Head of Interconnection
Washington DC Metro Area, Remote
About Lightshift Energy:
Founded at the beginning of 2019, Lightshift Energy (formerly Delorean Power) focuses on the development, design, financing, construction, ownership and operations of utility-scale energy storage projects in the US. Large-scale batteries allow our project partners to save costs, operate the grid more reliably, and balance variations in wind and solar production. Located in Arlington, VA, Lightshift Energy works with utilities and large electric consumers on sophisticated, value-maximizing approaches to energy storage and clean energy integration. Lightshift Energy’s leadership combines decades of clean energy expertise with a commitment to accelerating the shift to a sustainable energy future through storage.
Description of Role:
As the Head of Interconnection, you will be responsible for supporting Lightshift’s team on both interconnection strategy and tactics at the transmission and distribution level, but also overseeing interconnection studies, ensuring timely submission of interconnection applications, and seeing projects through the study process all the way through construction and commissioning. This is a highly important and interdisciplinary role for the company that will work independently but also in collaboration with the analytics, origination, development, engineering and construction teams. This role is the ideal growth opportunity for an ambitious self-starter looking to build a strong interconnection capability and fuel the growth of one of the most innovative companies in the space.
Core responsibilities and expertise may include, but not be limited to:
Strategic/Qualitative
Conduct quarterly (or more frequent) interconnection reviews as part of Lightshift leadership team and recommend new strategies
Stay abreast of interconnection policy reforms (state and federal) and update Leadership on material changes with implications to development and origination strategies
Be internal expert on interconnection processes for various markets, including cost, schedule, and strategic implications
Evaluate interconnection aspects for the purchase of development assets with existing IX positions
Management of existing interconnection queue positions/associated utility interactions
Management of new interconnection queue position applications/associated utility interactions
Host interconnection training sessions (as needed, company-wide and/or team specific)
Technical
Run power flow models and evaluate interconnection potential for Lightshift sites and/or coordinate with 3rd party contractors for the same
Create PSSE, PSCAD, ASPEN plant models to be used in interconnection applications and/or coordinate requests with 3rd party contractors for the same
Stay abreast of relevant technical requirements for different IX applications/markets and evaluate cost and schedule implications
Sensitize models based on analysis of contingent facilities and commercialization potential for other queued projects
Evaluate required substation upgrades-knowledge of timeline/procurement risk, required equipment, and spacing constraints
Knowledge of substation design for GSU/collector stations
General EE knowledge required for IX applications (Impedance, effective grounding, sequence currents, etc.)
Maintain knowledge of required protection and interconnection communications equipment
Coordinate interconnection design/construction with project construction and commissioning and analytics/finance
Stay abreast on inverter technology, relevant certifications, and technology change flexibility and all relevant certifications/grid codes
Diligence of third-party consulting support and software tools to improve Lightshift’s interconnection capabilities
Qualifications:
Bachelor’s Degree, Electrical Engineering or related
5+ years of professional experience
Preferred Skills:
Strong organizational, networking, leadership, and time management skills
Outstanding problem solving, strategic thinking, verbal and written communication skills
Strong technical acumen complemented by strategic view of the industry
Ability to work self-sufficiently and as a team member/leader
Ability to make decisions with limited information and when faced with uncertainty
Demonstrated ability to perform under significant time and pressure conditions
Knowledge of the electric utility industry, electric energy markets, and RTO and Utility interconnection processes
Location:
Strong preference for candidate to report to Lightshift’s Arlington, VA headquarters. We will consider remote employment for exceptionally qualified candidates.
Compensation & Benefits:
Base salary commensurate with experience and generous annual cash bonuses;
Full benefits package, including 401k, health/dental/vision insurance, paid vacation, paid sick leave, paid holidays, and short-term disability.