Director/Sr. Manager Transmission & Interconnection (WECC)

Job Description

GridStor is seeking a Director or Sr. Manager of Transmission & Interconnection to support the development and execution of grid-scale battery storage projects across the WECC region. This role will lead and manage interconnection strategy, execution, and technical analysis associated with generator interconnection processes across utilities and ISOs. The ideal candidate will combine technical expertise in transmission planning and interconnection with strong communication and stakeholder management skills, enabling them to translate complex technical findings into actionable development strategies.

The successful candidate will collaborate closely with development, EPC, commercial, regulatory, and executive leadership teams to ensure successful project execution from greenfield siting through interconnection, construction, and operations. This role provides a unique opportunity to shape the interconnection strategy for one of the fastest-growing battery storage developers in the U.S. The successful candidate will work closely with senior leadership to help accelerate the deployment of grid-scale storage projects and strengthen GridStor's presence across the WECC region.

Key Responsibilities

Interconnection Project Execution

• Manage the preparation and submission of generator interconnection requests across WECC utilities and ISOs for standalone battery energy storage projects.
• Coordinate the development of interconnection application packages, including engineering data, single line diagrams, modeling assumptions, and security postings.
• Independently manage consultants to ensure timely completion of study deliverables and technical packages required throughout the interconnection process.

Greenfield Site Evaluation

• Support development teams in identifying commercially attractive greenfield project sites by analyzing transmission node characteristics, substation expandability and topology, transmission congestion and deliverability, proximity to potential offtakers, and interconnection feasibility and schedule risks.

Interconnection Study Analysis

• Review and analyze interconnection studies to evaluate project feasibility, network upgrade costs, transmission constraints, schedule impacts.
• Develop clear internal summaries and decision-support materials highlighting risks, mitigation strategies, and development implications.

M&A and Project Due Diligence

• Support acquisition diligence by evaluating interconnection risk for early-stage and late-stage projects.
• Utilize resources such as OASIS/OATI data, ISO filings, consultant analysis, and system planning reports to identify fatal flaws and mitigation strategies.

Cross-Functional Coordination

• Work closely with development, EPC, engineering, and project management teams to ensure alignment on project timelines, deliverables, and interconnection milestones.
• Facilitate clear information flow between technical and non-technical teams to support project decision-making.

Construction & Late-Stage Project Support

• Coordinate with EPC partners, utilities, and consultants to support successful execution of interconnection milestones during construction.
• Monitor deliverables such as modeling updates, design packages, and commissioning requirements.

Industry Engagement

• Participate in ISO/RTO stakeholder processes and working groups to stay informed of regulatory and policy developments affecting interconnection.
• Track emerging industry changes including queue reform, transmission expansion planning, and storage integration policies.

Team Leadership

• Support the day-to-day management and mentoring of junior staff or consultants.
• Contribute to a collaborative, team-oriented culture and help strengthen internal knowledge of interconnection processes.

Communication & Influence

• Demonstrate strong communication skills to explain technical concepts clearly to internal stakeholders.
• Navigate complex stakeholder environments and manage difficult technical or commercial discussions with limited supervision.

Additional Responsibilities for Director Level:

• Lead interconnection strategy across GridStor's WECC portfolio, aligning priorities with development and investment goals.
• Inform portfolio-level siting strategy and prioritization to maximize commercial viability and reduce transmission risk.
• Oversee multiple interconnection projects concurrently, actively managing study milestones, network upgrade cost exposure, and schedule risk.
• Represent GridStor in industry stakeholder forums, regulatory proceedings, and transmission planning discussions; partner with Regulatory/Government Affairs to track and influence key policy changes.
• Serve as a strategic advisor to senior leadership on transmission constraints, cost allocation, and grid development trends; support corporate strategy, M&A evaluations, and financing decisions with expert interconnection assessments.
• Establish best practices for interconnection analysis, portfolio risk management, and utility/ISO engagement; develop and lead a high-performing technical team.

