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 adjustment of the project development schedule.
Develop interconnection strategies that directly align with the company's long-term financial and operational goals.
Occasionally support interconnection applications by preparing 10% single-line drawings, building transient stability models, and performing project feasibility analyses for submittals.
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 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.
Act as interconnection SME during in supporting 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, 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.