Interconnection & Utility Services Specialist

Distributed Sun – Interconnection & Development Director DOE

Multi-technology sustainable energy infrastructure development

Location: DC Metro or Remote NY/PJM Area.

Distributed Sun (DSUN) develops, finances, and deploys solar, storage, and adjacent energy technologies with long-term contracted cash flows on behalf of creditworthy off-takers. Our leading community and utility-scale solar solutions enable enterprises, universities and other stakeholders to decarbonization electricity generation and investors to achieve best-in-class returns. We are launching a BESS initiative targeting scale through a variety of applications. Entrepreneurial and established, Distributed Sun is a market innovator working alongside industry leaders to build a distributed and resilient grid for an electrified world.

DSUN’s affiliate truCurrent is a microgrid, mobility, and virtual power company, which provides end-to-end energy transition services for Fortune 500 companies and other large enterprises. TruCurrent customers benefit from comprehensive planning ‘roadmap development’ using our analytical tools (TCO, GHG reduction analysis, charging optimization, site scoring tools etc.), policy & utility engagement, procurement, project development and execution of different asset classes (solar + storage, cold storage, fleet electrification including EVSE, VPP deployment, project financing, etc.).

Position Overview

This position will own the Interconnection Development Process from start to finish; at the forefront of the process as a key member of the Development team from initial site selection through the interconnection process. You’ll manage the interconnection process, evaluate cost estimates while looking for ways to reduce interconnect costs, optimizing workflows, and navigating regulatory requirements to ensure a high percentage of projects are connected at a commercially viable price.

We’re looking for someone who thrives at the intersection of technical expertise and business sensibilities. Your knowledge of interconnection standards, sharp business sense, project management skills, and understanding of the commercial aspects driving behavior of both the Utility/Transmission owner as well as economic constraints of projects.

The Project Development Manager will lead, execute, and report on interconnect project elements for renewable energy projects including community and large-scale assets in the Eastern United States. With provided resources and innate knowledge, the Project Development Manager will plan an execution strategy, organize resources around project inputs, and lead various stakeholders to a marketable energy infrastructure investment.

Responsibilities include management of interconnection process, vendors and investor relations. Internally, the position will interact with project finance, engineering, analytics, policy and senior management on the path to project delivery.

DSUN is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity. Employment decisions are made on the basis of qualifications, merit and business need. We encourage all qualified candidates to apply.

Responsibilities

· Project Development: proactively take responsibility for all Interconnect aspects of the development process for renewable energy projects, from initial feasibility studies and site selection through interconnection and construction. Ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and in compliance with regulatory requirements.

· Stakeholder Management: build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including utilities, ISO’s, regulatory team, vendors and Executive team. Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to overcome challenges.

· Risk Management: understand and isolate risks associated with project development, including regulatory, environmental, technical, and financial risks and communicate them clearly.

· Project Delivery: contribute to operational excellence in project delivery, focusing on quality and performing all work in accordance with best practice. Use and where able suggest and contribute to the creation or improvement of software, tools and processes to streamline project development workflows.

· Business Operations: support the operations of the business by maintaining accurate and timely records. Contribute to budgeting and planning elements for company forecasting and sales.

· Be a team player: participate in continually enhancing a culture of accountability, innovation, and collaboration.

Qualifications

· Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Business, Finance, or related field. Advanced degree preferred.

· Minimum of 10 years of experience in renewable energy project development at community or C&I scale preferred. Must have experience of solar PV & battery energy storage system experience, and other additional technologies a bonus.

· Professional Engineer License with experience doing single line drawings and experience stamping designs for use in interconnection documents.

· Proven track record of successfully contributing to the delivery of complex renewable energy projects, with involvement in all aspects of the development cycle from site selection to COD.

· Detailed understanding of renewable energy technologies, project finance, permitting processes, and regulatory frameworks. Familiarity with mapping tools useful. Understanding of real estate and energy project development documentation and documentation management and legal structuring welcomed.

· Demonstrated tenacity, resilience, and problem-solving ability to overcome challenges and produce results in a fast-paced environment.

· Experience doing technical studies, transmission system planning, reliability analysis (steady state, contingency analysis, short circuit, and dynamic stability), power system design, transfer capability analysis, and due diligence on behalf of utilities, regional transmission operators preferred.

· Excellent communication and relationship-building skills, with the ability to engage effectively with internal and external stakeholders at all levels.

· Excellent organizational skills and ability to prioritize.