Manager, Grid Strategy & Interconnection

Smartsearchonline; Cerritos (CA); On-site; USD 149,000 - 185,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision

Retirement savings

Paid time off

Job summary

Smartsearchonline is hiring a Manager, Grid Strategy & Interconnection in Cerritos, CA to support the development of nationwide energy infrastructure projects, including battery storage, distributed generation, on-site power, and data center power infrastructure. The role requires 7+ years in grid interconnection and direct experience with major U.S.

grid operators, plus strong capability to translate technical findings into actionable development and commercial strategies.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in grid interconnection, utility coordination, power systems engineering, or energy infrastructure development.
• Direct experience working with utilities and major U.S. grid operators (CAISO, PJM, ERCOT, SPP, MISO).
• Experience negotiating and executing interconnection agreements.

Responsibilities

• Lead interconnection strategy and execution for utility-scale projects.
• Manage full interconnection lifecycle including applications, studies, and negotiations.
• Collaborate with utilities, engineering, legal, and commercial teams to align interconnection with milestones.

Skills

Grid interconnection

Utilities coordination

Power systems engineering

Strategic project development

Financial feasibility

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related field

Tools

Smartsheet

Sitetracker

Power systems software

Job description

Job Details

Renewable Energy

Manager, Grid Strategy & Interconnection Cerritos, CA Posted:10/8/2026

Job ID#: 86980

Job Category: Renewable Energy

Position Type: Direct

Duration: Direct

Shift: 1

Motive Workforce is hiring a Manager, Grid Strategy & Interconnection to support the development and expansion of energy infrastructure projects nationwide, including utility-scale battery energy storage, distributed generation, on-site power solutions, and data center infrastructure. We are looking for an experienced interconnection professional who combines strong technical expertise with strategic project development experience. This role goes beyond managing applications and utility studies. The right candidate can evaluate grid access opportunities, assess market conditions, navigate utility constraints, and develop interconnection strategies that support commercial and investment decisions. This position is ideal for a senior-level professional who has independently managed complex interconnection projects and understands both the engineering and business considerations involved in bringing energy infrastructure projects to market.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead interconnection strategy and execution for utility-scale battery storage, distributed energy resources, and on-site generation projects.
• Manage the full interconnection lifecycle, including site evaluation, queue positioning, applications, studies, and agreement negotiations.
• Evaluate grid capacity, transmission constraints, hosting capacity, network upgrade costs, and project feasibility.
• Review and interpret utility and ISO/RTO studies, including load flow, short circuit, stability, contingency, and deliverability analyses.
• Develop strategies to manage interconnection risks, optimize costs, and improve project schedules.
• Work directly with utilities and grid operators to address technical requirements and advance project approvals.
• Evaluate emerging market opportunities and recommend interconnection approaches based on technical and commercial considerations.
• Support interconnection planning for energy storage, distributed generation, and data center power infrastructure.
• Collaborate with engineering, development, legal, and commercial teams to align interconnection activities with project milestones.
• Present technical findings, project risks, and strategic recommendations to senior leadership.

Required Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in grid interconnection, utility coordination, power systems engineering, or energy infrastructure development.
• Direct experience working with utilities and major U.S. grid operators, including CAISO, PJM, ERCOT, SPP, or MISO.
• Strong technical understanding of interconnection studies, grid constraints, power system requirements, and utility processes.
• Experience evaluating energy project sites based on power availability, transmission constraints, and financial feasibility.
• Experience negotiating and executing interconnection agreements.
• Ability to translate technical interconnection findings into actionable project development and commercial strategies.
• Experience independently managing multiple interconnection projects with significant technical, financial, and scheduling considerations.
• Strong communication skills and experience working with utilities, engineering teams, developers, and executive stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Power Engineering, Energy Systems, or a related field.
• Experience across utility operations, power systems consulting, and renewable energy development.
• Experience with battery energy storage systems (BESS), distributed generation, or on-site power infrastructure.
• Background supporting interconnection strategy for renewable energy developers or independent power producers.
• Experience identifying attractive development markets and recommending project positioning strategies based on grid conditions.
• Exposure to hyperscale data centers, high-load customers, or transmission development.
• Familiarity with FERC regulations, ISO/RTO tariffs, cluster studies, and network upgrade cost allocation.
• Working knowledge of power system modeling and interconnection study tools.
• Experience managing external engineering consultants and technical service providers.
• Familiarity with project management tools such as Smartsheet or Sitetracker.

Compensation & Benefits

Base Salary: $148,800 – $185,000 annually

• Compensation will depend on experience, qualifications, and location. The position also offers bonus eligibility and a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, retirement savings, and paid time off.

Location

Multiple U.S. Locations, including CA, TX, CO, WA, OR, IL, NY, NJ, and FL

Pre-Employment Requirements

Employment offers are contingent upon successful completion of background verification. Additional pre-employment screening may apply based on position requirements.