Director, Interconnection Execution

Cypress Creek Energy; Durham (NC); Hybrid; USD 200,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

15 days Paid Time Off

401(k) Match

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance

Wellness stipend

Tuition Reimbursement

Job summary

Cypress Creek Energy in Durham, NC, is seeking a Director, Interconnection Execution, to manage interconnection processes for utility-scale solar and storage projects. You will ensure compliance with executed Interconnection Agreements and drive negotiations for project milestones.

A Bachelor's degree and 6+ years of grid interconnection experience are required. The role offers a hybrid work schedule and a salary range of $200,000–$240,000 plus bonus.

Qualifications

• 6+ years of experience in grid interconnection, utility project management, or transmission compliance.
• Direct Project Management experience managing GIA compliance obligations.
• Strong working knowledge of interconnection processes across multiple markets.

Responsibilities

• Ensure executed IAs remain in effect through COD for all assigned projects.
• Negotiate GIA amendments and drive negotiations with utilities.
• Manage project-specific external consultants to support compliance checklists.

Skills

Project Management

Knowledge of FERC LGIP/LGIA

Negotiation

Communication Skills

Organizational Skills

Detail-oriented approach

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, Energy Systems

Job description

The Company

Cypress Creek Energy is powering a sustainable future, one project at a time. We develop, finance, own and operate utility‑scale and distributed solar and storage projects across the country. Fostering a diverse group of innovative thinkers from all backgrounds, Cypress people are drawn to work in a purpose‑driven organization. We hope you will join us.

The Role

CCR is seeking a Director, Interconnection Execution to join the Grid Integration (GI) team and manage all aspects of interconnection for late‑stage utility‑scale solar and storage projects as they move from executed Interconnection Agreement (IA) to commercial operations. This role sits within the GI team and is focused on keeping executed IAs in effect through all key project milestones, including financial close and substantial completion. The role will manage all IA compliance obligations by coordinating with internal teams as well as utilities, ISOs, and project‑specific consultants to deliver projects on schedule and on budget.

Responsibilities

• Ensure executed IAs remain in effect through COD for all assigned projects; monitor IA milestone status, manage toward milestone obligations, and proactively resolve conditions that could place the IA in breach.
• Negotiate GIA amendments and Facility Construction Agreements — lead internal reviews with legal, engineering, and development teams, and drive negotiations directly with utilities to timely resolution.
• Manage project‑specific external consultants (EPE, INS, and others) to support compliance checklists: scope work, oversee deliverables, and ensure consultants operate effectively within GI team workflows.
• Own milestone payments: track payment schedules, coordinate with finance for disbursements, and maintain accurate records of all security and payment obligations under the GIA.
• Manage restudy and material modification administrative processes: identify triggers, prepare required submittals, and coordinate cross‑functionally to minimize study risk and cost exposure.
• Lead deficiency, cure, and dispute response coordination: triage utility notices, develop response strategies, and interface with utilities and transmission providers to resolve open items.
• Support internal teams with market registration processes for assigned projects across multiple ISOs/RTOs, coordinating with utilities, ISOs, and internal commercial teams to achieve timely registration.
• Support and or lead Commissioning items: review utility and ISO/TO commissioning requirements, track deliverable schedules, and coordinate testing and energization milestones with internal teams and external parties (OEM, ISO, EPC).
• Maintain a centralized, real‑time tracking system for post‑IA obligations across the portfolio; report status to VP, Grid Integration and flag risks and escalations proactively.
• Collaborate with Development, Engineering, Legal, and Finance teams to align on project schedules, budget impacts, and decision points related to GIA compliance.

Education & Experience Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, Energy Systems, or a related field
• 6+ years of experience in grid interconnection, utility project management, or transmission compliance at a solar/storage developer, IPP, electric utility, or transmission provider
• Direct, hands‑on Project Management experience managing GIA compliance obligations, including amendment negotiations, milestone tracking, and deficiency/cure processes
• Strong working knowledge of FERC LGIP/LGIA frameworks, OATT provisions, and ISO/RTO interconnection processes across multiple markets
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple active projects simultaneously in a fast‑paced environment, with strong organizational and prioritization skills
• Track record of direct, productive working relationships with utility interconnection and transmission planning staff
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate complex regulatory requirements for non‑technical internal stakeholders
• Highly detail‑oriented with a proactive, solutions‑driven approach to issue identification and resolution
• Embrace and live by the mission and values of Cypress Creek Energy

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience managing post‑IA execution in MISO, ERCOT, WECC, and/or SERC
• Familiarity with FCA structures and multi‑party amendment coordination
• Experience managing external engineering consultants in a GI execution context
• Exposure to commissioning processes and ISO/TO testing requirements for utility‑scale solar and/or BESS
• Experience with market registration workflows across multiple ISOs
• PMP certification or equivalent project management credential

Location

The preferred location for this role is our Durham, NC office, but the role is also open to our other office locations in Asheville, NC, Chicago, IL, NYC, NY, Washington DC, or San Francisco, CA. Our team operates on a hybrid schedule, with an in‑office expectation of three days per week.

Compensation

The salary range for the position is $200,000–$240,000 plus bonus and benefits. Compensation may vary outside of this range depending on a number of factors, including a candidate’s qualifications, skills, competencies and experience, and location.

Benefits

• 15 days of Paid Time Off, accrual up to 20 days, 11 observed holidays
• 401(k) Match
• Comprehensive package including medical, dental, vision and health insurance
• Wellness stipend, family planning stipend, and generous parental leave
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Phone Bill Reimbursement
• Company Swag

Equal Opportunity Employment

Cypress Creek Energy is an equal opportunity employer and considers all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status. We are committed to providing a workplace that is inclusive and values diversity, and we encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply.