📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Lead Generation Interconnection
🔹 Company: Leeward Renewable Energy
🔹 Location: Chicago, IL (Hybrid)
🔹 Job Type: Full-Time
🔹 Category: Energy & Utilities
🔹 Date Posted: July 29, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 10+ years
🔹 Remote Status: Hybrid (20% travel)
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Managing interconnection activities across the full lifecycle of renewable energy projects
- Collaborating with development, engineering, construction, and commercial teams
- Assessing network upgrade costs, congestion risks, and interconnection feasibility
- Advocating in stakeholder forums and regulatory proceedings
- Mentoring junior staff and driving interconnection strategies
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of technical expertise and experience in interconnection processes, transmission planning, and grid integration. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of ISO/RTO processes and utility transmission planning.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Review and analyze interconnection studies to assess project feasibility, cost, and schedule impacts
✅ Support strategic decision-making for interconnection projects, advising on cost allocation, congestion risks, and mitigation strategies
✅ Manage interconnection projects through the full lifecycle, collaborating with various teams
✅ Provide interconnection expertise for M&A, due diligence, project acquisitions, and financing
✅ Represent the company in stakeholder forums, regulatory proceedings, and interconnection policy discussions with ISOs/RTOs and utilities
✅ Track and influence transmission policy changes, supporting Government Affairs in interconnection advocacy
✅ Ensure technical compliance with grid codes, interconnection requirements, and transmission system planning
✅ Engage in continuous learning, staying informed on ISO/RTO queue reform, transmission upgrades, hybrid/storage integration, and industry best practices
✅ Lead and mentor junior staff
ASSUMPTION: This role requires strong project management skills, exceptional communication, stakeholder management, and problem-solving skills. The ideal candidate will thrive under pressure and be passionate about advancing renewable energy.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education & Experience: 8-10+ years in transmission planning, generation interconnection, or power systems engineering
Technical Expertise:
- Proficiency in TARA, PSS/E, PSLF, or similar power system modeling tools (PSCAD a plus)
- Strong understanding of load flow, stability, short-circuit studies, and interconnection cost analysis
- Familiarity with FERC, NERC standards, interconnection agreements, and regulatory policies
Project & Stakeholder Management:
- Ability to manage multiple interconnection projects efficiently and effectively
- Strong relationships with utilities, ISOs/RTOs, regulatory agencies, and industry groups
- Experience advocating in stakeholder forums and regulatory proceedings
Leadership & Communication:
- Clear, effective communicator with strong public speaking, technical writing, and presentation skills
- Proven problem-solving and analytical skills to resolve interconnection challenges
- Collaborative, strategic thinker who can drive interconnection strategies and project execution
- Desire to lead and mentor staff
ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate will have experience with CAISO and the WECC region, with knowledge of regional interconnection processes.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $120,000 - $160,000 per year (Based on industry standards for a senior-level role in renewable energy with 8-10 years of experience)
Benefits:
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k) with company match
- Paid time off (vacation, sick, and holidays)
- Employee assistance program
- Tuition reimbursement
- Professional development opportunities
Working Hours: Full-time (40 hours per week) with flexible scheduling and remote work options
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for similar roles. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as experience, skills, and market conditions.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Electric Power Generation
Company Size: 201-500 employees (Mid-sized company with a collaborative and innovative culture)
Founded: 2003 (Headquarters in Dallas, Texas)
Company Description:
- Leeward Renewable Energy (LRE) is a leading renewable energy company with wind, solar, and energy storage projects across the United States
- Owns and operates 30 utility-scale projects totaling 4 gigawatts (GW) of generating capacity
- Committed to employing a diverse workforce and providing equal employment opportunity for all individuals
Company Specialties:
- Wind energy
- Solar energy
- Energy storage
- Transmission planning and grid integration
Company Website: https://www.lreus.com/
ASSUMPTION: Leeward Renewable Energy is a well-established company in the renewable energy industry, with a strong focus on integrity, innovation, and positive impact.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Senior-level position with opportunities for growth and leadership
Reporting Structure: Reports directly to the Vice President of Interconnection & Transmission Planning
Work Arrangement: Hybrid (20% travel) with flexible scheduling and remote work options
Growth Opportunities:
- Mentoring and leading junior staff
- Expanding interconnection expertise and knowledge
- Contributing to policy changes and regulatory advocacy
- Potential career progression to management or executive roles
ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant growth opportunities for the right candidate, with the potential to make a substantial impact on the company's interconnection strategies and renewable energy projects.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Hybrid (20% travel) with flexible scheduling and remote work options
Office Location(s): Chicago, IL (with potential travel to other project sites and offices)
Geographic Context:
- Chicago, IL: A major city with a diverse economy, offering numerous cultural, recreational, and dining options
- Access to public transportation and major highways
- Close proximity to O'Hare International Airport
Work Schedule: Full-time (40 hours per week) with flexible scheduling and remote work options
ASSUMPTION: The hybrid work arrangement and flexible scheduling allow for a healthy work-life balance, while the remote work options provide flexibility for employees to work from home or other locations as needed.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission
- Phone or video screening with the HR department
- Technical interview with the hiring manager or a team member
- Final interview with the Vice President of Interconnection & Transmission Planning
Key Assessment Areas:
- Technical expertise in interconnection processes and power system modeling
