Interconnection Leader, Renewable Energy

Job Summary:

We are looking for a Senior Interconnection Manager with 10-15 years of experience who will be responsible for managing the transmission-level interconnection process for utility-scale solar, battery energy storage projects and large load interconnection across the United States.

The candidate should possess deep technical expertise in FERC regulations, interconnection studies, and grid integration, while demonstrating strong project management and stakeholder coordination skills. This position requires extensive collaboration with US-based teams, utilities, Independent System Operators (ISOs), Regional Transmission Organizations (RTOs), and engineering consultants.

The role demands an individual who is highly organized, strategic, and capable of managing complex interconnection processes from initial feasibility through Commercial Operation Date (COD). The successful candidate will serve as the primary point of contact with transmission providers and ISO/RTO interconnection departments, managing a portfolio of projects totaling multiple gigawatts.

This opportunity provides significant exposure to the US energy market and interconnection reform landscape including FERC Order 2023 implementation. Candidates will work closely with key stakeholders based in the US and will require flexibility to overlap with US business hours as needed.

The candidate will require exceptional written and verbal communication skills, strong technical analysis capabilities, and experience navigating multiple utilities and ISO/RTO markets. The ideal candidate thrives in a dynamic, fast-paced environment with ambitious growth strategies.

Key responsibilities:

Interconnection Process Management:

• Lead and manage the complete interconnection queue process for transmission-level renewable energy projects (solar, wind, and battery storage) from initial site selection and feasibility through Commercial Operation Date (COD), ensuring compliance with all regulatory and technical requirements.
• Coordinate and submit interconnection applications, deposits, study agreements, and all required technical documentation to utilities, ISOs/RTOs including CAISO, ERCOT, PJM, MISO, SPP, NYISO, and ISO-NE within prescribed deadlines.
• Manage queue positions and track interconnection study milestones including Cluster Studies, System Impact Studies (SIS), Facilities Studies (FS), and Affected System Studies across multiple ISO/RTO markets simultaneously.
• Review, analyze, and challenge interconnection study results including load flow analysis, short circuit studies, stability analysis, and network upgrade requirements to optimize project economics and timelines.
• Negotiate and execute Interconnection Agreements (IAs), Generator Interconnection Agreements (GIAs), and Large Generator Interconnection Agreements (LGIAs), including cost allocation, construction schedules, and milestone payment terms.
• Manage interconnection financial commitments including study deposits, security postings, milestone payments, and network upgrade funding in accordance with FERC-approved tariff requirements.

Technical Coordination & Analysis:

• Collaborate with internal engineering teams and external consultants to develop technical specifications, electrical one-line diagrams, and three-line diagrams for interconnection applications, ensuring accuracy and compliance with utility standards.
• Conduct comprehensive due diligence reviews and technical feasibility assessments for potential project sites, evaluating transmission capacity, congestion patterns, and available interconnection options.
• Evaluate and forecast network upgrade costs including reliability upgrades, delivery network upgrades, stand-alone network upgrades, and cost allocation methodologies under shared funding scenarios.
• Assess and recommend alternative Point of Interconnection (POI) options, voltage levels, and interconnection configurations to optimize project economics, construction schedules, and commercial viability.
• Support transmission planning activities including transmission service requests (TSRs), Network Resource Interconnection Service (NRIS) applications, and participation in regional transmission planning processes.
• Monitor, interpret, and implement changes to utilities, ISO/RTO interconnection procedures, FERC Order compliance (Order 2023, 2023-A), queue reform initiatives, and cluster study process modifications across all relevant markets.

Stakeholder Management & Communication:

• Serve as primary point of contact with transmission owners, transmission providers, utility interconnection departments, and ISO/RTO interconnection staff, building and maintaining productive long-term working relationships.
• Coordinate closely with US-based development, origination, engineering, legal, and finance teams requiring regular availability during overlapping business hours.
• Participate in ISO/RTO stakeholder meetings, interconnection working groups, and industry forums to stay current on policy developments and advocate for company positions on interconnection reform matters.
• Prepare and deliver regular status updates, risk assessments, and executive summaries to senior management on portfolio-level interconnection progress, upcoming milestones, and potential risks.
• Lead resolution of interconnection disputes, study delays, and billing discrepancies through direct engagement with utility staff, escalation procedures, and formal complaint processes when necessary.
• Manage and provide technical oversight to external consultants and engineering firms supporting interconnection studies, deliverable preparation, and utility coordination activities.

Portfolio Management, Data Analytics & Process Improvement:

• Maintain comprehensive interconnection tracking systems, databases, and project management tools for a portfolio of projects totaling multiple gigawatts across various development stages.
• Monitor queue positions, withdrawal risks, restudy impacts, and queue reform implementation effects across multiple utilities and ISO/RTO markets, proactively identifying opportunities and risks.
• Develop and maintain interconnection cost forecasts, timeline projections, and risk registers for financial modeling, budgeting, and project valuation purposes.
• Analyze interconnection study data from customer engagement meetings, scoping meetings, and draft study reports to support informed strategic decision-making and site optimization.
• Track regional transmission planning processes, proposed transmission projects, and policy changes that may impact interconnection feasibility or project economics.
• Develop and implement best practices, standard operating procedures, templates, and lessons learned documentation to improve efficiency and reduce execution risk across the interconnection portfolio.
• Create and maintain interconnection playbooks, process workflows, and training materials for internal teams to ensure consistent execution and knowledge transfer.

Qualifications & experience:

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Power Systems Engineering, or related technical field (Master's degree preferred).

Experience:

• 10-15 years of hands-on experience managing transmission-level interconnection processes for utility-scale renewable energy projects.
• Proven track record of successfully navigating interconnection queues with at least 5+ projects through to executed Interconnection Agreements.
• Direct experience working with multiple U.S. Utilities & ISO/RTO markets.
• Experience with solar, battery energy storage system (BESS), and large load interconnection projects.
• Background working with IPPs, renewable energy developers, or utilities in project development roles.

Technical Expertise:

• Deep understanding of FERC regulations, NERC standards, and transmission planning principles.
• Comprehensive knowledge of Large Generator Interconnection Procedures (LGIP), Large Load Interconnection and interconnection study methodologies.
• Proficiency in interpreting power system studies including load flow, short circuit, stability, and EMT studies.
• Working knowledge of power systems modeling software and tools such as PSS/E, PSLF, PSCAD, PowerWorld, or TARA for reviewing and validating study results.
• Familiarity with electrical single-line diagrams, substation design concepts, protection and control systems, and transmission system configurations.
• Knowledge of reactive power requirements, voltage regulation, and grid code compliance for renewable generation.

Skills & Competencies:

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong project management capabilities with ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously.
• Excellent stakeholder management and negotiation skills with utilities, transmission owners, and system operators.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, project management, and CRM.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities with attention to detail.
• Self-motivated with ability to work independently in a remote environment.
• Creative thinker, trying to find new ways of optimizing interconnection strategies.
• Hands-on mentality and focus on getting things done.
• Taking ownership and wanting to get things right.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with co-located or hybrid projects (solar + storage, wind + storage).
• Familiarity with offshore wind interconnection processes.
• Knowledge of transmission congestion, LMP pricing, and merchant transmission development.
• Experience participating in ISO/RTO stakeholder meetings and working groups.
• Background in power systems modeling software (PSS/E, PSCAD, PowerWorld, etc.).
• Previous experience working for a US-based company from an India office.