Transmission & Interconnection Engineer (m/w/d)

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.

In order for the global energy system to make the transition from a carbon-based grid, to a renewable energy grid, large scale energy storage must be introduced into the electricity system to balance intra-hour supply and demand. Energy storage is the enabler of high penetration variable renewable generation like solar and wind.

We are looking for a T&I Engineer to join the T&I Team. The T&I Engineer will perform interconnection modeling analyses and studies and participate in interconnection scoping meetings and other negotiations with various third parties and grid authorities. The qualified candidate will have a thorough understanding of the requirements to integrate a BESS utility scale power plant into the power grid including the implications on day-to-day grid operations as well on resource planning. The T&I Engineer will also identify and develop tools for managing and reducing costs and provide technical solutions to address specific transmission and distribution grid requirements for various markets.

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.
• Prepare, submit, and manage generator interconnection process across ISOs/RTOs.
• Conduct IBR modeling and performance tuning studies using both PSCAD and PSSE
• Develop and validate PSLF, PSS/E, and PSCAD models for BESS generation plants and interconnections, including load flow, dynamic simulations, and reporting.
• Ensure that storage resource projects interconnecting to the transmission system meet grid requirements.
• Develop local system EMT models, perform disturbance ride-through simulations, and conduct PSCAD/PSSE model benchmarking to ensure system stability and compliance with grid performance standards.
• Maintain a thorough understanding of the generation interconnection process across ISOs/RTOs
• Provide assistance to other functional teams on various project activities related to interconnection process and reactive deficiency analysis
• Participate in interconnection scoping meeting and other negotiations with third parties and grid authorities
• Perform technical due diligence to determine integration capabilities of the various electrical grids
• Provide technical advice on transmission and distribution interconnection issues for various markets
• Determine the most cost effective, competitive options for expanding the integration capabilities of the proposed projects
• Research activities of other utilities, power pools and analyze how their actions affect interconnection process
• Assess transmission reliability issues and develop short and long-term action plans to mitigate potential interconnection shortfalls
• Coordinate plans with an Independent System Operator to respond to current and future Bulk Power System requirements

Qualifications

• Minimum BA/BS in electrical engineering; a master's degree in electrical engineering is preferred, as is a specialization in Power and Energy Systems
• Minimum of two to five years of professional experience in the power and energy industry with a focus on electrical systems; experience in renewable energy strongly preferred
• Strong background in power systems, analytical and modeling skills required; experience with complex electrical systems simulations preferred
• Proficiency in power system modelling software: PSCAD, PSLF, PSSE.
• Strong subject matter expertise in one or more organized markets other than ERCOT (i.e., CAISO, SPP, MISO, PJM)
• Demonstrated experience with inverter-based plant modeling
• Ability to perform power flow analyses and review models and studies
• Demonstrated experience influencing cross-functional teams
• Strong presentation and written skills; must be able to communicate across multiple regions and language barriers
• Ability to engage and communicate with customers and stakeholders at all organizational levels
• Ability to effectively use Microsoft Office products – Word, Excel, Power Point

Compensation, Location, 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.

The expected salary range* for this position begins at $120,000. 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.

Plus Power is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace where people of all backgrounds can thrive. Plus Power is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, disability, age, or other legally protected status.