Sr. Associate, Transmission Network Analytics

Leeward Renewable Energy is hiring a Senior Associate, Transmission Network Analytics in Chicago, IL. The role involves conducting interconnection feasibility studies, evaluating renewable energy project locations, and collaborating with stakeholders on transmission standards and studies. Candidates should possess strong communication skills, attention to detail, and a passion for renewable energy. The position supports strategic planning and requires expertise in transmission analysis and project development.
LRE (Leeward Renewable Energy) is forging an American energy future with integrity, innovation, and positive impact. Born in Texas in 2003, we own and operate over 30 utility-scale wind, solar, and energy storage projects in local communities across the United States, totaling 4 gigawatts (GW) of generating capacity.

LRE continues to help meet increased U.S. energy demand through our robust pipeline of new projects every year. Domestic jobs and manufacturing are fundamental to our full-lifecycle approach to projects, along with a long-term ownership model and a company culture dedicated to our community partners and protecting the natural environment.

Job Summary:

The Senior Associate, Transmission Network Analytics (P3) acts as a technical expert in interconnection feasibility studies and network upgrade cost estimate activities through the full life cycle of project development. He or she will assist the team in evaluating acquisition opportunities, determine optimal locations for the placement of renewable energy projects, verify and challenge interconnection study results and negotiate to reach reasonable resolutions with ISOs and Transmission Providers.

The Senior Associate will work with internal and external stakeholders to review and evaluate interconnection standards and study practices, transmission siting feasibility, system impact studies, facility studies, and Generator Interconnection Agreements (GIAs).

This position requires excellent communication and collaboration skills as well as the ability to work well under pressure, multi-task, and shift priorities on the go. The successful candidate will be well organized, comfortable in a dynamic environment, have strong attention to detail, and can synthesize and conceptualize complex ideas. A passion for renewable energy is a plus.

Essential Functions:



Support the Transmission Group with the development strategic and tactical plans. Provide advice and recommendations about critical transmission issues related to potential commercial power transactions, planning issues and/or real-time operational issues. Independently perform and lead transmission powerflow, deliverability, and interconnection studies with limited oversight to support project development, siting, and interconnection strategy, including:Identify potential network upgrades and costs for queue projectsDuplicate and Shadow Study RTO/ISO/TO interconnection analysis to validate process, identify potential interconnection issues, inform on stay/withdraw decisions or capacity reductions based on anticipated network upgrade costs. Assist developers in renewable energy site selection activities and alternatives analysisSupport existing operational facilities for transmission related issuesReview interconnection studies to understand impacts on project cost, schedule, and operational characteristics to ensure they are reasonable and timelySupport commercial transaction due-diligence by supplying expert transmission analysisRepresent Leeward and maintain productive relationships with assigned utilities, ISOs, industry groups, regulators and other stakeholders in assigned geographic areas on issues related to transmission and interconnection. Participate in stakeholder forums to understand industry concerns and direction with respect to grid connected renewable resources and provide leadership in such forums on issues related to development of Leeward projects. Support Government Affairs in the development of renewable resource policiesAssist and support Transmission Interconnection and Market Staff as neededPrepare and submit interconnection requestsCoordinate with external consultants supporting Leeward’s effortOversee utility interconnection studies so they are reasonable and timelyNegotiate utility interconnection agreements, affected system agreements and engineering and procurement agreementsDevelop and negotiate business arrangements to remove obstacles to project interconnections and reduce interconnection costs



Qualifications:

4-6+ years minimum experience in transmission planning and generation interconnection related activities using TARA, PSS/E, PSLF or similar softwareProficient in transmission system planning, transmission construction and operation topics. Knowledge of generation interconnection process, interconnection tariffs and electrical standards and requirements. Ability to establish strong working relationships with utilities, ISOs and industry representatives. Proficient in public speaking, presentation skills, explaining complex technical topics and writing of technical reports. Strong collaboration and problem-solving skills, capable of applying advanced engineering principles to identify and solve complex issues. Outstanding project and people management skills. Proficient use of all Microsoft Office suite programs



LRE considers several factors when determining compensation, including a candidate’s education, training, and experience. In compliance with the Illinois Equal Pay Act, the salary range for the Sr. Associate, Transmission Networks Analytics is $100,000 to $140,000 annually. Compensation is set within the range based on each candidate’s background, with the potential to grow as responsibilities and experience increase. This position also includes a comprehensive benefits package, including a 401(k)-retirement plan, health, dental, vision, and life insurance. For a complete overview of our benefits, please visit: https://www.lreus.com/about-us/careers/

Please Note: This is an in-office role, requiring on site presence in our office a minimum of three days per week with hybrid flexibility of working remotely two days per week, subject to manager and policy approval.



Physical Demands:

This position will travel 20% of timePosition will require sitting for long periods of time as well as occasionally lifting up to twenty-pound boxes.



Applicants must have current authorization to work for any employer in the United States on a full-time basis without the need for an employment visa now or in the future. Employer visa sponsorship is not available for this role.

Leeward Management Services, LLC is committed to employing a diverse workforce and provides equal employment opportunity for all individuals regardless of race, color, gender, age, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a protected veteran, genetic information, status as a qualified individual with a disability, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Notice to Recruiters and Staffing Agencies: Leeward Renewable Energy (LRE) does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiting vendors or employment agencies. Only recruiting vendors with a current, signed agreement in place with LRE are authorized to submit resumes for specific, requested positions. All unsolicited resumes and candidate profiles submitted to LRE, or any LRE employee, without an active agreement or written request from LRE’s HR Department, will be considered property of LRE. LRE will not be responsible for any fees or expenses associated with unsolicited resumes or candidates submitted in this manner.