Interconnection Specialist PV+ESS

About the Role

QCELLS is seeking an Interconnection Specialist to manage utility and ISO-related communications for Commercial & Industrial scale, as well as small utility scale, solar and storage projects. In this role, you will lead the preparation, submission, and findings of interconnection applications, assess interconnection and transmission feasibility, and provide insights to support expansion goals. You will also determine local utility-specific requirements during project development and review utility feedback during execution.

Responsibilities

• Act as the primary point of contact for interconnection applications, coordinating efforts between internal teams and external partners.
• Ensure 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 to ensure 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.
• Review and interpret 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.

Requirements

• 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 and external stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability in troubleshooting problems and presenting creative solutions.
• Assertive, adaptable to dynamic surroundings, a team player, and prepared to travel.
• Proficiency in Smartsheet, MS Project, and other relevant project management software.
• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office tools.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Understanding of 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.
• 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, and general knowledge of the energy industry, especially in solar and energy storage sectors.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple parallel projects and prioritize competing demands.
• Experience working with project management software platforms.

Pay

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.

Physical, Mental & Environmental Demands

• Mobility:
  • Standing: 20% of time
  • Sitting: 70% of time
  • Walking: 10% of time
• Strength:
  • Pulling up to 10 Pounds
  • Pushing up to 10 Pounds
  • Carrying up to 10 Pounds
  • Lifting up to 10 Pounds
• Dexterity (F = Frequently, O = Occasionally, N = Never):
  • Typing: F
  • Handling: F
  • Reaching: F
• Agility (F = Frequently, O = Occasionally, N = Never):
  • Turning: F
  • Twisting: F
  • Bending: O
  • Crouching: O
  • Balancing: N
  • Climbing: N
  • Crawling: N
  • Kneeling: N