Transmission & Interconnection Manager - South Region

To start as soon as possible, full time, permanent role in Project Management, Engineering, or Process Management. This is an exempt position.

About the Role

The Transmission Manager will drive transmission and interconnection solutions in support of RWE Americas' development portfolio of generation projects in the MISO, SPP, ERCOT, and SERC transmission markets. This role involves working with multiple internal and external stakeholders, including ISOs, utilities, FERC, state agencies, and internal development teams, to manage utility-scale generation projects through the interconnection process.

Responsibilities

• Manage a pipeline of 10 GW+ of gas, wind, solar, battery energy generator interconnection, and load interconnection projects throughout the ISO and transmission owner interconnection processes lifecycle.
• Work closely with RWE’s transmission analytics and development teams to shepherd projects through the interconnection process, ensuring best cost and schedule while tracking timelines, milestone requirements, and managing project risks and opportunities.
• Oversee the interconnection process, including initial application submittals, major milestones, interconnection agreement negotiation, material modification packages, and interconnection management through project commercial operation date.
• Manage interconnection milestone and financial tracking, 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 adherence.
• Drive creative problem-solving with transmission owners and ISOs, leveraging 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 regional ISO/RTOs to create opportunities and mitigate obstacles for RWE.
• Track and drive policy developments and opportunities to 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 company visibility and reputation through conference attendance, publications, and social media.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, STEM, business/economics, or relevant fields (required).
• Advanced degree (a plus).
• Minimum of 8 years of experience, with at least 5 years specialized in commercial and regulated energy markets, driving projects to completion, and interacting with various counterparties (e.g., project developers, IPPs, utilities, regulatory agencies).
• Background in transmission planning, transmission utility-scale engineering, or project management/execution (strongly preferred).
• Experience with transmission planning analysis and software (preferred).
• Demonstrated track record of securing interconnection approvals for renewable energy projects in the U.S. across a mix of RSO/ITO regions.
• Broad experience within the utility/power development space, including:
  • Securing interconnection rights, transmission capacity, and 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, and strategic insights.
  • Negotiating and closing projects in complex and sometimes adversarial environments.
• Proven ability to successfully manage multiple projects simultaneously, with a strong understanding of costs and activities necessary for a project cycle.
• 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 energy markets, prospecting, real estate development, interconnection, permitting, environmental, project engineering, and construction management.
• Exceptional project management skills and strong interpersonal skills, with the 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 of transmission planning modeling software and analysis, including TARA, PSS/e, and PSLF (strongly preferred).
• Strong communication skills 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 with goal-oriented, strong problem-solving abilities.
• Proven ability to empathize, build relationships, and effectively communicate with people from diverse backgrounds.
• Responds well to direction, is open to challenge and development, and is coachable.
• Detail-oriented with strong business acumen and a sound understanding of business concepts.

Schedule

This is an office-based role with significant travel (20%+) to other RWEA offices and field locations. Must be able to sit, walk, or stand for long durations of time.

Pay

The annual base salary range for this position in Illinois is $120,000 - $158,000. The listed salary range represents a good faith estimate for this position and reflects the range for new hire salaries across all U.S. locations. Salary is determined by factors such as scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate’s education and work experience, training and certifications, and key skills, as well as market and business considerations at the time of the offer.

Benefits

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

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.