Interconnection Specialist PV+ESS

POSITION DESCRIPTION: 

QCELLS is looking for an Interconnection Specialist for the management of utility and ISO related communications for Commercial & Industrial scale, and small utility scale, solar and storage projects. In this position, you will lead the preparation, submission, and findings of interconnection applications.  You will be responsible for assessing the interconnection and transmission feasibility of potential new solar and storage projects, providing valuable insights to support our expansion goals. This includes determining local utility specific requirements at the project development stage and reviewing utility feedback in the project execution stage. 

RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Act as the primary point of contact for interconnection applications, coordinating efforts between internal teams and external partners. Ensure that Qcells follows program rules and design requirements. Assist project delivery by managing utility schedules, resources, and communication channels effectively. 

• Forecast estimated application submittal, review, and completion times for project management teams ensuring accurate construction timelines.  

• Monitor and analyze program and regulatory changes for target territories. 

• Collaborate with project development teams to incorporate utility requirements into upstream processes. 

• Stay informed about emerging industry trends and advancements. 

• Conduct due diligence reviews for potential risks related to projects, acquisitions, and commercial transactions and propose mitigation strategies. 

• Support project development, construction, and origination efforts. 

• Reviewing and interpreting interconnection and transmission studies to predict capacity and deliverability. 

• Lead technical discussions and negotiations with utilities and ISOs to make interconnection cost effective and timely. 

• Work with utilities, transmission providers, and ISOs to coordinate interconnection requests. 

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Minimum of 4 years of professional experience managing the interconnection process and coordinating with utilities.  

• Experience on renewable projects constructed on the East coast.  

• Strong administrative skills, capable of managing multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining document storage for internal parties and external stakeholders. 

• Demonstrated ability in troubleshooting problems and presented creative solutions 

• Assertive, able to cope with dynamic surroundings, a team player, prepared to travel 

• Knowledge in Smartsheet, MS Project and other relevant project management software 

• Advanced knowledge in Microsoft office tools 

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills 

• Understanding the steps to complete due diligence on a ground-mount PV project. 

• General understanding of the technical aspects of electrical and energy systems. 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Engineering degree is a plus.  

• Experience in generation interconnection studies or transmission system planning. 

• Experience working with Regional Transmission Organizations (RTOs) and understanding of the Open Access Transmission Tariff (OATT). 

• Familiarity with WECC, PJM, ERCOT, CAISO and/or SERC Planning Models. 

• Proven experience in preparing application materials for interconnections within various RTOs and independent transmission providers. 

• Experience, interest in, and general knowledge of the energy industry, especially the community in solar and energy storage sectors. 

• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple parallel projects and prioritize competing demands. 

• Experience working with project management software platforms. 

COMPENSATION: 

In accordance with applicable pay transparency laws, the anticipated annual base salary for this position is: 

• Zone 1 (SF, NYC): $86,400 – $103,700 

• Zone 2 (CA, NJ, NY): $79,200 – $95,000 

• Zone 3 (All Others): $72,000 – $86,400 

The applicable salary range is based on the employee’s primary work location. Individual compensation will be determined based on qualifications, relevant experience, education, skills, internal equity, and other business-related factors. 

Hanwha Q CELLS America Inc. (“HQCA”) is a Qcells company, one of the world’s largest manufacturers and providers of solar photovoltaic (PV) products and solutions.  Headquartered in Irvine, California, HQCA has been rapidly expanding its business in North America through the expansion of products and solutions, including distributed energy solutions, direct-to-homeowner solar sales and financing, and EPC services.  We provide an opportunity to be part of an exciting and growing world-class global business in an interesting and expanding industry of the future.