Director, Transmission & Interconnection

Position Overview:
Tract is seeking a Transmission & Interconnection Director to support our site development and energy strategy efforts across the U.S. You’ll work to evaluate transmission system capabilities, support generation interconnection studies, and engage with utilities and ISOs/RTOs on behalf of Tract’s data center parks.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone who has in-depth experience across transmission planning, generation interconnection, and grid integration strategy of large-scale loads and potential on-site generation.

Key Responsibilities:

Transmission Planning & Site Screening

• On-board and manage engineering consultants to complete power flow analysis using industry tools.
• Qualify regions that meet Tract’s needs from a transmission and generation perspective.
• Develop heat maps of qualified markets that meet Tract’s growth plan.
• Influence Land Strategy team on initial markets screening for generation and transmission capacity.
• Establish and cultivate relationships with utility and RTO/ISO transmission teams.
• Understand and interpret utility and RTO/ISO transmission planning processes/future regional expansion plans.
• Develop, maintain, and influence transmission planning and generation interconnection models to incorporate Tract’s growth plans.
• Support technical due diligence assessments on power connection options.
• Assess costs, timelines, and key risks for proposed power projects.
• Support teammates with preparation and submission of RFIs to utilities.
• Support Tract Energy team with utility engagement on details of system impact, upgrades, design, costs, and timing of projects.
• Author capacity strategy on transmission and generation constraints and opportunities across the US

Generation Interconnection Support

• Assist with the preparation and submission of interconnection requests for load and/or generation (solar, BESS, gas etc.).
• Analyze and interpret interconnection study results (Feasibility, System Impact, Facility Studies).
• Support review of cost allocation, network upgrades, and deliverability assessments. Perform sensitivity analysis as needed
• Work with consultants and utilities to validate modeling inputs and outputs for interconnection studies.
• Lead negotiations with utilities, ISOs/RTOs on various interconnection and supplementary agreements
• Maintain interconnection queue trackers and summarize risks, timelines, and milestones.

Utility & ISO/RTO Engagement

• Support communication with transmission providers and ISOs/RTOs for site feasibility and interconnection discussions.
• Prepare technical documentation and responses to RFIs or data requests from utilities and regulatory bodies.
• Monitor planning processes (e.g., MTEP, RTEP) and highlight relevant impacts on Tract sites.

Internal Collaboration & Reporting

• Contribute to internal presentations and reports summarizing grid constraints, interconnection risks, and permitting timelines.
• Coordinate with real estate, engineering, and development teams to align grid availability with land strategy.

Required Qualifications:

• Minimum of 10+ years of demonstrated experience in transmission planning and interconnection
• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Power Systems, Energy Systems, or a related field (12+ years)
• Prior experience in utility, IPP, RTO/ISO, Data Center companies
• Demonstrated understanding of utility and RTO/ISO planning, interconnection processes as well as NERC Reliability Standards
• Demonstrated experience in transmission system modeling analysis (power flow, contingency, short circuit, and stability)
• Demonstrated experience citing substation and/or transmission infrastructure
• Demonstrated success writing and delivering power feasibility reports for future substation and/or transmission projects for utilities, owner’s engineers, and/or EPC vendors
• Track record of successfully collaborating with electrical utilities to plan high voltage infrastructure (69 kV+)
• Demonstrated expertise collaborating with real estate, economic development, and/or public policy stakeholders to qualify sites for transmission or substation projects
• Ability to translate technical engineering concepts to executives, potential investors, and/or Board members.
• Proficiency in power system analysis software (TARA, PSS®e, ASPEN, PowerWorld, etc)

Preferred Qualifications:

• Working knowledge of non-wires alternatives, such as Grid Enhancing Technologies (GETs), Flexible Alternating Current Transmission Systems (FACTS), and Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS).
• M.S in Electrical Engineering preferred (10+ years)
• Prior experience of working in data center industry

Key Competencies:

• Integrity and Ethical Standards: Build trust, ensure fairness, and foster long-term, transparent relationships with suppliers.
• Effective Communication: The ability to clearly convey expectations and requirements to suppliers and negotiation parties, while understanding their needs and concerns. Comfortable delivering written and verbal presentations to internal leadership teams.
• Emotional Intelligence (EQ):  Ability to understand the emotions, cultural nuances, and motivations of others, while effectively managing one's own emotions during high-pressure negotiations.
• Strategic Thinking: Ability to think big picture while also managing granular details.
• Adaptability: Proven track record of managing change and ambiguity in a fast-paced environment.
• Leadership:  Ability to manage cross-functional teams and external vendors.
• Experience with complex, multi-site projects:   Manage multiple projects under tight deadlines and deliver exceptional results.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills:  Capable of interfacing with senior leadership and diverse stakeholders.
• Creative problem-solver:  Ability to troubleshoot and optimize system performance effectively.

Working Conditions:

• Occasional travel (~25%) to Tract offices or utility/partner meetings may be required.

Expected Salary Range: $240,000 – $270,000 plus $70,000 annual bonus.

Location: Denver, CO, with considerations for candidates in Seattle, WA(Mercer Island) and Alexandria, VA.

Tract Employment - General:

Tract employees enjoy competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits, including 100% employer-covered medical, dental, and vision insurance, a 401K program, standard paid holidays, and unlimited PTO.

NOTE: This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employees may perform other related duties as assigned to meet the organization's ongoing needs.

Tract is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants are considered for employment regardless of age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or veteran status. If you need assistance applying for any of our open positions, please contact us at [email protected].

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