New Homes Utility Interconnections Specialist

New Homes Utility Interconnections Specialist

Location: Irvine, CA, United States Location Type: On-site Salary Range: 75000 - 100000 USD Annually

Position Description:

Qcells North America is seeking a New Homes Utility Interconnections Specialist to support the coordination and execution of utility interconnection workflows for residential solar, battery storage, and smart energy systems. This role is responsible for submitting and managing applications through Permission to Operate (PTO), maintaining accurate project data, and ensuring timely, compliant execution across a high-volume pipeline. The Specialist will operate with a high level of ownership, applying independent judgments to evaluate requirements, resolve issues, and support scalable interconnection processes across the New Homes business. This position will be based out of one of our offices in Irvine, CA; San Francisco, CA; Santa Clara, CA or Teaneck, NJ, with a potential in-office schedule set at the direct manager's discretion in accordance with the company policies and procedures. Remote work may be considered for exceptional cases.

Responsibilities:

• Review project requirements and determine appropriate interconnection submission strategies.
• Prepare and submit utility applications for residential solar and energy storage systems.
• Interpret utility and jurisdictional requirements to ensure compliance and accuracy.
• Monitor application progress, identify risks, and drive timely resolution of issues.
• Manage and track interconnection milestones, documentation, and statuses in Salesforce.
• Identify and resolve application rejections by coordinating with internal and external stakeholders.
• Partner cross-functionally with engineering, design, sales, permitting, and customer experience teams.
• Maintain relationships with utilities, contractors, and third-party partners.
• Submit and manage rebate, incentive, SREC, and VPP program applications as needed.
• Identify recurring issues and contribute to process improvements and workflow standardization.
• Support documentation, training, and knowledge sharing across the interconnection function.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in business or other related degree with a minimum of 5+ years of professional work experience including 3+ years of work experience in solar, energy, utilities, or a related operational field.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (especially Excel) and PDF tools.
• Experience managing high-volume workflows and coordinating across multiple stakeholders.
• Familiarity with interconnection processes, utility requirements, and permitting workflows.
• Experience using Salesforce or similar CRM systems for tracking and reporting.
• Ability to read and interpret technical documents (site plans, single-line diagrams, etc.)
• Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Self-motivated with the ability to work independently and within a team.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with California IOU interconnection processes (PG&E, SCE, SDG&E, SMUD)
• Familiarity with NEM 3.0 (NBT), Rule 21, Title 24, and PTO workflows.
• Experience using PowerClerk, WDT/NBT portals, or utility submission platforms.
• Background supporting high-volume new home solar or builder programs.
• Experience with rebate programs, SREC, or VPP enrollment.

Hanwha Q CELLS America Inc. ("HQCA") is a Qcells company, one of the world's largest manufacturers and providers of solar photovoltaic (PV) products and solutions. Headquartered in Irvine, California, HQCA has been rapidly expanding its business in North America through the expansion of products and solutions, including distributed energy solutions, direct-to-homeowner solar sales and financing, and EPC services. We provide an opportunity to be part of an exciting and growing world-class global business in an interesting and expanding industry of the future.

Physical, Mental & Environmental Demands:

To comply with the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 the essential physical, mental and environmental requirements for this job are listed below. These are requirements normally expected to perform regular job duties. Incumbent must be able to successfully perform all of the functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation.

MobilityStanding20% of timeSitting70% of timeWalking10% of timeStrengthPullingup to 10 PoundsPushingup to 10 PoundsCarryingup to 10 PoundsLiftingup to 10 PoundsDexterity (F = Frequently, O = Occasionally, N = Never)TypingFHandlingFReachingF - Mobility - Standing - 20% of time - Sitting - 70% of time - Walking - 10% of time - Strength - Pulling - up to 10 Pounds - Pushing - up to 10 Pounds - Carrying - up to 10 Pounds - Lifting - up to 10 Pounds - Dexterity (F = Frequently, O = Occasionally, N = Never) - Typing - F - Handling - F - Reaching - F - Agility (F = Frequently, O = Occasionally, N = Never)TurningFTwistingFBendingOCrouchingOBalancingNClimbingNCrawlingNKneelingN - Agility (F = Frequently, O = Occasionally, N = Never) - Turning - F - Twisting - F - Bending - O - Crouching - O - Balancing - N - Climbing - N - Crawling - N - Kneeling - N

The salary range is required by the California Pay Transparency Act and may differ depending on the location of those candidates hired nationwide. Actual compensation is influenced by a wide array of factors including but not limited to, skill set, education, licenses and certifications, essential job duties and requirements, and the necessary experience relative to the job's minimum qualifications.

*This target salary range is for CA positions only and should not be interpreted as an offer of compensation.