Qualifications & Competencies

• Education: Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or a related engineering discipline (Master's degree preferred for Director level).
• Experience - Senior Manager Level: 5+ years of experience in generation interconnection, transmission planning, or power system engineering.
• Experience working with utilities, developers, engineering consulting firms, and/or ISOs/RTOs.
• Working knowledge of generator interconnection processes within WECC (or other ISO/RTO markets such as CAISO, ERCOT, PJM, SPP, MISO).
• Experience - Director Level: 10+ years of experience in transmission planning, generation interconnection, or power systems engineering, including leadership of complex portfolios or teams.
• Extensive experience with WECC transmission planning and interconnection processes (preferably including CAISO and major WECC utilities).
• Demonstrated experience managing large infrastructure or energy projects through the interconnection lifecycle; strong relationships with utilities, ISOs/RTOs, consultants, and industry stakeholders.
• Proven experience leading complex interconnection portfolios or technical teams.
• Strong relationships with utilities, ISOs/RTOs, consultants, and industry stakeholders.
• Experience participating in or influencing industry stakeholder processes or regulatory proceedings.
• Exceptional communication and presentation skills with the ability to influence decisions across technical and executive audiences.
• Technical Skills (Preferred): Familiarity with transmission planning concepts including power flow analysis, network upgrades, cost allocation, and congestion impacts.
• Experience with power system modeling tools such as PSS??E, PSLF, PowerWorld, PROMOD, TARA (and PSCAD preferred for Director level).
• Familiarity with interconnection queue and system data sources such as OASIS/OATI systems.
• Location & Availability: Preference to be based in Portland, OR on a hybrid schedule, will consider other locations/remote.
• Organizational Skills: Exceptional organizational abilities with keen attention to detail. Capable of managing multiple tasks simultaneously in a fast-paced environment and seeing delegated projects through to completion.
• Adaptability: Ability to be agile and flexible, readily taking on tasks outside the typical scope of the role as needed.
• Confidentiality: Proven ability to handle highly confidential information with utmost discretion.
• Integrity & Judgment: Strong track record of excellent judgment and integrity in previous roles.
• Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to tailor messaging to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Problem-Solving: Strong analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills; ability to manage multiple workstreams and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Team Orientation: Collaborative, low-ego approach; ability to build trust and influence across a cross-functional organization.

Compensation and Benefits

GridStor offers an attractive Total Rewards package, including:

• Competitive base salaries commensurate with experience with an annual cash bonus (based on Company and individual performance)
• Generous paid leave
• Employee participation in Long Term Incentive Plan
• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance, including coverage for domestic partners and eligible domestic partner children
• HSA/FSA for participating employees
• 401(k) plan with company match and immediate vesting
• Continuing education and professional development
• Cellphone reimbursement, hybrid work environment, healthy snacks, volunteer opportunities, company outings, and more.

Company Operating Principles

GridStor's Operating Principles represent who we are, how we work, and what we believe.

We Collaborate. We believe trust is given, not earned. We honor each other's zone of genius and seek to challenge ideas, not each other. We listen to each other's points of view and work hard to find the better solution. We are one team.

We Are Humble. We like hard work, but don't make work hard. We know we have a lot to learn and never grandstand or take up all the space in the room. We are kind. We are welcoming. We are inspired by our mission to decarbonize the grid.

We Create the Future. We are curious. We go deep, search for the best idea, and then move fast. We always focus on the few things that matter most. We know there will be setbacks, so we show up every day ready to learn and be better, together.

We Show Up for Each Other. We keep each other fully informed. We seek to understand. We coach, we don't blame. We share our points of view and seek to make each other better every day. We believe everyone creates culture in every moment, every day.

We Do Hard Things. We view challenges as opportunities. We are resilient. We are all owners, and we act like it. We understand change requires taking risks and we push ourselves and our partners. We do what is right as opposed to what might be best for any one of us.