Senior Engineer, Transmission & Interconnection (m/w/d)

Job Description

Plus Power is an energy storage market leader, with a market-leading 10+ GW portfolio across more than 25 US states and Canadian provinces that will transform North American electric grids into cleaner and more versatile critical infrastructure.

Standalone energy storage is rapidly transforming the North American energy markets, because it is cheaper than new natural gas plants, faster to build than fossil peakers or transmission, and able to perform diverse energy services. Plus Power partners with electricity system operators, utilities, and investors to originate, develop, finance, own and operate standalone energy storage projects that provide critical services to the wholesale electric market. Plus Power’s team applies an intentional mindset to energy storage development by using a data-driven approach to development and operations.

At Plus Power, we are focused on solving hard climate problems, profitably. We are growing fast, and value candidates who, like us, share a focus on setting high expectations, owning and learning from mistakes in the spirit of radical transparency, and are committed to internal partnering as a key element of our ideas meritocracy. Our team praises Plus Power’s culture and excels through our game-changing mission and supportive ecosystem.

About the Role

Plus Power recruits outstanding energy industry professionals who are driven to develop, build and operate assets safely and reliably to decarbonize the power markets while growing their careers. Our team looks for data-driven and fact-based mindsets, engaging and collaborative behaviors, and personal growth-focused professionals.

We are seeking a Senior Engineer, Transmission & Interconnection (T&I). This role is an integral member of the Transmission & Interconnection Team that provides business development, strategic system analysis and modeling support for the interconnection of utility-scale standalone storage projects within designated regions of North America. The team is focused on identifying optimal strategies for interconnecting storage projects to the electric grid based on curtailment potential, interconnection costs, system impact assessments, real-time energy pricing, and market delivery options. In addition, the Senior Engineer, T&I is responsible for the preparation and submittal of transmission interconnection requests and creation of dynamic models on PSCAD and PSSE.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct steady state power transmission system analysis on TARA or related software to predict network upgrades and find ways to mitigate them in various US markets.
• Review Interconnection reports published by ISOs and/or utilities and brainstorm ways to make the results favorable to Plus Power projects.
• Develop and streamline interconnection processes and use Python as a tool to automate interconnection studies and create efficient workflows for the team.
• Use engineering judgement to replicate ISO and utility interconnection studies results amid uncertainties over queue attrition, and outlook of the future transmission grid.
• Responsible for pulling data from the ISOs, track transmission system improvements, updating models, and producing reports.
• Support interconnection process tasks and communications with the utilities, ISOs from project inception to COD.
• Develop interconnection application plant models and perform plant/systems stability assessments as required on PSCAD and PSSE.
• Act as a subject matter expert on interconnection queues, transmission plans, tariffs and business practice changes.
• Provide guidance to junior engineers performing transmission planning studies or transmission system evaluations.
• Support and provide input for due-diligence evaluations and review efforts related to potential commercial transactions and/or acquisitions.
• Attend and participate in meetings and conferences on engineering and technical issues (i.e. RTOs/ISOs stakeholder meetings, working groups and conferences) and report back with key findings.
• Participate in site visits, which includes occasional domestic travel.

Skills & Qualifications

• Minimum of 3+ years of experience with power system analysis specifically interconnection studies and interconnection queue management.
• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering with preference given to advanced degrees.
• Previous experience in an IPP (preferred) or as an interconnection studies consultant.
• Strong subject matter expertise in one or more organized markets other than ERCOT (i.e., CAISO, SPP, MISO, PJM).
• Proficient in utilizing power flow, and dynamic simulation software (TARA, PSCAD, PSSE and PSLF).
• Understanding of, or willingness to learn about, electricity market policy and rules with respect to interconnection and transmission planning.
• Demonstrated ability to work well in a cross-functional environment with both technical and non-technical team members.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, with a proactive approach to identifying and addressing technical challenges.
• A focus on finding and implementing solutions rather than dwelling on obstacles.
• Demonstrated ability to simultaneously support multiple projects across multiple states and regions while working in a dynamic, fast paced environment.
• Proficiency in maintaining transparency and openness in all aspects of work, ensuring clear and timely updates to team members and stakeholders.
• Commitment to fostering a collaborative environment where information is freely shared, and team input is valued.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain complex technical analysis in a simplified matter to the internal management team and/or external parties.
• Strong Python coding skills highly preferred (or basic skills with motivation and desire to learn).
• Advanced Excel, VBA, and SQL skills including experience with modeling/programming.
• Intermediate to advanced computing skills including MS Office Suite (e.g., Word, PowerPoint, etc.)

Compensation and Benefits

Highly competitive total compensation from one of North America’s leading energy storage developers, owners and operators. Flexible, work from home or hybrid work from Plus Power’s offices in San Francisco, Houston, Chicago, Seattle, and Palm Beach. Ability to work remotely within the United States or from our office in The Woodlands, Texas.

The expected salary range* for this position begins at $150,000. We may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range based on several factors including, but not limited to relevant experience, skills, qualifications, geographic labor market, and other factors consistent with applicable law. This position is also eligible to participate in our annual bonus program.

Plus Power offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits program, unlimited vacation, flexible remote work, work from home stipend, educational assistance, parental leave, and a highly engaging company culture with opportunities for in-person connection and learning and growth.