DescriptionTitle: Interconnection Engineer
Department: T&D/C
Location: Ankeny, IA
Supervisor: Senior Interconnection Engineer
FLSA Status: Exempt
Position Status: Permanent, Full-Time
Work Status: Hybrid/In-Office
INTERCONNECTION ENGINEER
SUMMARY
The Interconnection Engineer is a critical role that involves supporting activities related to interconnection requirements , outage notification , and energy schedule forecasting leading to the successful completion of electrical plants and infrastructure.
This position reports to the Senior Interconnection Engineer o r another management personnel that the CEO of the Company may designate.
This position is remote with 25 % travel. Any remote work arrangements must receive prior approval from your direct supervisor or company leadership. Working hours shall be determined based on project requirements and business needs, in consultation with the employee's supervisor.
Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the United States. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time .
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTION & RESPONSIBILITIES
- Safety Compliance and Program Participation:
- Observe, comply with, and promote the company's safety program, rules, requirements, and corporate safety goals.
- Participate in safety-related processes, programs, and training.
- Technical Expertise :
- Support RTO/ISO and utility interconnection practices and processes from development to COD .
- Work closely with various stakeholders, including utility companies, regulatory bodies, and project developers , to support the interconnection process including assisting in obtaining or completing necessary certifications, contracts, and forms required for grid interconnection, scheduling, metering, and settlement purposes.
- Support project schedule and budget development , monitor progress, and adjust plans as necessary to achieve optimal outcomes.
- Assist with reviewing EPC agreements and interconnection agreements to ensure requirements of Qcells in executing the interconnection scope are appropriate and accurate.
- Coordinate the approval of revenue-quality metering schemes in compliance with the standards of the respective ISO/RTO.
- Support final communications with ISOs/RTOs and the interconnected utilities for initial synchronization as described by the relevant ISO/RTO's procedures and operating manuals.
- Work collaboratively , at direction of department leadership, with other operations team members on project execution and process d evelopment, including project procurement, construction management, and project controls.
- Support c oordinat ion of external resources such as engineering consultants, metering services, and other specialized professionals as needed in the grid interconnection process.
- Assist with recommendations for continuous improvements in project interconnection processes and procedures.
- Collaborate , at direction of department leadership, the HV Project Engineering team in developing best practices for the interconnection engineering process of utility-scale PV/BESS plants across different ISOs/RTOs.
- Collaborate , at direction of department leadership, with team members when necessary to ensure effective communication and results.
- Assist team with building a quality culture of continuous improvement that enhances company efficiency and engineering quality.
- Regular attendance, in accordance with company's attendance policy and supervisory assignment, is an essential job duty requirement for this position.
- Perform other duties and special projects, as assigned by Management
REQUIRED SKILLS & COMPETENCIES
- Proficient in understanding interconnection agreements and requirements.
- Knowledge of test energy schedules and outage notification .
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and timelines.
- Skilled in problem-solving and resolving conflicts during interconnection process .
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor's Degree in Engineering (Electrical, Civil, or related discipline) or equivalent level of experience. If no engineering degree, title would be modified.
- 2 + years experience of the interconnection process
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Understanding of high-voltage, NERC/FERC standards, and IEEE standards
- Advanced degrees in Engineering, Project Management, or Business Administration are a plus.
- Project Management Professional (PMP) certification or equivalent is highly preferred.
WORK ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL DEMANDS
- This role involves heavy physical work, including lifting up to 100 pounds occasionally and up to 50 pounds regularly.
- The job requires standing, walking, using tools, and climbing or balancing as part of the daily tasks.
- Work performed outdoors with exposure to varying weather conditions
- Must wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) including hard hats, safety glasses, and fire-retardant clothing.
- Body Position: frequently remains standing and moving up to 90% of the time in a 8-10 hour workday
- if operating equipment, be able to enter and exit equipment up to 90% of the time in a 8-10 hour workday
- Move/Traverse: frequently bend, stand, stoop and/or walk
- Carry Weight: frequently carry weight and/or lift objects (light to heavy) weighing up to 50 pounds
- Stationary Position: frequently remains stationary up to 90% of the time and sitting up to 8 hours in a day
- Move/Traverse: infrequently bend, stand, stoop and/or walk
- Carry Weight: infrequently carry weight and/or lift objects (light to heavy) weighing up to 10 pounds
- Hearing and Speech: frequently communicates with the ability to hear and talk on a regular basis with employees, coworkers, and all personnel matters; must be able to exchange accurate information in these situations
- Sight: frequent use of sight to detect images on computer, office documents, and office objects near and far
- Climb: occasionally ascends/descends on stairway to get to office upper and lower floors
LOCATION
- Industrial construction sites and/or fabrication shop
EXAMPLE OF MOBILITY BARRIERS ACCESS TO JOB SITE
- Work performed at low and/or high elevations
- Work performed in confined areas.
CLIMATIC/ENVIRONMENT CONDITIONS AT JOB SITE
- Predominately outdoor climate
- May be exposed to extreme hot or cold weather
- Excessive humidity, rain etc.
- Various noise levels caused by tools, machinery, equipment etc.
- Potential exposure to chemical substances.
- Work performed around hazardous equipment.
