Interconnection Engineer Jobs in Oakbrook Terrace, IL

Do you want to be a part of the clean energy movement? Are you passionate about improving our environment for this generation and those to follow? Are you ready to take on new challenges and collaborate with a future-focused team leading the way into new markets? Join Nexamp! 

This is where you can learn from industry leaders and become one yourself. It's fast-paced, mission-based work that challenges the status quo. Be on the team that's changing the world.

What we're looking for:

Join Nexamp's mission to transform the energy landscape with your expertise as a Senior Interconnection Engineer. We are at the forefront of the renewable energy revolution, driving change and innovation in the renewable energy sector. If you're passionate about crafting a sustainable future and have a track record in the technical intricacies of interconnection, we want you on our team.  

We are seeking a detail-oriented Senior Interconnection Engineer with a robust technical background and proven experience in PV system design and interconnection. This role is vital for providing specialized support to project managers and ensuring that our projects are not only technically sound but also optimized for cost and efficiency. 

You will report to the Manager, Grid Integration Engineering (GRIT), and will work closely with internal teams, including Engineering, Business Development, Policy, and Asset Management, to develop and commission commercial and industrial renewable designs. You will be hybrid out of our New York City, Chicago, Boston, or Washington, DC office with some business travel to other locations.

What you'll do:

• Manage a portfolio of utility interconnection applications from initial submission through project closeout. 
• Function as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) on technical standards (i.e. IEEE 1547, NFPA 70, UL 1741, etc.) and requirements (utility) for Distributed Generation projects within an assigned geographic region.  
• Perform detailed review, analysis, QA/QC, and interpretation of technical documentation, utility interconnection applications, utility pre-screen reports, System Impact Studies, and Interconnection Service Agreements. 
• Provide expert technical advice during study reviews and deliver recommendations to internal teams on study outcomes. 
• Prepare interconnection cost estimation and hosting capacity map analyses to assist development in identifying low-cost interconnection locations. 
• Work alongside Project Managers on value engineering and cost optimization for projects. 
• Act as technical consulting support during negotiations and disputes regarding project timelines and costs for assigned projects. 
• Participate in the technical closure of projects, including field support along with reviewing witness tests and energization procedures. May also attend site visits and witness tests as required. The number of projects actively supported at a given time should be 70-80.  
• Lead and contribute to special projects aimed at refining internal processes and setting industry standards, with a focus on innovation in interconnection means and methods.  This may include (but not limited to) non-wires alternatives, selective curtailment, and other grid-enhancing technologies. 
• Building and managing key relationships with internal stakeholders, and driving strategic developments and insights  
• Leading comprehensive technical assessments to identify interconnection challenges in a given region and creating solutions to overcome technical hurdles (to improve project success). 
• Support technical working groups both internally and externally. 
• Participate in project design reviews; review of single line diagrams, three-line diagrams, and site layout designs for compliance with utility requirements, which may include incorporating any utility design requirements and/or effective grounding equipment. 
• Respond to RFIs on active construction projects as required. 
• Provide guidance and recommendations for navigating change with utilities. 
• Mentor Interconnection Engineers, sharing expertise and leading by example in all aspects of interconnection processes. 
• Support business development through pre-application activities such as site selection based on thorough analysis.
• Additional duties as assigned and/or directed. 

What you'll bring:

• 3+ years of relevant experience with a utility, solar developer, Regional Transmission Organization, or consultancy, focusing on technical aspects of interconnection or interconnection-related activities and issues. 
• Strong knowledge of industry standard design codes such as National Electric Code, International Building Code, International Fire Code and other standards relevant to the industry. 
• Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering. 
• Working knowledge in AutoCAD software.
• Moderate proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Moderate proficiency with Microsoft collaboration tools (Salesforce, Teams, Power BI, SharePoint, etc.) 
• Ability to coordinate and prioritize multiple projects and tasks. 
• Ability to work in a team environment as well as work independently. 
• Valid Drivers License and EIT Certification.
• Commitment to Nexamp's mission and have a passion for solving tomorrow's climate crisis today.
• Demonstrated experience in effectively communicating information, ideas, and perspectives with people inside and beyond your organization.  
• Experience in showcasing initiative to make improvements to current work, processes, products, and services across the organization. We value accountability and an ownership mentality.
• Ability to ask appropriate questions, analyze data, identify the root causes of problems, and present creative solutions.
• Expertise in building strong internal and external relationships with customers and stakeholders, instilling trust and loyalty across the industry.
• Eagerness to develop a fundamental understanding of how Nexamp operates and then apply that knowledge effectively to inform business decisions.  

If you don't meet 100% of the above qualifications, but see yourself contributing, please submit an application.  We encourage people from minority or marginalized groups to apply. 

At Nexamp, our mission is building the future of energy, so it is clean, simple, and accessible for all. We believe a diverse team brings different perspectives and experiences, thus benefiting our work. We are committed to providing a work environment free from discrimination. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate against applicants on the basis of race, ethnicity, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status, veteran status, or any other basis protected by law. By encouraging a culture where ideas and decisions come from all people, we believe it will help us grow, innovate, and be a part of environmental and social change. 

You'll love working here because:  

Not only will you get to take part in meaningful work and have the chance to change the world alongside innovative, dedicated, and motivated peers, but you will also have access to all the benefits that Nexamp offers! This includes our competitive compensation package; a 401(k) employer-match; health, dental, and vision insurance starting day one; flexible paid time off and holiday PTO; commuter benefits, and cell phone reimbursement. We have headquarters in Boston, MA and Chicago, IL, in addition to growing offices nationwide. We provide healthy snacks, coffee, service days, and other volunteer opportunities, company outings, and more!

Compensation:  

The reasonably estimated salary for this role at Nexamp ranges from $120,000 - $135,000. In addition to base salary, the competitive compensation package may include, depending on the role, participation in an incentive program linked to performance (for example, annual bonus programs based on individual and company performance, non-annual sales incentive plans, or other non-annual incentive plans). Additionally, you may be eligible to participate in the Company's stock option plan. Actual base salary may vary based upon, but is not limited to, skills and qualifications, internal equity, performance, and geographic location.

Nexamp's People team manages all aspects of recruitment and hiring within our organization. We want to inform third-party recruiters, staffing firms, and related agencies that Nexamp does not accept unsolicited resumes. Resumes will only be considered from these entities if a signed agreement is in place and the People team explicitly authorizes external recruiting assistance for a specific position. Any unsolicited resumes received will be deemed the property of Nexamp. We want to emphasize that Nexamp is not liable for any fees associated with unsolicited resumes.