Transmission Planning Engineer

New Leaf Energy is an experienced clean energy developer that partners with landowners, policymakers, and other stakeholders to accelerate the transition to a world powered by renewable energy. We identify high-value sites, work with landowners and local communities to develop them, and partner with long-term asset owners to bring the most impactful clean energy projects to life.

The Senior Transmission Planning Engineer plays a central role in transmission modeling and analysis. In this position, you will perform transmission analysis to identify the most impactful locations to develop new utility-scale projects, and to identify opportunities to leverage available capacity. Your work will form the basis of the utility-scale project development team’s land prospecting strategy.  You will also work closely with the project developers over the entire project development cycle to evaluate utility study deliverables, understand potential upgrades and queue attrition scenarios and provide guidance to advance projects.

Internally, you will collaborate with the Project Development, Policy and Interconnection teams. Externally, you’ll work with third-party consultants, utility and ISO engineers, and other industry professionals to advocate for New Leaf Energy’s utility-scale portfolio. This position reports to the Senior Director of Grid Analytics.

This position may be filled out of our Boston, MA, Lowell, MA, Oakland, CA, 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 home on other days.

Position responsibilities will include, but are not limited to: 

• Role is 70% Project task related and 30% higher level project management, standards creation/maintenance, SOP maintenance, cross-functional collaboration training, etc;. 
• Perform transmission analysis with little or no supervision by Lead TPE or Manager; 
• Create scopes of work for third party engineers or internal TPE’s to perform work that facilitates NLE business operations;. 
• Review deliverables created by Internal TPE or Third party Engineers;  
• Create SOP's for team study methodologies;  
• Serve as the transmission planning engineering lead for multiple ISO territories, helping project developers navigate the transmission network, and identifying the most competitive and efficient interconnection locations;
• Evaluate ISO and utility impact studies. Where appropriate, challenge the study methodology and propose alternative approaches;
• Assist project developers in evaluating the feasibility of potential project sites, including estimating potential network upgrades and cost;
• Participate in technical policy working groups, with the intent to advocate for policies and standards that further New Leaf Energy’s mission and goal;.
• Onboard and manage third party consultants, to assist in engineering analysis when needed.

Desired Qualifications 

• 5+ years of power engineering experience, with specialization in transmission planning;
• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, or similar relevant study;
• Masters preferred;
• Possess advanced knowledge of Power systems and transmission planning practices, with ability to build expertise in specific ISO territories;
• Possesses advanced knowledge of how to use planning software to perform transmission system analysis (Steady State power flow, stability, transfer analysis, etc); 
• Ability to read and interpret ISO Study deliverables and understanding of impact to New Leaf projects;
• Advanced ability to work in multiple software programs (PSSE, TARA, etc);
• Ability to represent NLE at ISO scoping calls from an engineering standpoint; 
• Strong understanding of New Leaf VSM and development strategy;
• Strong understanding of regional ISO study practices and ability to research and learn about regional ISO standards for new markets; 
• Ability to teach less experienced engineers how to perform transmission analysis 
• Ability to learn and exhibit PM fundamentals; 
• Well-organized self-starter with a genuine drive for success.

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 in the Boston location is $161,947 - $182,179. The on-target annual cash bonus associated with this position is an additional 20% 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.