Interconnection Engineer (CAISO)

POSITION:InterconnectionEngineer (CAISO) (full time, exempt) 

DEPARTMENT:Interconnection, Grid& Growth

REPORTS TO:Manager, Interconnection (CAISO) 

LOCATION:Remote,San Francisco CA, Long Beach CA, Salt Lake City UT, Louisville CO 

The Grid & Growth group is responsible for supporting siting and interconnecting the AES Renewables & Power portfolio to transmission systems across the United States. The group consists of: Growth Strategy team, Interconnection team, and the Transmission Strategy team. 

The primary responsibilities of this role are: strategic analysis of the interconnection procedures, queue and transmission system in a given RTO/ISO to formulate and steer greenfield project siting, and to then prepare and manage interconnection requests through to an Interconnection Agreement with the most favorable terms possible. The Interconnection Project Engineer supports the CAISO Interconnection (IC) Regional Lead on progressing projects through the interconnection process and working cross functionally with the broader Development Team to optimize the position throughout the development lifecycle.  

The preferred candidate has experience in: the preparation and review of transmission level interconnection requests; review of power flow (PSS/E and/or PSLF) models; and participating in the management of transmission level solar, battery storage and wind projects through the generator interconnection processes including negotiation and execution of Generator Interconnection Agreements. Additional responsibilities include monitoring the progress of required system upgrades and identifying creative mitigation solutions when needed within the applicable open access transmission tariff. 

Principal Duties and Responsibilities: 

The Interconnection Project Engineer will support all interconnection activities through the full life cycle of development and construction of projects. The position will support the CAISO IX Regional Lead and other internal stakeholders leading to the successful execution of both new and acquired projects across the United States.  Some travel required (~15%). 

• Support greenfield development: review transmission system analysis, identify interconnection agencies and procedures, support preparation and filing of interconnection requests including supporting internal and external parties on preparation of technical materials, provide viability feedback to the CAISO IX Regional Lead and other internal stakeholders to support any financial and project approvals needed. 

• Interconnection study process: support the review and analysis of utility study reports; tracking and reporting results throughout process; support negotiation and execution of interconnection agreements and engineering and procurement agreements  

• Implementation of portfolio projects: assist internal groups to complete deliverables required by transmission owners to construct interconnection facilities including integrating schedules of Transmission Owner into project construction schedule.  

• Support due diligence efforts and flag potential issues for review by the CAISO IX Lead. 

Preferred Skills and Expertise: 

• Familiarity with reviewing and preferably running power flow models 

• Knowledge of SystemImpactStudies(SIS) and other interconnection studiesof transmission levelrenewable energy generating facilitieswith: CAISO, PG&E, SCE, SDG&E, SMUD; 

• Secondarymarkets to include:PAC, APS, SRP, TEP, PNM, Tri-state, Xcel, WAPA

• Understanding ofelectrical diagrams, preliminary site plans, and preparation of interconnection request packages for submittal.

• Awarenessof transmission systems and transmission expansion plans in US.

• Knowledge ofOpen Access Transmission Tariffs and Generator Interconnection Procedures.

• Understanding onreports published by Transmission Owners and Independent System operator.

• Understanding ofInterconnectionand TransmissionAgreements and Contracts.

Minimum Qualifications: 

• BS in Electrical Engineering with emphasis in Power Systems or related field. 

• 2-5 years work history in renewable or traditional energy development, utility generation development, or transmission planning. Previous employment or experience working at an Electric Utility, or consultants providing services within the listed footprints is strongly preferred.