Transmission & Interconnection Manager - Central Region

RWE AG; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 158,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance

401(k) match

Education Assistance

Flexible Spending Accounts

Job summary

RWE AG is seeking a Transmission Manager to oversee a pipeline of energy projects in Chicago. You will manage the interconnection process, negotiate agreements, and collaborate closely with teams to ensure successful project execution.

The ideal candidate has at least 8 years of experience in energy markets, excellent negotiation skills, and strong project management abilities. The position involves significant travel and excellent benefits including health insurance and 401(k) match.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in energy markets and project management.
• Strong background in transmission planning or utility scale engineering.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to build relationships.

Responsibilities

• Manage a pipeline of gas, wind, solar, and battery energy projects.
• Negotiate large generator interconnection agreements.
• Drive creative problem solving with stakeholders.

Skills

Project management

Energy markets understanding

Negotiation

Analysis

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, STEM, business/economics

Advanced degree

Tools

Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook)

Transmission planning modeling software (TARA, PSS/e, PSLF)

Job description

RWE Americas, LLC

Location(s): Chicago, IL 60654; Austin, TX 78701

Transmission Manager

Functional Area: Project Management; Engineering; Process Management

Remuneration: Exempt

Role Responsibilities:

• Manage a pipeline of 10 GW plus of gas, wind, solar, battery energy generator interconnection along with load interconnection projects throughout the lifecycle of the ISO and transmission owner interconnection processes
• Work closely with RWE’s transmission analytics and development teams to shepherd projects through the interconnection process to achieve best cost and schedule, while tracking timelines, milestone requirements, and effectively communicating and managing project risks and opportunities
• Manage interconnection process including initial application submittals, major milestones, interconnection agreement negotiation, material modification packages, and interconnection management through project commercial operation date
• Manage interconnection milestone and financial tracking. Effectively forecasting and communicating project commitments and at risk amounts for portfolio projects
• Negotiate large generator interconnection agreements bringing together internal stakeholders to negotiate optimal schedules and terms for projects
• Attend transmission owner project management meetings representing RWE to ensure cost and schedule are being maintained
• Drive creative problem solving with transmission owners and ISOs bringing together internal RWE resources and stakeholders
• Assist Development, Energy Marketing, Commercial, Regulatory, Construction, Engineering, Operations, and Compliance teams with multiple aspects of project development, design, and operation
• Maintain comprehensive understanding of current and developing regulations within the different regional ISO/RTOs to create opportunities and mitigate obstacles for RWE
• Track and drive policy developments and opportunities to best capitalize on target markets, partners, and strategies
• Develop regional transmission and interconnection strategy for potential future opportunities such as new project interconnection, transmission service, and behind the meter arrangements
• Build visibility and the reputation of the company through conference attendance, publications, and social media

Job Requirements and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, STEM, business/economics, or relevant fields required
• Advanced degree is a plus
• A minimum of 8 years of experience and 5 years specialized in commercial and regulated energy markets, driving projects to completion, and interacting with various counterparties (project developers, IPPs, utilities, regulatory agencies, and others)
• Background in transmission planning or transmission utility scale engineering and project management or execution strongly preferred
• Experience with transmission planning analysis and software preferred
• Demonstrated track record of securing interconnection approvals for renewable energy projects in the United States across a mix of RSO/ITOs regions
• Broad experience within the utility/power development space, including:
• Securing interconnection rights, transmission capacity, federal, state and local regulatory approvals
• Navigating the RSO/ITO process to avoid obstacles and position RWE for approvals
• Transmission and commercial analysis including knowledge of load flow, transmission capacity, projected congestion with strategic insights to develop around findings
• Negotiating and closing projects in complex and sometimes adversarial environments
• Proven ability to successfully manage multiple projects simultaneously and a strong understanding of costs and activities necessary for a project cycle
• A thorough understanding of competitive and regulated wholesale and retail power markets and strong commercial acumen
• Excellent communication skills and ability to interact clearly and concisely with a variety of internal and external stakeholders
• Strong knowledge in key areas, including energy markets, prospecting, real estate development, interconnection, permitting, environmental, project engineering, construction management
• Exceptional project management skills
• Strong interpersonal skills, with ability to manage customer relationships
• Demonstrated desire to learn about the Company and the renewables space
• Excellent proficiency with Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook) and Teams
• Knowledge in use of transmission planning modeling software and analysis including TARA, PSS/e, and PSLF strongly preferred.
• Strong communication and ability to meet deadlines
• Strong organization skills and ability to coordinate multiple tasks and deliverables
• Ability to multi-task, while working independently and as part of a team
• Motivated self-starter, goal-oriented, and strong problem-solving abilities
• Proven ability to empathize, build relationships, and effectively communicate with people from a diverse set of backgrounds
• Responds well to direction, is easy to challenge and develop, and is coachable
• Is detail-oriented, has strong business acumen, and a sound understanding of business concepts
• This position is an office-based role with significant travel 20%+ and visits to other RWEA offices and field locations
• Must be able to sit, walk, or stand for long durations of time

Pay Range

The annual base salary range for this position in Illinois is $120,000 - $158,000.

Benefits offered

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Short-Term Disability, Long-Term Disability, 401(k) match, Flexible Spending Accounts, EAP, Education Assistance, Parental Leave, Paid time off, and Holidays. Eligible employees also participate in short-term incentives, in addition to salary.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. RWE Americas is unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of employment visas at this time.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other legally protected status.