Senior Interconnection Engineer Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

Location(s): Austin, TX 78701; Oakland, CA 94612

The Senior Manager of Transmission & Interconnection will be responsible for driving transmission and interconnection solutions in support of RWE America’s development portfolio of generation projects primarily in the WECC (including SPP RTO and other developing markets) transmission markets but also support in CAISO market.

The Senior Manager of Transmission & Interconnection will drive interconnection efforts working with multiple internal and external stakeholders including the ISOs, utilities, FERC, state agencies, and internal development teams. S/he will also be responsible for managing utility scale generation projects to drive the successful completion of interconnection requests through the regulatory and commercial environment and coordinating with internal stakeholders including RWE’s Transmission Analysis organization.

Role Responsibilities:

• Manage a pipeline of 10 GW plus of wind, solar and battery energy generator interconnection along with load interconnection projects throughout the lifecycle of the ISO and transmission owner interconnection processes
• Work closely with RWE’s transmission analytics, development and other relevant teams to shepherd projects through the interconnection process to achieve best cost and schedule, while tracking timelines, milestone requirements, and effectively communicating and managing project risks and opportunities
• Manage interconnection processes including initial application submittals, major milestones, interconnection agreement negotiation, material modification packages, and interconnection management through project commercial operation date
• Manage interconnection milestones and financial tracking. Effectively forecasting and communicating project commitments and at‑risk amounts for portfolio projects
• Negotiate large generator interconnection agreements bringing together internal stakeholders to negotiate optimal schedules and terms for projects
• Attend transmission owner project management meetings representing RWE to ensure cost and schedule are being maintained
• Drive creative problem solving with transmission owners and ISOs bringing together internal RWE resources and stakeholders
• Assist Development, Energy Marketing, Commercial, Regulatory, Construction, Engineering, Operations, and Compliance teams with multiple aspects of project development, design, and operation
• Maintain a comprehensive understanding of current and developing regulations within the different regional ISO/RTOs to create opportunities and mitigate obstacles for RWE
• Track and drive policy developments and opportunities to best capitalize on target markets, partners, and strategies
• Develop regional transmission and interconnection strategy for potential future opportunities such as new project interconnection, transmission service, and behind the meter arrangements
• Build visibility and the reputation of the company through conference attendance and stakeholder engagement
• Mentor and coach junior staff

Job Requirements and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, STEM, business/economics, or relevant fields required
• Advanced degrees are a plus
• A minimum of 10 years of experience and 7 years specialized in commercial and regulated energy markets, driving projects to completion, and interacting with various counterparties (project developers, IPPs, utilities, regulatory agencies, and others)
• Background in transmission planning or transmission utility scale engineering and project management or execution strongly preferred
• Experience with transmission planning analysis and software preferred
• Demonstrated track record of securing interconnection approvals for renewable energy projects in the United States across a mix of RSO/ITOs regions
• Broad experience within the utility/power development space, including:
• Securing interconnection rights, transmission capacity, federal, state and local regulatory approvals
• Navigating the RSO/ITO process to avoid obstacles and position RWE for approvals
• Transmission and commercial analysis including knowledge of load flow, transmission capacity, projected congestion with strategic insights to develop around findings
• Negotiating and closing projects in complex and sometimes adversarial environments
• Proven ability to successfully manage multiple projects simultaneously and a strong understanding of costs and activities necessary for a project cycle
• A thorough understanding of competitive and regulated wholesale and retail power markets and strong commercial acumen
• Excellent communication skills and ability to interact clearly and concisely with a variety of internal and external stakeholders
• Strong knowledge in key areas, including project management, energy markets, prospecting, real estate development, interconnection, permitting, environmental, project engineering, and construction management
• Exceptional project management skills
• Strong interpersonal skills, with ability to manage customer relationships
• Demonstrated desire to learn about the Company and the renewables space
• Excellent proficiency with Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook) and Teams
• Knowledge in the use of transmission planning modeling software and analysis including TARA, PSS/e, and PSLF is strongly preferred
• Strong communication and ability to meet deadlines
• Strong organization skills and ability to coordinate multiple tasks and deliverables
• Ability to multi‑task, while working independently and as part of a team
• Motivated self‑starter, goal‑oriented, and strong problem‑solving abilities
• Proven ability to empathize, build relationships, and effectively communicate with people from a diverse set of backgrounds
• Responds well to direction, is easy to challenge and develop, and is coachable
• Is detail‑oriented, has strong business acumen, and a sound understanding of business concepts
• This position is an office‑based role with significant travel 20%+ and visits to other RWEA offices and field locations
• Must be able to sit, walk, or stand for long durations of time

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. RWE Americas is unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of employment visas at this time.

Pay range: The annual base salary range for this position in California is $150,000 - $210,000. The listed salary range represents our good faith estimate for this position and represents the range for new hire salaries across all U.S. locations. Please note that the salary information is a general guideline only. RWE considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate’s education & work experience, training & certifications, and key skills as well as market and business considerations at the time of the offer.

Benefits offered: Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Short‑Term Disability, Long‑Term Disability, 401(k) match, Flexible Spending Accounts, EAP, Education Assistance, Parental Leave, Paid time off, and Holidays. Eligible employees also participate in short‑term incentives, in addition to salary.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other legally protected status.