Grid United - Electrical Power Systems Engineering Intern
The Organization
Grid United is a mission driven company aiming to solve the largest barrier to a cleaner, more reliable grid by developing new long haul transmission lines in the United States. Established in 2021 by proven leaders in the power and renewables industry, Grid United is developing utility-scale electric multi-state transmission projects that will provide long-term economic benefits to communities across the country, provide Americans with improved grid resiliency for our homes and businesses, and cost savings for electricity consumers.
More information about the company can be found at www.gridunited.com
The Position
Grid United has numerous large scale transmissions projects underway and is currently identifying and studying additional prospective projects across North America. With patient capital backing led by experienced energy veterans, Grid United is in a fast-growth stage, boasting a purpose-built team of motivated and entrepreneurial talent. We are particularly focused on effective stakeholder engagement and positive involvement with the communities in the areas where we are working.
We are now expanding our Transmission & Interconnection team and are excited to invite an enthusiastic intern to help shape the value proposition and commercial strategy for our long-distance transmission projects. This role will report directly to the Vice President – Strategy and New Initiatives. This position will be located in Houston, TX and will report to Vice President – Strategy and New Initiatives. We prefer this team member to be in the office due to the complex and extensive coordination required with the broader team. Grid United does not currently provide visa sponsorship.
Opportunity:
At Grid United, we take pride in creating a complex and unique product – Transmission. Transmission, that is not only practical to develop and build, but with a compelling value proposition for energy consumers. Although transmission planning is the trade at the core of the role, this is an excellent opportunity to expand your knowledge beyond traditional planning including policy and regulation, utility ratemaking, resource adequacy, electric market structures, and last but not the least – the cutting edge of VSC HVDC systems. Our development portfolio spans several RTOs and the non-RTO West with widely different grid dynamics and nuances. The candidate is not expected to have demonstrated knowledge and experience in performing all the job responsibilities mentioned below; however, intellectual curiosity and a can-do attitude is expected.
Responsibilities:
• Assist in the performance of quantitative grid analysis like power flow, SCED/production cost modeling, transient stability in addition to qualitative analysis. For example, extensive research on the local grid fundamentals, Integrated resource and long-range transmission plans, local grid planning history, utility/RTO tariff and policy, etc. Various ad hoc analysis and research on a wide range of grid topics.
• Develop automated scripts for quantitative grid analysis and the processing of large amounts of grid data
• Assist in the development of project interconnection plan and execution strategy including optimum application size, timing of queue entry, selecting AC line parameters or HVDC configuration, assessing risk of untenable network upgrades, queue dynamics and churn, etc. Diagnose interconnection study results, test, and propose alternative transmission mitigations.
• Gain a deep understanding of various HVDC technologies, configurations, and engineering parameters.
Behaviors – which are essential to success of this team
• Be exemplars of the Grid United values of humility, tenacity, ingenuity and grace
• Build, maintain and value board and deep stakeholder relationships and have a personal commitment to making a difference in the community
• Proactively work with stakeholders to solve problems in a calm and no blame way
Qualifications:
• In the process of completing a BS in Electrical Engineering from and ABET accredited university with an emphasis on Power Systems. Preference will be given to students in their junior or senior years that have taken power system courses and wish to pursue a career in the electric power industry
• Experience with programming in languages such as python, VBA, or R is preferred.
• Commercially minded, creative individual with the willingness and flexibility to work in a fast-paced work environment with constantly shifting priorities
• Self-starter willing to persevere with solving the problem at hand under ambiguity and often no readily available data
• Ability to communicate effectively, both written and verbal, with utility and ISO representatives, external engineering firms, company personnel from varied technical backgrounds
Grid United is an equal opportunity employer, committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender identity or expression, marital status, sexual orientation, disability, military/veteran status, or any basis prohibited by applicable law.