Interconnection Engineer

The Interconnection Engineer will be pivotal in overseeing and orchestrating the seamless integration of Distributed Energy Resources (DER) into utility Distribution Systems. This role's focus will encompass community solar, small utility-scale solar, and energy storage projects across the United States. This position requires a dynamic engineer with a deep understanding of electrical distribution systems, regulatory requirements, and a passion for advancing sustainable energy solutions.

Responsibilities ⚙️

Project Management

• Facilitate the end-to-end interconnection process for community solar, small utility-scale solar, and energy storage projects
• Coordinate with cross-functional teams and external third parties to ensure timely and efficient project execution
• Develop and maintain interconnection project timelines, ensuring adherence to milestones and deadlines

Regulatory Compliance

• Stay abreast of regional and national regulations related to interconnection processes and compliance
• Interpret and apply regulatory requirements to project designs and executions
• Collaborate with legal and regulatory affairs teams to navigate and address compliance challenges
• Evaluate and provide actionable feedback on Distribution and ISO-level utility impact studies regarding accuracy, required system upgrades, project design changes, and cost reasonability

Technical Expertise

• Utilize your in-depth knowledge of distribution systems to assess and optimize interconnection designs
• Work closely with engineering teams to troubleshoot technical challenges and provide innovative solutions
• Stay informed about emerging technologies and industry best practices
• Develop a strong understanding and drive continuous improvement of Reactivate's design philosophy, engineering standards, and their financial impact on projects
• Preparation interconnection application (IA) packages and manage and monitor interconnection requests and work closely with service providers to manage the interconnection study process
• Coordinate, review and provide technical insight throughout feasibility, system impact, facility and generator interconnection agreement phases of the project related to the studies reports, proposed interconnection facilities and network upgrades
• Review one-line diagrams and site plans for DER systems for compliance with interconnection standards

Stakeholder Collaboration

• Work with utility partners, regulatory bodies, and other stakeholders involved in the interconnection process
• Foster strong relationships with external partners to streamline communication and collaboration
• Address concerns and facilitate resolutions to ensure successful project outcomes
• Collaborate with internal teams to identify optimal Distributed Energy Resource (DER) project locations

Risk Management

• Identify potential risks and challenges associated with interconnection projects and develop mitigation strategies
• Implement continuous improvement initiatives to enhance interconnection processes and reduce risks

Requirements 🎓

• Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering or relevant area of study is required
• 2-3 years of relevant engineering experience including renewable energy design, distribution systems and interconnection tariff structures
• Demonstrated ability to read and interpret equipment specifications, single line diagrams  & layouts, regulatory documents, distribution studies, engineering reports and interconnection agreement is strongly desired
• Proven experience in managing distribution interconnection projects, preferably in the renewable energy sector
• Strong understanding of electrical distribution systems, grid integration, and relevant industry standards
• Familiarity with regulatory requirements and compliance processes for DER projects
• Knowledge of utility infrastructure (including medium voltage and low voltage distribution equipment) is strongly desired
• Demonstrated ability to understand solar and storage project electrical components, including batteries, inverters, and transformers, etc.
• Demonstrated ability to understand utility infrastructure and interconnection processes
• Demonstrated ability to understand technical aspects of utility interconnection materials
• Exceptional project management skills, including collaborating with cross-functional teams and managing multiple projects simultaneously
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for effective stakeholder engagement
• Problem-solving mindset and the ability to think strategically to overcome technical and regulatory challenges
• Demonstrated commitment to sustainability and renewable energy initiatives
• Demonstrated agility and flexibility as business needs and priorities shift

The annual base salary for this position is $110,000.00 – $125,000.00. Reactivate considers several factors when determining base pay offers such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibility of the role, candidate’s work experience and/or education, training and certifications among other key skills at the time of offer.