Interconnection Project Manager

Silicon Ranch is a fully integrated provider of customized renewable energy, carbon, and battery storage solutions for a diverse set of partners across North America.

We are known for putting community partnerships first, and are the only renewable energy company in the U.S. that owns and operates all of its solar ranches and has a 100% track record for successful delivery.

• We have the largest utility scale agrivoltaics portfolio in the country under Regenerative Energy®, our nationally recognized holistic approach to project design, construction, and land management. Our model incorporates regenerative ranching and other regenerative land management practices to restore livelihoods and soil health, biodiversity, and water quality.

Through our subsidiary, Clearloop, we are able to help businesses of all sizes reclaim their carbon footprint with a direct investment in building new solar projects while also helping bring renewable energy and economic development to distressed communities.

By joining Silicon Ranch, you will be joining a team of experienced and dedicated individuals who have proven time and again that it is indeed possible to not only “make solar do more”, but to make the promise of carbon-free, renewable energy that benefits people right where it comes from a tangible, measurable, and replicable reality.

Silicon Ranch is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace that is reflective of the communities in which we work and serve. We are an equal opportunity employer and will consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics.

Job Description

Position: Interconnection PM/Engineer

Reports to: Sr. Director Utility Services, Energy Delivery

Location: Nashville, TN / Remote

Overview: Please note that this position requires experience in the renewable energy industry

Interconnection PM/Engineers are responsible for the management of the interconnection process in target markets across the US. This position is critical for execution of the company’s development initiatives and overall interconnection process. Interconnection PM/Engineer will manage consultants and other subject matter experts as needed to execute the company’s development strategy.

Main Responsibilities

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Project Development and Siting

• Assist in the evaluation of utility system loading (e.g., deliverability, congestion) and potential interconnection costs to support siting of new development projects
• Assist in the evaluation of interconnection and gen-tie studies and alternatives; participate in processes to optimize project interconnection options based on cost, schedule, off take preference and risk
• Support PPA, financing and project sale processes including providing information on the interconnection agreements and articulating the project’s specific interconnection related attributes

Management of the Interconnection Process

• Handle the day-to-day interconnection process for new & existing development projects from siting to execution including interconnection agreements, affected systems and engineering agreements
• Assist in the development of commercial arrangements to optimize project cost, schedule and risks
• Oversee consultants as necessary to support the interconnection process including application deliverables in addition to engineering review of utility schedules and cost estimate
• Establish working relationships with utilities, ISOs and industry representatives in key markets
• Act as an advisor and liaison with Project Development, Business Development and management on interconnection issues and policies related to project development risk and opportunities

Due Diligence for existing development projects

• Assist with due-diligence review of potential project and portfolio acquisitions and related commercial transactions related to the interconnection and transmission risk and provide recommendations to the acquisition team

Policy & Markets

• Begin developing a basic understanding of the transmission/interconnection related legislation and regulations that impact Region of responsibility.
• Develop a working knowledge of related regional tariffs and understand its effect on the interconnection process.

Physical Requirements/Work Environment

Work is performed in an office environment or remote home office, and in the field. At least 20% domestic travel is required annually.

Education and/or Work Experience Requirements

• A Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or equivalent work experience is required with a desired emphasis on power systems.
• Ability to establish strong working relationships with utilities, ISOs and industry representatives.
• Ability to prioritize multiple deliverables with conflicting schedules
• Exceptional public speaking, presentation skills, and the ability to explain and communicate complex technical topics and writing of technical reports
• Strong collaboration and problem-solving skills, capable of applying advanced engineering principles to identify and solve complex issues
• Outstanding project, people management, and negotiation skills
• Positive attitude with ability to receive constructive feedback

Education and/or Work Experience Preferences

• Working knowledge of generation interconnection tariffs, interconnection agreements and requirements in one or more key markets, including a strong knowledge of the process from the initial interconnection request through utility operations
• Experience with distribution-interconnected projects
• 1 to 3 years’ experience in transmission planning and/or power generation interconnections
• Working knowledge of power delivery and/or transmission system planning and grid operation
• Knowledge of power flow modeling and results