- Problem-solving and analytical skills
- Communication and stakeholder management skills
- Leadership and mentoring abilities
Application Tips:
- Highlight relevant experience and achievements in interconnection management, transmission planning, and grid integration
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to emphasize your technical skills and experience with ISO/RTO processes and utility transmission planning
- Prepare for behavioral and situational interview questions that focus on problem-solving, communication, and leadership skills
ATS Keywords: Interconnection Management, Transmission Planning, Grid Integration, Stakeholder Engagement, Regulatory Compliance, Project Management, Technical Expertise, Problem Solving, Analytical Skills, Public Speaking, Technical Writing, Leadership, Collaboration, Strategic Thinking, Mentoring
ASSUMPTION: The interview process for this role will focus on assessing the candidate's technical expertise, problem-solving skills, and leadership abilities, as well as their fit with the company's culture and values.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- TARA, PSS/E, PSLF, or similar power system modeling tools (PSCAD a plus)
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Project management software (e.g., Asana, Jira, or Microsoft Project)
- Communication and collaboration tools (e.g., email, Slack, or Microsoft Teams)
ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate will have experience with the required power system modeling tools and be comfortable using Microsoft Office Suite and other relevant software for project management and communication.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Integrity: Uphold the highest ethical standards and act with honesty and transparency
- Innovation: Foster a culture of creativity, continuous learning, and improvement
- Positive Impact: Contribute to a sustainable future and make a positive difference in local communities
Work Style:
- Collaborative: Work closely with cross-functional teams to achieve common goals
- Adaptable: Embrace change and respond effectively to new challenges and opportunities
- Results-driven: Focus on delivering high-quality work and achieving desired outcomes
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you have a strong commitment to integrity, innovation, and positive impact?
- Are you comfortable working in a collaborative and adaptable environment?
- Do you have a proven track record of delivering high-quality work and achieving results?
ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate will share Leeward Renewable Energy's commitment to integrity, innovation, and positive impact, and be comfortable working in a collaborative and adaptable environment.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing multiple interconnection projects simultaneously, requiring strong organizational and time management skills
- Navigating complex regulatory environments and stakeholder relationships, demanding exceptional communication and stakeholder management skills
- Keeping up-to-date with rapidly evolving transmission planning and grid integration technologies, requiring continuous learning and adaptation
- Occasional travel requirements, which may disrupt personal schedules and routines
ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate will be able to manage multiple projects effectively, navigate complex regulatory environments, and adapt to new technologies and challenges. They will also be comfortable with occasional travel requirements and the need to maintain a healthy work-life balance.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- Compared to other interconnection management roles, this position offers a higher level of responsibility and leadership opportunities, as well as the chance to work on a larger scale of projects
- Industry-specific context: The renewable energy sector is rapidly growing and evolving, presenting unique challenges and opportunities for interconnection management professionals
- Career path comparison: This role can serve as a stepping stone to management or executive positions within the company or the broader renewable energy industry
ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique opportunity for experienced interconnection management professionals to take on a higher level of responsibility and leadership, while also contributing to the growth and success of a leading renewable energy company.
📝 Sample Projects
- Managing the interconnection process for a 200 MW wind farm, including preparing and submitting generation interconnection applications, reviewing and challenging interconnection study results, and negotiating agreements with utilities and RTOs
- Conducting a comprehensive review of interconnection policies and regulations in the CAISO and WECC regions, and providing recommendations for strategic decision-making and advocacy efforts
- Leading a team of junior interconnection specialists in managing a portfolio of energy storage projects, ensuring seamless transitions of interconnection requirements from development through execution and operations
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the diverse range of responsibilities and challenges that the Lead Generation Interconnection may face in this role, requiring strong technical expertise, problem-solving skills, and leadership abilities.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe the most challenging interconnection project you've managed, and how you overcame any obstacles?
- How does the company support the professional development and growth of its employees, particularly in the interconnection and transmission planning fields?
- What is the company's approach to work-life balance, and how does it support employees in maintaining a healthy balance between their personal and professional lives?
- How does the company engage with and influence transmission policy changes, and what role would I play in these efforts?
- What are the most important qualities and skills you're looking for in a candidate for this role?
ASSUMPTION: These key questions will help applicants better understand the role, the company's culture, and the expectations for the ideal candidate, allowing them to prepare more effectively for the interview and make informed decisions about their application.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills in interconnection management, transmission planning, and grid integration
- Prepare for behavioral and situational interview questions that focus on problem-solving, communication, and leadership skills
- Research the company and the renewable energy industry to demonstrate your enthusiasm and commitment to the role
- Follow up with the HR department one week after submitting your application to confirm receipt and inquire about the status of your application
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
