Staff Engineer, Interconnection – Origination Engineering

Company

Orenda is on a mission to make the grid more efficient with renewable energy projects and proprietary asset management technology. We develop, build, own and operate battery energy storage projects in dense urban environments to bridge the gap between renewables and electricity consumption.

We are a dynamic, NYC-based company at the forefront of a new industry. We are seeking highly motivated and incredibly talented individuals who wish to contribute to our important mission.

About the Team

The Origination Team works to identify potential project sites, performs preliminary site diligence, prepares and submits interconnection application packages, interprets system studies, and manages the ever-growing pipeline of development opportunities. The output of the Origination Team is proof of commercial, electrical, and physical viability for future green energy infrastructure projects.

About the Role

We are seeking a proactive and skilled Interconnection Engineer to join our team, focusing on the development and integration of Distributed Energy Resources (DER). This role requires a balance of technical expertise, project management acumen, and interpersonal skills to thrive in a fast-paced environment. The ideal candidate will be passionate about renewable energy, possess a solid understanding of electrical systems, and be eager to contribute to the success of our projects from inception to completion.

What you’ll do

• Design and Technical Work:
  • Drafting & Design: Utilize AutoCAD to create and modify site layouts, single line diagrams, and electrical plans.
  • Engineering Calculations: Perform conduit fill calculations and determine medium-voltage conductor ampacity ratings.
    • Iterate on key component selection with low voltage (up to 690V) and medium voltage (up to 38kV) equipment and applications, ensuring compliance with industry standards and utility requirements.
  • Technical Integration: Translate complex configurations (PCS, BESS, Switchgear, and EVSE) into clear spatial and electrical drawings.
  • Quality Control: Ensure all drawings align perfectly with application data, including correct ratings, labels, and topology.
  • Revision Management: Rapidly pivot drawings based on utility feedback or evolving project constraints to keep timelines on track.
• Interconnection Queue Analysis and Management:
  • Analyze the interconnection queue and conduct competitive analysis.
  • Perform preliminary hosting capacity analysis to define number of projects at a site, as well as initial viability probability.
  • Develop, implement, and interpret regression models to analyze trends and predict outcomes related to electrical interconnections.
• Project Development and Management:
  • Manage the lifecycle of hundreds of concurrent projects, ensuring all milestones are met on time.
  • Develop a holistic understanding of DER projects, from site evaluation and land prospecting to SCADA integration and operational readiness.
  • System optimization through the identification of cost-saving opportunities through de-duplication of scope and shared infrastructure strategies.
  • Collaborate with utilities and regulatory bodies, with specific attention to Con Edison’s interconnection standards and high-tension distribution systems.
• Utility Stakeholder Management:
  • Maintain ongoing working relationship with utility stakeholders; drive rapid response times to comments, escalating and resolving open items to minimize cycle time.
  • Translate utility feedback and study results into clear internal decisions, risks, and next steps.
  • Lead technical RFIs and meetings with utility engineers to throughly understand and challange assumptions to optimize interconnection upgrade cost estimates.

Requirements

• Education: ABET Accredited Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering.
• Experience: 4–8 years in Utility Distribution Planning or Interconnection.
• Technical Expertise:
  • Deep knowledge of IEEE 1547, SIR processes, and hosting capacity constraints.
  • Familiarity with high-tension distribution systems.
  • Experience working with utilities.
  • Strong foundation in power engineering principles.
• Tools and Technologies:
  • Proficiency in AutoCAD, or the willingness to learn.
  • Competence with GIS platforms and tools.
• Soft Skills and Organizational Acumen:
  • A "technical detective" who enjoys finding leverage in complex engineering reports.
  • Exceptional organizational skills with the ability to juggle multiple projects simultaneously.
  • Strong interpersonal skills to foster collaboration, drive negotiations, and maintain relationships with diverse stakeholders.
  • High degree of autonomy, with the ability to make informed decisions and adapt to evolving project demands.

Preferred Qualifications (Bonus)

• Experience with DER technologies.
• Familiarity with the Con Edison distribution system.
• Experience performing SCCAF studies in ETAP.
• EIT or PE License.
• Advanced technical degree.

Skills and Attributes

• Focuses on key priorities and structures work effectively to manage hundreds of concurrent projects.
• Speaks and writes clearly; can present technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders articulately.
• Ability to develop and interpret complex regression models for trend analysis.
• Deep understanding of generation, transmission, and distribution systems.

Work Environment

This is a full-time, in-office position requiring work from our headquarters (Brooklyn, NY) five days a week, with regular travel to project sites within the NYC area.

Why join Orenda?

At Orenda, you’ll help build the real-world infrastructure that makes the energy transition possible. You’ll do this in a mission-driven culture that values ownership, accountability, continuous learning, high performance, and genuine collaboration. We work hard, move quickly, and enjoy doing it together.

In addition to the chance to do important work with a great team, Orenda offers a competitive compensation package designed to attract and retain top talent:

• Base Salary: The anticipated base salary range for this full-time position in New York City is $100,000-200,000 per year. The final base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the successful candidate's relevant experience, skills, and qualifications.
• Bonus: In addition to the base salary, this role is eligible for a significant annual performance-based bonus.
• Benefits: Our comprehensive benefits package includes:
  • Health, dental, and vision insurance
  • 401(k) plan, with 3% Employer Match
  • LifeTime Fitness corporate membership
  • Monthly commuter stipend
  • Learning and education stipend
  • Flexible Paid Time Off (PTO) policy
  • Regular company events

Orenda Inc. is an equal opportunity employer committed to fair and inclusive hiring and employment practices in accordance with federal, New York State, and New York City law. We do not discriminate in any aspect of employment—including hiring, promotion, compensation, or termination—on the basis of any protected characteristic, including race, color, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by law.