Director of Grid Strategy and Utility Planning

Socket.dev is hiring a Director of Grid Strategy and Utility Planning to lead efforts in utility transmission, distribution planning, and grid modernization. The role involves collaborating with utilities and internal teams to enhance hosting capacity for distributed solar and battery storage. Key responsibilities include developing proposals for grid modernization, analyzing infrastructure plans, and advancing pilot initiatives. The position is based in Asbury Park, NJ.
About UsSolar Landscape is the leading commercial rooftop solar developer in the U.S. Only 4% of commercial rooftops host solar today — we’re changing that, fast. Commercial rooftop solar is the fastest, smartest way to build new clean power — delivering megawatts of generation in months, not years, and powering America’s energy and future right where it’s needed most. By turning rooftops into local power plants, we’re reshaping how — and how fast — energy gets built in the U.S.

Recognized as the #1 Distributed Generation Developer by New Project Media, the #1 National Commercial Rooftop Solar Developer by Solar Power World, and winner of the U.S. Department of Energy’s Grand Prize for Clean Energy, Solar Landscape is defining the future of energy generation in America.

Headquartered in Asbury Park, New Jersey, Solar Landscape has offices in Chicago, Baltimore, and New York City and operates in over a dozen states nationwide.

We move fast, solve hard problems, and take our work seriously — but never ourselves. We value clear thinking, accountability, and execution. At the same time, we’re collaborative by default, and believe the best work happens when people enjoy working together. Our team is made up of smart, grounded people who show up for each other — whether that’s troubleshooting a system design or catching up over lunch.

If you’re looking to do meaningful work in a high-performance environment — and be part of the team reshaping how energy gets built in the U.S. — we’d love to meet you.

About The RoleSolar Landscape is building the next phase of distributed energy, and the grid needs to evolve to support it.

We are seeking a senior power systems professional with deep experience in utility transmission and distribution planning, grid modernization, and distributed energy resource integration to lead the company’s grid strategy efforts.

Reporting to the Director of Interconnection, this role will evaluate how utility planning frameworks, infrastructure investments, and evolving grid constraints affect distributed solar and battery energy storage deployment across U.S. markets. The position will work directly with utilities and internal teams to unlock hosting capacity, advance DER integration strategies, and develop pilot initiatives such as DERMS, dynamic hosting capacity, flexible interconnection, and non-wire alternatives.

Key ResponsibilitiesEngage utility planning and engineering teams to identify and advance opportunities to increase hosting capacity on constrained circuits.Build strong relationships across utility planning, asset management, engineering, operations, regulatory, and innovation teams.Develop technically credible, data-driven proposals that align distributed energy deployment with utility reliability and planning objectives.Identify, develop, and advance DERMS, dynamic hosting capacity, flexible interconnection, non-wire alternative, and other grid-modernization pilot opportunities.Analyze hosting-capacity maps, load forecasts, infrastructure plans, capital programs, and system-planning studies to inform market and siting strategy.Interpret integrated distribution plans, integrated resource plans, long-range transmission plans, and other utility planning filings.Monitor feeder and substation constraints, system-upgrade programs, load growth, electrification trends, and planned utility investments.Identify circuits and substations where targeted operational changes, grid technologies, or infrastructure investments could unlock additional DER capacity.Provide strategic guidance on integrating distributed solar and battery energy storage systems within utility distribution networks.Evaluate how operating requirements, export controls, tariffs, system limitations, and utility planning assumptions affect DER deployment.Support interpretation of feasibility studies, system-impact studies, facility studies, and related utility planning data.Provide input on point-of-interconnection strategy and system-integration considerations.Track emerging grid technologies, including ADMS, DERMS, advanced inverters, digital twins, VPPs, microgrids, and grid-enhancing technologies.Participate in utility working groups, regulatory forums, industry organizations, and technical conferences related to grid modernization and DER integration.Support development, interconnection, policy, and New Markets teams with early-stage grid intelligence and utility-planning insight.Translate utility planning information into clear recommendations for leadership and cross-functional teams.QualificationsBachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Power Systems, or a related field.10–20+ years of experience in electric utility planning, transmission or distribution engineering, grid modernization, or DER integration.Deep understanding of utility planning methodologies, system constraints, reliability, infrastructure development, and capital planning.Experience with distributed energy resources, renewable energy, battery energy storage, or advanced grid technologies.Strong familiarity with utility planning studies, hosting-capacity analysis, interconnection impacts, and grid-modernization initiatives.Demonstrated ability to influence utility stakeholders and advance new technical or operational approaches.Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to translate complex grid issues into actionable business recommendations.Experience within a major electric utility, ISO/RTO, grid consulting firm, or adjacent energy organization strongly preferred.Familiarity with PJM, NYISO, CAISO, ERCOT, MISO, or other major U.S. power markets preferred.Experience advancing DERMS, dynamic hosting capacity, flexible interconnection, non-wire alternatives, or related pilots preferred.Professional Engineer license or an advanced degree in power systems, energy policy, or a related discipline preferred.Benefits and PerksWe offer competitive compensation and benefits designed to support you inside and outside of work:

Training / Professional development opportunities401(k) with 4% company matchSummer FridaysFlexible remote/hybrid work optionsPaid parental leaveTeam lunches, events, and stocked kitchensModern, collaborative office spaces in Asbury Park, New York City, Boston, Chicago, and BaltimoreMedical, dental and vision coverageCompany-paid life and long-term disability insuranceADA Accommodation StatementSolar Landscape is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants and employees with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in the application or interview process, please contact us at hr@solarlandscape.com.