Director, Interconnection Engineering

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 Director of Interconnection Engineering will play a pivotal role in collaborating with lead across functions to strategize market analysis, site selection, project estimating, and establishing and executing project development plans. This individual will adeptly navigate the interconnection process and technical intricacies of each project while researching and analyzing interconnection strategies for both FTM and BTM projects across various RTO regions, including state incentive programs and wholesale market participation. Additionally, the successful candidate will drive greenfield development efforts by analyzing electrical grids to identify new opportunities for solar and storage projects, expedite pre-NTP interconnection study processes, and facilitate GIA negotiations. The role also entails due diligence and contributes to M&A activities, including benchmarking interconnection costs and fostering collaboration among Project Origination, Development, M&A, and Engineering teams.

What You'll Do

• Collaborate closely with Convergent's Market Development and Product teams to assess interconnection opportunities, expand the company's portfolio, and develop strategies for participation in wholesale markets within specific regions. 
• Demonstrate expertise in interconnection processes and documentation, ensuring thorough assessments of the technical aspects of identifying points of interconnection, initiating interconnection requests, and adhering to established strategies. 
• Stay informed about tariff changes, updates in the generation interconnection process, and policy adjustments in target markets, and effectively communicate these updates. 
• Monitor the timeline of the Cluster Study Process and significant transmission upgrades in targeted markets to optimize the timing of interconnection requests, while meticulously maintaining records of interconnection statuses, project deadlines, milestones, cost estimates, and associated risks. 
• Manage and oversee the project portfolio, including studies, applications, and follow-up obligations, ensuring alignment with established timelines and objectives. 

• Act as the primary point of contact for engaging with RTOs and utilities, fostering effective communication and relationship-building, and coordinate the review and negotiation of interconnection-related agreements. 
• Establish and cultivate a network of consultants, streamline engagement processes, and maintain internal databases for interconnection processes, outcomes, and cost assessments. 
• Lead the technical information exchange between the engineering and development teams to ensure timely processing of interconnection applications and devise optimal strategies. 
• Coordinate completion of interconnection applications, conduct peer reviews of designs and technical data, and prepare comprehensive application packages. 
• Lead the review, analysis, and interpretation of interconnection study results. 
• Lead the selection, contracting, and management of consultants as needed to support the interconnection process, encompassing injection analysis, technical design, and other application deliverables, along with detailed review of utility milestones and cost estimates. 
• Assess interconnection system cost upgrades and collaborate with all stakeholders to implement necessary adjustments to the grid integration strategy and project development schedule.  
• Perform data analyses, internally or externally, to forecast future system conditions, aiding in optimal siting, IA, PPA, financing, and mergers and acquisitions processes. 
• Provide comprehensive overviews of the interconnection process and timelines across various markets for bid proposals and maintain a thorough understanding of interconnection processes, timelines, technical requirements and cost structures for key utilities and ISOs. 
• Communicate regularly with manager and team members, including in person meeting at the NYC headquarters as needed to foster collaboration and ensure alignment with project objectives and timelines.  
• Collaborate with the leadership team to enhance operational processes and efficiency and provide occasional educational opportunities to new hires and peer teams to enhance their understanding of grid interconnection dynamics. 

Required Qualifications 

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering. 
• Minimum of 8+ years of industry experience and expertise in generation interconnection and transmission planning, acquired at a large infrastructure developer, electric utility, transmission provider, or energy consultancy. 
• Experience navigating markets such as CAISO, PJM, SPP, ISO-NE, or other RTOs. 
• Firm understanding of AC/DC fundamentals including understanding of three-phase Power systems. 
• Experience with power system software packages such as PSS/e, TARA, Aspen One-Liner 
• Power flow modeling and analysis experience.  
• Ability to comprehend complex Interconnection study reports and communicate project technical and financial impacts. 
• 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 interconnections. 
• Extensive knowledge of storage and solar project development, utilities, interconnection, permitting, and contracting. 
• Outstanding research and analytical abilities, adept at synthesizing information and communicating conclusions and recommendations clearly and effectively. 
• Highly organized and detail-oriented with self-motivation, drive, and a proactive approach to creative problem-solving. 

  
Preferred Qualifications 

• Degree specialized in Electrical Engineering  
• PE is preferred. 
• In-depth understanding of the protection principles and practices for transmission lines, distribution feeder, and major substation equipment. 

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: $175,000- $190,000; 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 talent@convergentep.com