Interconnection Engineer

Qcells USA Corp.; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Qcells USA Corp. in Ankeny, IA, is seeking an Interconnection Engineer to support interconnection requirements, outage notifications, and energy schedule forecasting for utility-scale PV/BESS projects.

The role reports to the Senior Interconnection Engineer and offers a hybrid/remote setup with up to 25% travel. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States; visa sponsorship is not provided. Bachelor's degree in engineering required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical, Civil, or related field, or equivalent experience.
• 2+ years experience with interconnection process.
• Understand interconnection agreements and requirements.
• Knowledge of energy schedules and outage notification.
• Strong organization and multitasking skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication.

Responsibilities

• Observe, promote and participate in the safety program and related training.
• Support interconnection practices from development to COD with multiple stakeholders.
• Coordinate with utilities, regulatory bodies, and project developers to support interconnection processes.
• Assist in reviewing EPC and interconnection agreements to ensure alignment with company scope.
• Coordinate revenue-quality metering schemes with ISO/RTOs and utilities.
• Collaborate with HV Project Engineering to develop best practices for interconnection processes.

Skills

Interconnection knowledge

Scheduling & outages

Organization skills

Problem solving

Communication skills

Education

Engineering degree or equivalent

Job description

Description

Title: Interconnection Engineer
Department: T&D/C
Location: Ankeny, IA
Supervisor: Senior Interconnection Engineer
FLSA Status: Exempt
Position Status: Permanent, Full-Time

Work Status: Hybrid/In-Office

INTERCONNECTION ENGINEER

Hanwha Qcells USA Corp (Qcells USA), headquartered in Irvine, CA, specializes in providing utility-scale modules, solar photovoltaic (PV), and battery energy storage systems (BESS) project development, along with Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) services for solar and BESS projects nationwide. Qcells USA delivers comprehensive turnkey solutions encompassing the entire utility-scale project lifecycle. By choosing Qcells USA for turnkey solutions, customers can reduce uncertainty and risk, leading to enhanced investment returns and contributing to a more sustainable future.

Qcells USA’s complete turnkey solutions seamlessly integrate the expertise of our Development, Module, and EPC teams, while ensuring close coordination with other vital internal groups such as Project Finance, Systems Integration, and Legal. This collaborative approach ensures that Qcells USA projects deliver exceptional value and performance. With several multi-billion-dollar investments, Qcells is pioneering the establishment of the only complete module supply chain in the U.S., including the expansion of our Georgia module manufacturing facility, which stands as the largest in the Western Hemisphere.

As an integral part of the global Qcells brand, Qcells USA benefits from a legacy of excellence in photovoltaic manufacturing. Qcells is renowned worldwide for its high-performance, superior-quality solar cells and modules. With dual headquarters in Seoul, South Korea (Global Executive HQ) and Thalheim, Germany (Technology & Innovation HQ), Qcells operates under the umbrella of Hanwha Group, a FORTUNE Global 500 company and one of the top 8 business conglomerates in South Korea.

SUMMARY

The Interconnection Engineer is a critical role that involves supporting activities related to interconnection requirements, outage notification, and energy schedule forecasting leading to the successful completion of electrical plants and infrastructure.

This position reports to the Senior Interconnection Engineeror or another management personnel that the CEO of the Company may designate.

This position is remote with 25% travel. Any remote work arrangements must receive prior approval from your direct supervisor or company leadership. Working hours shall be determined based on project requirements and business needs, in consultation with the employee's supervisor.

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the United States. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTION & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Safety Compliance and Program Participation:
  • Observe, comply with, and promote the company’s safety program, rules, requirements, and corporate safety goals.
  • Participate in safety-related processes, programs, and training.

• Technical Expertise:
  • Support RTO/ISO and utility interconnection practices and processes from development to COD.
  • Work closely with various stakeholders, including utility companies, regulatory bodies, and project developers, to support the interconnection process including assisting in obtaining or completing necessary certifications, contracts, and forms required for grid interconnection, scheduling, metering, and settlement purposes.
  • Support project schedule and budget development, monitor progress, and adjust plans as necessary to achieve optimal outcomes.
  • Assist with reviewing EPC agreements and interconnection agreements to ensure requirements of Qcells in executing the interconnection scope are appropriate and accurate.
  • Coordinate the approval of revenue-quality metering schemes in compliance with the standards of the respective ISO/RTO.
  • Support final communications with ISOs/RTOs and the interconnected utilities for initial synchronization as described by the relevant ISO/RTO's procedures and operating manuals.
  • Work collaboratively, at direction of department leadership, with other operations team members on project execution and process development, including project procurement, construction management, and project controls.
  • Support coordination of external resources such as engineering consultants, metering services, and other specialized professionals as needed in the grid interconnection process.
  • Assist with recommendations for continuous improvements in project interconnection processesand procedures.
  • Collaborate, at direction of department leadership, the HV Project Engineering team in developing best practices for the interconnection engineering process of utility-scale PV/BESS plants across different ISOs/RTOs.
  • Collaborate, at direction of department leadership, with team members when necessary to ensure effective communication and results.
  • Assist team with building a quality culture of continuous improvement that enhances company efficiency andengineering quality.
  • Regular attendance, in accordance with company's attendance policy and supervisory assignment, is an essential job duty requirement for this position.
  • Perform other duties and special projects, as assigned by Management

REQUIRED SKILLS & COMPETENCIES

• Proficient in understanding interconnection agreements and requirements.
• Knowledge of test energy schedules and outage notification.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and timelines.
• Skilled in problem-solving and resolving conflicts during interconnection process.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering (Electrical, Civil, or related discipline) or equivalent level of experience. If no engineering degree, title would be modified.
• 2+years experience of the interconnection process

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Understanding of high-voltage, NERC/FERC standards, and IEEE standards
• Advanced degrees in Engineering, Project Management, or Business Administration are a plus.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification or equivalent is highly preferred.

WORK ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• This role involves heavy physical work, including lifting up to 100 pounds occasionally and up to 50 pounds regularly.

• The job requires standing, walking, using tools, and climbing or balancing as part of the daily tasks.

• Work performed outdoors with exposure to varying weather conditions

• Must wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) including hard hats, safety glasses, and fire-retardant clothing.

• Body Position: frequently remains standing and moving up to 90% of the time in a 8-10 hour workday

• if operating equipment, be able to enter and exit equipment up to 90% of the time in a 8-10 hour workday

• Move/Traverse: frequently bend, stand, stoop and/or walk

• Carry Weight: frequently carry weight and/or lift objects (light to heavy) weighing up to 50 pounds

• Stationary Position: frequently remains stationary up to 90% of the time and sitting up to 8 hours in a day

• Move/Traverse: infrequently bend, stand, stoop and/or walk

• Carry Weight: infrequently carry weight and/or lift objects (light to heavy) weighing up to 10 pounds

• Hearing and Speech: frequently communicates with the ability to hear and talk on a regular basis with employees, coworkers, and all personnel matters; must be able to exchange accurate information in these situations

• Sight: frequent use of sight to detect images on computer, office documents, and office objects near and far

• Climb: occasionally ascends/descends on stairway to get to office upper and lower floors

LOCATION