Project Engineer - Interconnection

Description

POSITION DESCRIPTION:

The Project Engineer – Interconnection is responsible for preparing the technical engineering documentation required to support utility interconnection applications for Qcells’ community solar and energy storage projects. This role works closely with the Greenfield and Brownfield Development teams to produce the preliminary electrical designs, site layouts, and supporting technical data required for submission to utilities and ISO/RTO interconnection processes.
The Project Engineer – Interconnection plays a critical role early in the project lifecycle by ensuring that interconnection applications are technically accurate, complete, and aligned with utility requirements, enabling projects to move efficiently through the interconnection queue.
This position collaborates closely with the Interconnection Specialist, who manages the application process and utility coordination. The role reports to the Director of Project Engineering, with a dotted-line relationship to the Interconnection Specialist.
Preference is given to candidates who hold a Professional Engineer (PE) license, allowing them to sign and seal interconnection engineering documents in key markets such as Illinois and New York.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Interconnection Engineering

• Prepare preliminary electrical engineering designs to support interconnection applications for solar PV and energy storage projects.
• Develop single-line diagrams, site electrical layouts, equipment configurations, and preliminary protection concepts required for utility submissions.
• Produce technical documentation required for interconnection applications, including load flow assumptions, system configuration descriptions, and equipment specifications.
• Ensure designs align with utility interconnection standards, state regulatory requirements, and ISO/RTO guidelines.
• Provide feedback on pre-construction project drawings to ensure they align with the corresponding utility.

Development Support

• Partner with Greenfield and Brownfield Development teams to evaluate potential interconnection points and project configurations.
• Support site feasibility assessments related to electrical interconnection.
• Provide early-stage engineering input on capacity constraints, voltage considerations, and equipment sizing.
• Assist Development teams in preparing utility application packages and supporting documentation.
• On occasion, lend additional support to interconnection feasibility reviews of projects in the acquisition pipeline.

Utility Coordination

• Work closely with the Interconnection Specialist to support the submission and management of interconnection applications.
• Respond to utility technical questions, study requests, and application deficiencies.
• Assist with engineering updates required during feasibility, system impact, and facilities studies.
• Participate in technical discussions with utilities regarding project interconnection requirements.

Engineering Governance

• Ensure all interconnection designs follow corporate engineering standards and utility design criteria.
• Document and store all interconnection related submissions, correspondence, and studies.
• Coordinate with external engineering consultants when required.
• Where the role holder is not a licensed PE, coordinate with consulting Professional Engineers for stamping and sealing of engineering documents.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Coordinate with Project Engineering, Development, and Construction teams to ensure interconnection assumptions align with project execution strategies.
• Provide engineering support during project handoff from Development to Execution.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or related engineering discipline.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license strongly preferred.
• Ability to obtain PE licensure in Illinois and New York preferred.
• 5 years of experience in power systems, renewable energy engineering, or utility interconnection.
• Experience supporting solar PV or energy storage projects preferred.
• Up to 10% travel required
• Familiarity with utility interconnection processes such as:
  • distribution interconnection
  • ISO/RTO queue processes
  • utility engineering review requirements
• Proficiency in developing:
  • single-line diagrams
  • electrical site layouts
  • interconnection drawings
• Understanding of:
  • utility protection requirements
  • distribution system interconnection
  • renewable generation electrical design
• Experience with engineering tools such as:
  • AutoCAD
  • ETAP, SKM, CYME, or similar power system modeling tools (preferred)

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Solar Industry experience (Renewable)
• Not requirements but good to have (optional)

Hanwha Q CELLS America Inc. (“HQCA”) is a Qcells company, one of the world’s largest manufacturers and providers of solar photovoltaic (PV) products and solutions. Headquartered in Irvine, California, HQCA has been rapidly expanding its business in North America through the expansion of products and solutions, including distributed energy solutions, direct-to-homeowner solar sales and financing, and EPC services. We provide an opportunity to be part of an exciting and growing world-class global business in an interesting and expanding industry of the future.

The salary range is required by the California Pay Transparency Act and may differ depending on the location of those candidates hired nationwide. Actual compensation is influenced by a wide array of factors including but not limited to, skill set, education, licenses and certifications, essential job duties and requirements, and the necessary experience relative to the job’s minimum qualifications.

• This target salary range is for CA positions only and should not be interpreted as an offer of compensation.

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