Interconnection Management, Senior Manager

Leeward Renewable Energy; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 149,000 - 209,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading renewable energy firm in Chicago seeks a Senior Manager for interconnection management to oversee wind, solar, and energy storage projects. The candidate should have 8-10 years of experience in transmission planning, strong stakeholder management skills, and proficiency in power system modeling tools. This role includes engaging with regulatory bodies and managing project lifecycles. A competitive salary range of $149,000 - $209,000 annually is offered along with comprehensive benefits.

Benefits

401(k) retirement plan

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

Qualifications

• 8-10+ years in transmission planning, generation interconnection, or power systems engineering.
• Experience with ISO/RTO processes and utility transmission planning.
• Proficiency in power system modeling tools.

Responsibilities

• Review and analyze interconnection studies for feasibility and impacts.
• Manage interconnection projects through the full lifecycle.
• Represent the company in regulatory proceedings and discussions.

Skills

Transmission planning

Interconnection processes

Stakeholder management

Public speaking

Education

8-10+ years in power systems engineering

Experience with ISO/RTO processes

Tools

TARA

PSS/E

PSLF

Job description

Interconnection Management, Senior Manager

Interconnection leadership for renewable energy projects, with ownership across wind, solar, and energy storage. LRE owns and operates multiple projects nationwide and aims for 10 GW of operating assets by 2028. This role leads interconnection activities across the full project lifecycle, from site identification to execution and operations, and involves engagement with utilities, ISOs/RTOs, and regulatory bodies.

Overview

The Lead Generation Interconnection identifies optimal project locations, prepares and manages generation interconnection applications, reviews and challenges interconnection study results, and negotiates agreements with utilities and RTOs. The role collaborates with development, engineering, construction, and commercial teams to ensure seamless transition of interconnection requirements from development through operations. Strong technical expertise in interconnection processes, grid integration, and transmission planning is required, along with the ability to assess network upgrade costs, congestion risks, and interconnection feasibility. The position also involves advocacy in stakeholder forums and tracking policy changes affecting interconnection strategy.

Responsibilities

• Review & analyze interconnection studies to assess project feasibility, cost, and schedule impacts.
• Support strategic decision-making for interconnection projects, advising on cost allocation, congestion risks, and mitigation strategies.
• Manage interconnection projects through the full lifecycle, collaborating with development, regulatory, commercial, and operations teams.
• Provide interconnection expertise for M&A, due diligence, project acquisitions, and financing.
• Represent the company in stakeholder forums, regulatory proceedings, and interconnection policy discussions with ISOs/RTOs and utilities.
• Track & influence transmission policy changes, supporting Government Affairs in interconnection advocacy.
• Ensure technical compliance with grid codes, interconnection requirements, and transmission system planning.
• Engage in continuous learning, staying informed on ISO/RTO queue reform, transmission upgrades, hybrid/storage integration, and industry best practices.
• Lead and mentor junior staff.

Qualifications

• Education & Experience: 8-10+ years in transmission planning, generation interconnection, or power systems engineering.
• Experience with ISO/RTO processes, utility transmission planning, and power flow analysis.
• Preferred experience in CAISO and the WECC region with knowledge of regional interconnection processes.
• Technical Expertise: Proficiency in TARA, PSS/E, PSLF, or similar power system modeling tools (PSCAD a plus); strong understanding of load flow, stability, short-circuit studies, and interconnection cost analysis; familiarity with FERC, NERC standards, interconnection agreements, and regulatory policies.
• Project & Stakeholder Management: Ability to manage multiple interconnection projects efficiently; strong relationships with utilities, ISOs/RTOs, regulatory agencies, and industry groups; experience advocating in stakeholder forums and regulatory proceedings.
• Leadership & Communication: Clear, effective communicator with public speaking, technical writing, and presentation skills; strong problem-solving and analytical abilities; collaborative, strategic thinker; ability to lead and mentor staff.
• Physical Demands: Travel required up to 20% of the time; ability to sit for long periods and occasionally lift up to twenty pounds.

Salary & Benefits

LRE considers several factors when determining compensation, including education, training, and experience. Salary range: $149,000 - $209,000 annually. Compensation is based on background, with potential to grow with responsibilities and experience. Benefits include a 401(k) retirement plan, health, dental, vision, and life insurance. For a complete overview, visit: https://www.lreus.com/about-us/careers/

Equal Opportunity

Leeward Management Services, LLC is committed to employing a diverse workforce and provides equal employment opportunity for all individuals regardless of race, color, gender, age, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a protected veteran, genetic information, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Notice to Recruiters

Leeward Renewable Energy does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiting vendors or employment agencies. Only recruiting vendors with a current, signed agreement in place with LRE are authorized to submit resumes for specific, requested positions. All unsolicited resumes submitted without an active agreement or written request will be considered the property of LRE.