Utility Electrical Engineer II

New Leaf Energy is seeking a Utility Electrical Engineer II to join our team. In this role, you will work closely with internal stakeholders from the interconnection, project development, and operations teams to evaluate potential PV sites, review proposed relaying and integration schemes, and guide projects through acceptance testing. Externally, you will work collaboratively with utility engineers in a variety of service territories to design interconnection facilities and system modifications that enable the connection of parallel distributed generators while maintaining the safe and reliable operations of the distribution system.

This position may be filled out of our Lowell, MA,  Boston, MA or Troy, NY, or Chicago, IL offices. We value in-person collaboration and offer a hybrid work environment. Hybrid employees work in the office at least two out of every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, and are free to work from the office or from home on other days.

Our ideal candidate will have experience in power systems and an in-depth understanding of how distributed generation interacts with existing distribution and sub-transmission systems. Additionally, you will need to be able to understand and explain all aspects of New Leaf Energy’s design philosophy and engineering standards.

Position responsibilities will include, but are not limited to: 

• Evaluate utility impact studies for accuracy, required design changes, and cost estimates;
• Assist project developers in the evaluation of potential PV sites and provide estimates of interconnection costs;
• Review interconnection drawings and application packages for compliance with relevant utility standards and regulatory obligations;
• Manage technical aspects of interconnection process for projects;
• Actively participate in different state and industry level technical policy working groups with the intent to advocate for policies and standards that facilitate New Leaf Energy’s goals and mission;
• Attend field design meetings with relevant utility companies;
• Perform power systems modeling including coordination studies and effective grounding studies;
• Provide training and guidance to NLE’s internal engineering team;
• Participate in internal process time and quality improvement initiatives.

Desired Qualifications 

While no one individual will possess them all, the successful candidate will bring many of the following experiences, skills, and attributes. If you’re unsure whether you meet enough of the qualifications below but believe that your experience and skill set is a good match for this position, we invite you to apply!

• 3-5+ years of relevant experience;
• Strong understanding of distribution system impacts associated with the interconnection of distributed energy resources (DER), as well as techniques for mitigating common distribution system impacts;
• Experience sizing and specifying equipment rated for 480V - 46kV such as: transformers, switching equipment, metering equipment, reclosers, direct transfer trip schemes, SCADA systems, switchgear, and protective relaying, as well as experience performing load calculations, short-circuit, and coordination studies;
• Experience performing load calculations, short-circuit, and coordination studies;
• Experience advocating for advancement in DER interconnection technical policy.

Preferred Skills and Experience:

• Experience with power systems modeling software such as SKM, Aspen, or PSSe;
• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or relevant study required.

Compensation

New Leaf Energy compensates all employees in three ways: market-competitive base salary, plus above-market variable compensation, plus an equity-like program such that all employees experience the benefits of ownership.  We use a data-driven and transparent methodology to calibrate compensation that is externally competitive and internally equitable, guided by the New Leaf Energy compensation manual, which is available to all employees.

Under our compensation framework, the likely base salary range for this position is $112,888 - $128,593. The on-target annual cash bonus associated with this position is an additional 10% percent of base salary. Your actual salary may be above, in, or below this range, depending on your location and experience.

We value transparency and can share more during the interview process.

Benefits and Culture

New Leaf Energy’s success is driven by our collaborative, long-term relationships based on trust and transparency. We offer a flexible work environment that places significant responsibility in independent teams and creates opportunities for innovation and personal growth. New Leaf Energy’s benefits are designed to appropriately recognize our employees’ contributions and enable a reasonable work/life balance. Our benefits include:

• Competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits, including medical, dental and vision;
• A 401k plan with immediate vesting and a company match (100% of the first three percent of your pay; 50% for the next two percent you contribute);
• An open and self-managed paid time-off policy;
• A hybrid work location policy that supports working from home for part of the week;
• A parental leave policy for both birthing and non-birthing parents, available immediately upon hire;
• Professional development and education assistance.

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

New Leaf Energy values the diverse perspectives, skills, experiences, and contributions of all employees. We want all our employees to feel like they belong and are empowered to be their most authentic selves at work. We’re actively committed to fostering diversity and creating an inclusive environment not only within our own organization but also within the clean energy industry.

We seek a diverse candidate pool in this–and every–search. New Leaf Energy provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, disability, genetics, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by state, federal and local laws. In addition to federal law requirements, New Leaf Energy complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. EEO M/F/D/V.

A Note to Third-Party Recruiters

New Leaf Energy’s People + Culture team coordinates all recruiting and hiring at our company. New Leaf Energy does not accept unsolicited resumes from third-party recruiters, staffing firms, or related agencies. Resumes are only accepted from third-party recruiters, staffing firms, or related agencies if a signed agreement is in place AND if external recruiting assistance is authorized by the People + Culture team for a specific position. All unsolicited resumes will be considered the property of New Leaf Energy. New Leaf Energy is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes.