Job Description

The Director, Grid Integration is responsible for managing and streamlining the interconnection process for Nexamp’s 1GW pipeline of PV+Storage projects. This position will work closely with electric distribution utilities across the United States and will be the focal point for in-house technical, policy, and regulatory expertise in the interconnection of Distributed Energy Resources (DERs). This role requires a strong technical background combined with deep experience in utility tariffs, ISO interconnection process, and regulatory frameworks governing DER interconnection. The ideal candidate will have experience at an IPP or EPC and will have managed DER projects through multiple distribution utility and/or Regional Transmission Organization (RTO) interconnection processes. This position will work closely with Nexamp’s Business Development team, Policy Team, and Power Engineering Group. The Director, Grid Integration will report to the Vice President, Engineering.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Provide strategic, market, regulatory, commercial, and technical input to the Development, Engineering and Construction teams regarding the development, design, grid integration, and interconnection of the company's project pipeline allowing for cost effective and efficient designs and processes
Develop and implement Nexamp’s strategy for utility engagement, drawing on resources from the Power Engineering, Electrical Engineering, and Policy teams
Lead technical and non-technical utility negotiations and drive implementation of non-wires alternatives, advanced inverter functionality, selective curtailment, Active Resource Management, and other grid-edge technologies
Represent Nexamp and actively participate at utility and ISO/RTO technical and policy stakeholder meetings, including MA TSRG and NY ITWG & IPWG
Engage at new market entry to shape utility interconnection regulations, tariffs, and technical standards and provide project-based and market-based interconnection optimization guidance
Create and manage information feedback processes to inform forward-looking technical, policy, and regulatory solutions to systemic interconnection roadblocks
Support the broader engineering department in all aspects of the interconnection process for community solar and utility-scale DERs to the distribution system, including pre-screen applications, impact studies, facility studies, cluster studies, ISO transmission studies, Interconnection Service Agreements, and final project close-out and PTO/ATI
Reduce interconnection friction for projects in all markets using a variety of mediums; this is inclusive of technical meetings, Alternative Dispute Resolution proceedings, and utility key leader interaction
Lead formal and informal utility dispute proceedings and engage with utility leadership to manage utility performance to tariff deadlines
Maintain strategic relationships with technical and non-technical utility leaders
Provide a detailed and complete understanding of the interconnection and grid integration process to the broader organization for all active markets
Lead the team managing a portfolio of utility interconnection applications from initial submission through project closeout across multiple states and markets
Manage and direct outside engineering consultants performing load-flow, flicker, and other power system studies

QUALIFICATIONS

The ideal candidate must be enthusiastic, self-motivated, hands-on, results-oriented, and a team player.

Key qualifications as follows:

Bachelor’s Degree in engineering required
7+ years of direct experience managing DER interconnections required, with a preference for experience at a development, IPP, owner/operator, or EPC firm
Strong management and project management skills required
In-depth knowledge of distribution interconnection processes for relevant states required
Working knowledge of FRC and ISO-level interconnection processes required
Strong knowledge of the applicable utility tariffs, governing policies, and regulatory frameworks across multiple states required
Strong knowledge of industry standard design codes such as National Electric Code, International Building Code, International Fire Code, and other industry standards required
Strong knowledge of electrical principles, including medium voltage distribution, protection system coordination and relaying principles required
PE license or ability to obtain same preferred
Substation and transmission design or interconnection experience preferred
AutoCAD software proficiency preferred
PSSE, Aspen, PSCAD, or PSLF modeling experience preferred

Valid through: 4/26/2021