Principal Planning Engineer

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in United States.

📋 Description

• Lead and execute power flow studies utilizing PowerGem TARA and Siemens PSS/E, along with economic assessments through PROMOD to evaluate interconnection feasibility.

• Assist the Development and Commercial Teams in conducting due diligence studies prior to interconnection applications.

• Determine optimal interconnection sites based on cross-functional criteria for siting.

• Review interconnection study reports, validate assumptions, detect errors and inconsistencies, and identify opportunities for optimization.

• Collaborate with utilities, ISOs, consultants, and internal stakeholders to address study challenges and minimize network upgrade costs and timelines.

• Lead negotiations for Generator Interconnection Agreements, amendments, Facility Construction Agreements, and associated contracts.

• Coordinate internal reviews involving Legal, Engineering, Development, and Commercial teams.

• Monitor milestones related to interconnection agreements and manage risks leading up to the Commercial Operation Date.

• Oversee due diligence for M&A projects and update Development and Commercial teams on insights gained.

• Support engineering and design initiatives, allocate technical tasks, and participate in both internal and external meetings.

• Review and compile findings from curtailment studies and assist Finance with external consultants.

• Assess transmission and interconnection tariffs, costs, timelines, queue dynamics, and market processes.

• Formulate interconnection strategies and offer technical insights for project origination, risk evaluation, and investment decisions.

• Build and maintain relationships with utilities/ISOs while tracking interconnection progress.

• Monitor tariff modifications and critical transmission upgrades across North America.

• Generate project interconnection status reports and oversee LGIA milestones.

• Mentor junior IPEs in load-flow simulations and transmission-grid capacity analysis.

⛳️ Requirements

• A minimum of a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering; a Master’s degree and/or MBA is preferred.

• Ten (10) years of experience in transmission and interconnection planning for renewable projects.

• At least two years of experience with solar photovoltaic and utility-scale energy storage projects.

• Experience in development or transmission planning within a utility, ISO/RTO, or project development setting.

• Proficient in the use of GE PSLF, Siemens PSS/E, PROMOD, and AutoCAD software.

• Ability to operate independently in a fast-paced environment, find innovative solutions, and engage with both technical and non-technical audiences.

• Proven experience in communicating and collaborating with utilities, consulting firms, ISO/RTOs, and regulatory bodies.

• Demonstrated success in guiding projects from inception through development to engineering, providing robust technical direction in power engineering, particularly with interconnection tariff knowledge.

• Experience in conducting due diligence for solar and energy storage assets is preferred.

• A PE license is preferred but not mandatory.

🏝️ Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance-based bonuses.

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.

• Generous paid time off and holiday policies.

• Retirement savings plans with company matching.

• Opportunities for professional development and growth within the organization.