Senior Interconnection Manager

Company Description

Apex Clean Energy was founded with a singular focus: to accelerate the shift to clean energy. Through origination, construction, and operation of utility-scale wind, solar, and storage facilities, distributed energy resources, and green fuel technologies, Apex is expanding the renewable frontier across North America. Our mission-driven team of more than 400 professionals uses a data-focused approach and an unrivaled portfolio of projects to create solutions for the world’s most innovative and forward-thinking customers. For more information about how Apex is building the energy company of the future, visit apexcleanenergy.com.

Apex strives to excel in every phase of project realization, from origination and financing to construction and asset management. Our mission-driven team seeks determined, resolute individuals who strive to innovate and go above the call of duty, and who will relentlessly do their part to help accelerate the shift to America’s clean energy future. 

Job Description

Apex Clean Energy is seeking a Senior Interconnection Manager to join its Transmission Department. Reporting to the Senior Director of Transmission & Interconnection and working closely with a small team of Interconnection Managers, the Senior Interconnection Manager will lead, manage, and supervise a subset of Apex queue projects across multiple ISOs. This new position will be directly responsible for maturing certain mid- to late-stage projects in support of NTP and COD milestones, while simultaneously expanding our pipeline of clean energy projects through new filings.

This position requires an in-depth understanding of interconnection rules and procedures across most major ISOs (MISO, PJM, ERCOT, SPP, NYISO) and may be asked to support projects in non-RTO regions such as WECC and SERC. Identifying, quantifying, and mitigating risks within grid interconnection will be key attributes to be successful in this role.

The ideal candidate for this role should have at least 5 years of experience in resource integration, and at least 3 years having managed utility-scale renewable portfolios in some major ISOs. They should demonstrate an acute understanding of the intersection of interconnection with other functional areas (project development, finance, construction, and legal) involved in the execution of a project from origination to operation. Though this position does not require an in-depth knowledge of transmission planning, a fundamental understanding of transmission planning rules and energy markets is desirable. Additionally, we seek candidates who can work well with a small team and exhibit eagerness to learn and support project tasks wherever needed. A successful Senior Interconnection Manager requires excellent organization and critical thinking skills as well as the ability to effectively communicate complex engineering and policy concepts to internal and external stakeholders and to senior management.

Hours/Type: Full Time, Exempt

Department: Transmission

Travel: 5%

Qualifications

Primary Responsibilities:

• Oversee, lead, and effectively manage a portfolio of utility-scale projects across multiple ISOs (ERCOT, MISO, PJM, SPP, NYISO)
• Execute required grid integration tasks in support of portfolio and project level targets and to proceed through critical interconnection gates and decision points
• Submit new queue projects, review & translate results of interconnection studies, and effectively manage engineering consultants
• Identify upcoming challenges, implement corrective action plans, and mitigate risks by demonstrating a strong sense of ownership and ability to solve complex problems
• Serve as a trusted subject matter expert on interconnection displaying proficiency in all aspects of its intersection with the typical project development life cycle
• Create and manage detailed financial forecasts and provide strategic guidance and direction on interconnection finances to Development, Corporate Finance, and Project Finance departments
• Lead the strategic and efficient pursuit and management of project contracts, interconnection agreements, and associated negotiations
• Represent our projects and interconnection subject matter expertise in front of institutional investors, banks, and prospective equity partners or buyers
• Foster and maintain relationships with key policy and technical stakeholders at RTOs, Utilities, Trade Organizations, and Engineering Consultants

Success Profile:

To succeed as a Senior Interconnection Manager at Apex Clean Energy, you’ll need to excel within the following criteria:

• 5+ years of experience working in resource integration with at least 3 years managing utility-scale renewable portfolios
• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, policy, project management, or related field. Master’s/PhD with a focus on power systems is a plus
• Proven track record of managing projects, negotiating contracts, and addressing challenges from early interconnection through financial close & commercial operation
• Proficient and confident when communicating complex grid fundamentals among technical and non-technical personnel, both internally and externally
• Excellent time management and organizational skills with a solutions-oriented mindset
• Possess a strong sense of self and unafraid of tackling and resolving unforeseen risks
• Understands Apex’s vision and core values and carries themself to uphold those values
• Team player with a strong work ethic and able to switch between active collaboration and self-work
• Exhibits high attention to detail and is an active learner
• Passionate about renewable energy
• Remote in a suitable work from home office environment; strong preference will be given to candidates willing to relocate to and work from our Headquarters in Charlottesville, VA
• Willing and able to travel as and when required for projects or for company & team events

At Apex Clean Energy, we believe that diverse perspectives drive innovation and success. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where all individuals feel valued and empowered. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply, even if you do not meet every qualification listed in the job description. Your unique experiences and skills could be the perfect fit for our team!

If you are passionate about renewable energy and want to join us in accelerating the shift to clean energy, we would love to hear from you. Please submit your application for our team’s review!

Additional Information

Work Environment:

Works primarily traditional office hours in an indoor office environment. Flexible work hours allowed when work duties and business operations permit.

How You’ll Grow

At Apex Clean Energy, our professional development plans focus on helping people at every level of their career to identify and use their strengths to do their best work every day. From entry-level employees to senior leaders, we believe there’s always room to learn. We offer opportunities to help sharpen skills in addition to hands-on experience in the dynamic, fast-paced renewable energy industry. From on-the-job learning experiences to a robust multi-week onboarding experience to formal development programs, our professionals have a variety of opportunities to continue to grow throughout their career.

What Apex Can Offer You

At Apex Clean Energy, we know that great people make a great company. We value our people and offer employees a broad, best-in-class range of benefits.

• A mission-driven, energetic environment that supports and encourages our people to do their best work every day.
• A respect for and celebration of individuality, differences, and uniqueness
• Collaborative and driven professional workforce committed to supporting your ideas and feedback and accelerating your potential
• Ongoing support and guidance such as on-the-job learning, hands-on experience, and mentorship
• Training, strategies, and tools to support your personal and professional growth
• Team atmosphere of diverse professionals committed to making an impact as an organization
• Opportunities to volunteer and give back to our local communities
• Exceptional benefits such as medical and dental; 401(k) with corporate match
• Base and bonus commensurate with experience
• Responsible Paid Time Off plus standard company holidays
• Benefits Offered: comprehensive high-deductible health plans, dental and vision insurance plans, short-term and long-term disability, group life insurance, 401(k) corporate matching, flexible spending arrangements, company paid parking and cell phone, fitness and wellness corporate discounts

Apex Clean Energy, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer that recruits and hires qualified candidates without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, disability, or veteran status.