Interconnection Intern

Job Description: Interconnection Intern

Reports to:  Director of Interconnection

OCI Energy is an industry leading developer, owner, and operator of utility-scale solar and battery projects within the ERCOT market. With a rapidly expanding portfolio of projects in MISO and other key North American markets, we are seeking a highly motivated Interconnection Intern to join our dynamic team. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to our organization’s growth while gaining hands-on experience in cutting-edge renewable energy projects.

JOB SUMMARY:

As an Interconnection Intern reporting to the Director of Interconnection, you will play a crucial role in the full lifecycle of utility-scale solar and battery projects. Your responsibilities will encompass all aspects of the interconnection process, including site selection, managing interconnection applications, and performing power flow studies. You will also review the design, specification, scheduling, testing, and commissioning of projects.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Track, manage, and support the company’s project portfolio across all phases of the project’s lifecycle, ensuring effective communication with TSPs, ISOs, internal teams, consultants, and other stakeholders regarding interconnection studies, applications, tests, and other project needs.
• Conduct power flow modeling, interconnection analyses, and utility coordination to identify optimal locations and sizes of future projects.
• Assist with the review of interconnection agreements, including technical exhibits and specifications.
• Oversee preliminary design and development of single-line diagrams for interconnections.
• Develop schedules and milestones in coordination with the master project schedule and EPC timelines.
• Monitor engineering, procurement, and construction of interconnection facilities that are performed by contractors or utilities, and coordinate related calls.
• Attend ISO meetings and provide updates on projects or changes that may affect the project pipeline.
• Assist in the registration of generators with utilities, RTO/ISOs and other regulatory agencies.
• Support ISO, NERC, FERC, and other regional compliance efforts.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering with a focus in power systems or computer engineering.
• Strong problem-solving skills, a detail-oriented mindset, and the ability to think strategically.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage time effectively and prioritize tasks to meet project deadlines.
• A self-starter with the capacity to work independently and deliver on key objectives.
• Experience with PowerWorld, PSSE, PLEXOS, or other power flow and PCM software is preferred.
• Programming experience, particularly with Python, is preferred.
• Familiarity with interconnection processes, particularly within the ERCOT or MISO markets, is preferred.
• Knowledge of technical concepts such as reliability, stability, congestion, curtailment, LMPs, etc. is preferred.
• Substation design experience is preferred.
• Familiarity with ISOs/RTOs, TSPs, Developers, and other market participants is preferred.
• Knowledge of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) is preferred.