Senior Utility Electrical Engineer

New Leaf Energy, Inc.; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 146,780 - 166,340; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental and vision benefits

401k plan with company match

Open paid time-off policy

Parental leave policy

Professional development assistance

Job summary

A clean energy development company is seeking a Senior Utility Electrical Engineer to evaluate distributed energy resource sites and provide engineering guidance for projects. The position offers a hybrid work environment based in Chicago with competitive compensation ranging from $146,780 to $166,340. Ideal candidates have extensive experience in renewable energy design and regulatory policy, along with a Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering. The role includes collaboration with internal and external stakeholders.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of relevant engineering experience.
• PE license preferred.
• Experience leading advocacy for DER policy.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate and provide feedback on utility impact studies.
• Manage technical aspects of the interconnection process.
• Provide training and guidance to the internal engineering team.
• Participate in different state-level technical policy working groups.

Skills

Renewable energy design

Regulatory policy writing

Interconnection tariff structures

Technical writing

Power systems modeling

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Master's degree (preferred)

Tools

SKM

Aspen

PSSe

Job description

New Leaf Energy is an experienced clean energy developer that partners with landowners, policymakers, and other stakeholders to accelerate the transition to a world powered by renewable energy. We identify high‑value sites, work with landowners and local communities to develop them, and partner with long‑term asset owners to bring the most impactful clean energy projects to life.

New Leaf Energy is seeking a Senior Utility Electrical Engineer to join our team. Our preference is that this position is based in Lowell or Boston, MA, but could be based out of our Oakland, Troy, or Chicago office for the right candidate. We value in‑person collaboration and offer a hybrid work environment. Hybrid employees work in the office at least two out of every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, and are free to work from the office or from home on other days.

In this role you will evaluate potential distributed energy resources (DER) sites, write regulatory policy, review proposed relaying and integration schemes, and provide engineering guidance for optimal project integration with the utility system.

Internally, you will work closely with stakeholders from the Interconnection, Policy, Project Development, and Development Engineering teams. Externally, you will serve as technical engineering lead when collaborating with utility engineers in a variety of service territories to design interconnection facilities and system modifications that enable the connection of parallel distributed generators while maintaining the safe and reliable operations of the distribution system. Additionally, you will need to develop a strong understanding of New Leaf Energy’s design philosophy, engineering standards, and their financial impact on projects.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate and provide actionable feedback on distribution‑ and ISO‑level utility impact studies regarding accuracy, required system upgrades, project design changes, and cost reasonability.
• Assist project developers in the evaluation of potential PV sites and provide estimates of interconnection costs.
• Review interconnection drawings and application packages for compliance with relevant utility standards and regulatory obligations.
• Manage technical aspects of the interconnection process at the project level.
• Provide training and guidance to the internal engineering team.
• Participate in internal process time and quality improvement initiatives.
• Actively participate in different state‑ and industry‑level technical policy working groups with the intent to advocate for policies and standards that facilitate New Leaf Energy's goals and mission.
• Attend field design meetings with relevant utility companies.
• Perform power systems modeling including coordination studies and effective grounding studies.
• Organize and manage external consultants to ensure timely and cost‑effective deliveries.

Desired Qualifications

• 5+ years of relevant engineering and technical policy experience including renewable energy design and interconnection tariff structures.
• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or similar; Masters degree preferred.
• PE license preferred.
• Strong technical writing, presentation, and communication skills, and the ability to provide concrete examples of those skills.
• Strong understanding of various technical standards that relate to the interconnection of DER, including but not limited to: IEEE 1547‑2018, IEEE 1547.1‑2020, IEEE 1453‑2015, IEEE C62.92.6, ANSI C84.1, IEEE 519‑1992, NEC‑Latest Edition.
• Strong understanding of distribution system impacts associated with the interconnection of DER, as well as the ability to leverage experience to develop creative solutions to solve issues associated with the impact of DER on the electric power system.
• Knowledge of the design of generating facilities.
• Experience leading advocacy for advancement in DER interconnection technical policy.
• Experience with power systems modeling software such as SKM, Aspen, or PSSe.
• Utility system planning experience.
• Expert understanding of project deadlines, milestones and urgencies.
• Ability to autonomously manage third‑party engineering firms to deliver on NLE deadlines (includes scoping, reviewing, and holding them accountable to NLE deadlines).
• Shows ability to develop and mentor less experienced engineers.

Compensation

New Leaf Energy compensates all employees in three ways: market‑competitive base salary, plus above‑market variable compensation, plus an equity‑like program such that all employees experience the benefits of ownership. Under our compensation framework, the likely base salary range for this position in the Chicago location is $146,780 – $166,340. The on‑target annual cash bonus associated with this position is an additional 20% percent of base salary. Your actual salary may be above, in, or below this range, depending on your location and experience.

Benefits and Culture

• Competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits, including medical, dental and vision.
• A 401k plan with immediate vesting and a company match (100% of the first three percent of your pay; 50% for the next two percent you contribute).
• An open and self‑managed paid time‑off policy.
• A hybrid work location policy that supports working from home for part of the week.
• A parental leave policy for both birthing and non‑birthing parents, available immediately upon hire.
• Professional development and education assistance.

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

New Leaf Energy values the diverse perspectives, skills, experiences, and contributions of all employees. We want all our employees to feel like they belong and are empowered to be their most authentic selves at work. We’re actively committed to fostering diversity and creating an inclusive environment not only within our own organization but also within the clean energy industry.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

New Leaf Energy provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, disability, genetics, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by state, federal and local laws. In addition to federal law requirements, New Leaf Energy complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. EEO M/F/D/V.