Manager, Transmission Strategy (PJM)

2 days ago
Full time role
In-person · Glen Allen, VA, US... more

Are you ready to be part of a company that's not just talking about the future, but actively shaping it? Join The AES Corporation (NYSE: AES), a Fortune 500 company that's leading the charge in the global energy revolution. With operations spanning 14 countries, AES is committed to shaping a future through innovation and collaboration. Our dedication to innovation has earned us recognition as one of the Top Ten Best Workplaces for Innovators by Fast Company in 2022. And with our certification as a Great Place to Work, you can be confident that you're joining a company that values its people just as much as its groundbreaking ideas.

AES is proudly ranked #1 globally in renewable energy sales to corporations, and with $12.7B in revenues in 2023, we have the resources and expertise to make a significant impact as we provide electricity to 25 million customers worldwide. As the world moves towards a net-zero future, AES is committed to meeting the Paris Agreement's goals by 2050. Our innovative solutions, such as 24/7 carbon-free energy for data centers, are setting the pace for rapid, global decarbonization.

If you're ready to be part of a company that's not just adapting to change, but driving it, AES is the place for you. We're not just building a cleaner, more sustainable future - we're powering it. Apply now and energize your career with a true leader in the global energy transformation.

AES Clean Energy (“AES CE”), a subsidiary of The AES Corporation global company, specializes in developing, owning, and operating utility scale projects such as PV solar, PV solar combined with battery energy storage systems (BESS), stand-alone battery energy storage and wind generation. AES CE currently has more than 3,500 MW of solar, wind and storage projects in operation in the U.S., with an additional 500+ MW in construction and 4,000+ MW contracted or in development.

With a business goal to grow our operating portfolio to 20,000+ MW by 2025, and a development pipeline to support achieving that goal, now is an amazing time to join the AES CE team as it continues its exponential growth.

The Position

AES Clean Energy is recruiting for the position of Manager within the Transmission Strategy department. The Transmission Strategy department is responsible for performing transmission system analysis to steer AES Clean Energy greenfield prospecting efforts and support the interconnection for our large utility-scale project portfolio.  This is an outstanding opportunity for individual who is passionate about renewable energy and seeking high-growth work environment.  The Transmission Strategy department actively tracks and analyzes transmission systems not just as they exist today, but how they will exist in the future. The department is instrumental in the strategic siting efforts of the entire development platform. The position will be responsible to set up and run a variety of innovative, automated power flow studies using power flow and coding software. As an internal power flow study expert, this position will work with internal Strategic Development team, and external entities including Transmission Owners, ISO/RTO to review, analyze and replicate generator interconnection study results.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities:

The position will both lead and support as needed by internal stakeholders leading to the successful execution of both new and acquired projects across the United States. Some travel will be required (~10%).

  • Manage and mentor direct reports.
  • Analyze transmission grid to identify new opportunities for interconnecting renewable energy projects (i.e. solar, storage, wind).
  • Spearhead power flow analysis such as First Contingency Incremental Transfer Capability (FCITC), injection analysis, replicating key market and region deliverability studies.
  • Ability to set up and conduct automated power flow analysis using Python, or other scripting languages to expedite the analysis process.
  • Perform injection studies to identify the optimal interconnection locations for the placement of generator resources across the targeted study/focus region.
  • Actively track and participate in regions Transmission Planning Process, and advocate for AES clean energy portfolio to be included in Long Term Planning process.
  • Obtain, update, and maintain regional power flow base cases with changes in resource mix and transmission topology based on ISO/RTO regional plans.
  • Remain up to date on all relevant new and upcoming technologies and knowledge to model them as per regions generator interconnection study criteria.
  • Perform network upgrade cost estimate allocation for the proposed projects, based upon applicable tariff.
  • Verify and challenge study results. Perform multiple scenario sensitivity analysis based on future queue projections and retirements.
  • Perform study review and provide technical insight and decision on acquisition generator projects.  
  • Strong knowledge of market efficiency analysis and identifying least congestion transmission points in the grid for delivery of power for PPA.
  • Understand and gain proficiency in Transmission Providers’ tariff, business practices, interconnection standards, interconnection study practices, cost allocation methodologies, transmission planning standards, and transmission system performance evaluation criteria. Possess an understanding of regional transmission plans and operational practices.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • BS in Electrical Engineering or related field.
  • 5 years of working experience in renewable or traditional energy development, or transmission planning with an emphasis on generator interconnection studies.
  • Proficiency in power flow software (TARA, PSS/E).
  • Ability to automate generator interconnection studies on an interconnection wide basis.
  • Extensive knowledge of PJM Regional Transmission Expansion Plan (RTEP), Long Term Transmission Planning Process and modeling methodology.
  • Extensive knowledge of PJM Generator Interconnection study methodology.

Desired Skills and Expertise:

  • MS in Electrical Engineering or related field.
  • Familiarity with transmission systems and expansion plans, and generator interconnection study methodologies in MISO, NYISO and other affected systems.
  • Strong organizational skills and ability to prioritize and manage several projects simultaneously to meet project schedules.

AES is an Equal Opportunity Employer who is committed to building strength and delivering long-term sustainability through diversity and inclusion. Respecting all backgrounds, differences and perspectives enables us to improve the lives of our people, customers, suppliers, contractors, and the communities in which we live and work. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity and/or expression, race, national origin, ethnicity, age, religion, marital status, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical condition, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law. E-Verify Notice: AES will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) with information from each new employee's I-9 to confirm work authorization.