Principal Engineer, Transmission & Interconnection - Hybrid

Avantus; San Diego (CA); Hybrid; USD 138,089 - 178,704; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) matching

Medical and dental plan

Flexible PTO

Job summary

Avantus in San Diego, CA, seeks a Principal Engineer, Transmission & Interconnection to lead interconnection strategy for utility-scale solar and storage projects. You will guide studies, engage with utilities and ISOs, and drive interconnection milestones across markets.

The role requires deep CAISO/WECC tariff knowledge, 10+ years in interconnection or transmission planning, and strong collaboration with cross-functional teams.

Qualifications

• Ten years minimum in interconnection, project development, or transmission planning.
• Deep understanding of CAISO and WECC tariffs and processes.
• Ability to work autonomously in a dynamic pace and manage multiple projects.
• Ability to communicate clearly to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Experience negotiating interconnection agreements and PPA documents.
• Experience building relationships with utilities, ISO/RTOs, and regulators.
• Proficiency in Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Adobe Acrobat, and Google Earth.
• Preferred: PSLF, PSSE, TARA, UPLAN, PSCAD, ASPEN, PowerWorld, AutoCAD.
• Preferred: Bachelor/Master’s in Electric Power Systems Engineering or MBA.
• Fluent in PSLF, PSSE, TARA, UPLAN (PROMOD).
• ISO/RTO knowledge is negotiable.

Responsibilities

• Lead interconnection processes from inception to Commercial Operation.
• Perform power flow, stability, short circuit studies using PSLF, PSS/E, PowerWorld, and other tools.
• Evaluate tariffs, costs, timelines, queue, and processes across markets.
• Coordinate interconnection applications, studies, agreements, and milestones.
• Negotiate study results and interconnection agreements with utilities.
• Lead communication and track interconnection progress with utilities/ISOs.
• Identify optimal interconnection locations using cross-functional criteria.
• Track tariff changes and key transmission upgrades in target markets.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams across Development, Origination, Finance, Legal, and Operations.

Skills

Interconnection expertise

Transmission planning

Relationship building

Autonomous work

Microsoft Office

Education

Bachelor’s in Electric Power Systems

MBA

Tools

PSLF

PSSE

PSCAD

PowerWorld

AutoCAD

UPLAN

PROMOD

Job description

Avantus in San Diego, CA, seeks a Principal Engineer, Transmission & Interconnection to lead interconnection strategy for utility-scale solar and storage projects. You will guide studies, engage with utilities and ISOs, and drive interconnection milestones across markets.

The role requires deep CAISO/WECC tariff knowledge, 10+ years in interconnection or transmission planning, and strong collaboration with cross-functional teams.