Transmission & Interconnections Planning Engineer

Transmission Planning Engineer

Houston Texas - Hybrid working

As the Transmission & interconnection planning engineer, you will serve as the technical expert overseeing interconnection feasibility studies and cost estimates for network upgrades throughout the entire project development lifecycle. Your role will involve evaluating acquisition opportunities, determining optimal locations for renewable energy projects, scrutinizing and challenging interconnection study results, and negotiating with ISOs and Transmission Providers to reach fair resolutions.

Working closely with internal and external stakeholders, you will review and assess interconnection standards, transmission siting feasibility, system impact studies, facility studies, and Generator Interconnection Agreements (GIAs). Strong communication and collaboration skills are essential for this position, as well as the ability to thrive under pressure, manage multiple tasks, and adapt priorities on the fly. The ideal candidate will be highly organized, comfortable in a dynamic environment, possess an acute attention to detail, and have the capacity to synthesize and conceptualize complex ideas. A passion for renewable energy is a valuable asset

Responsibilities

• Review interconnection studies to ascertain their impact on project cost, schedule, and operational characteristics, ensuring they are reasonable and timely.
• Prepare and submit interconnection requests.
• Validate interconnection analysis conducted by RTO/ISO/TO through duplicate and shadow studies, identifying potential interconnection issues.
• Identify potential network upgrades and associated costs for queue projects.
• Support existing operational facilities in addressing transmission-related issues.
• Negotiate utility interconnection agreements, affected system agreements, and engineering and procurement agreements
• Inform decisions on staying or withdrawing from projects or reducing capacity based on anticipated network upgrade costs.

Qualifications

1. Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in transmission planning and generation interconnection activities, utilizing software such as TARA, PSS/E, PSLF, or similar.
2. Proficiency in transmission system planning, transmission construction, and operation topics.
3. Familiarity with the generation interconnection process, interconnection tariffs, and electrical standards and requirements.
4. Ability to build strong working relationships with utilities, ISOs, and industry representatives.