Thu Sep 16, 2021, 09:38 PM
texasfiddler (1,935 posts)
I am nervous and excited at the same time.Last edited Sat Sep 18, 2021, 08:44 AM - Edit history (1)
I have an interview tomorrow for a Utility Scale Solar Engineering position at a large engineering firm. I want my last 10 years as an electrical engineer to mean something for my grandkids and great grandkids.
Update: Interview went well! It was a very interesting interview. One of the major hurdles slowing down the momentum of clean energy expansion is the building of the Point of Interconnection (POI) substations between the solar/wind farms and the transmission system. This is traditionally managed by the Utility Transmission Operator. The engineering staffs at these utilities are being overwhelmed with interconnection requests. Some of the major utilities are allowing the renewable EPC contractor and engineering firm to "self build" and manage the interconnection substation project. However, the firm has to be pre-approved by the utility. It is important to get this bottleneck removed, but the substation protection and design has to be designed and coordinated properly. Can you imagine how many hours the Fox propaganda and entertainment network would run a story if a fault in a wind farm or solar farm caused a regional blackout? The hiring manager that interviewed me said that engineering graduates are flocking to renewable engineering jobs and have been doing so for a while. This made me smile, but it also means that there are 30 year old licensed P.E. solar engineers out in the market that have more utility solar farm experience than I do. However, the relay and substation experience I have gained in the traditional fossil fuel area means this 52 year old electrical engineer will help get these things properly connected to the grid. Plus, the company I am interviewing with is big on cross training and project crossover so I am sure I would be able to be a part of the solar farm teams and I can cross train some of the younger engineers with what I know. I have an interview with the renewable substation team coming up. Thanks for everyone's interest.
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30 replies, 4460 views
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Author | Time | Post |
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texasfiddler | Sep 2021 | OP |
SheltieLover | Sep 2021 | #1 | |
texasfiddler | Sep 2021 | #2 | |
SheltieLover | Sep 2021 | #3 | |
texasfiddler | Sep 2021 | #28 | |
SheltieLover | Sep 2021 | #29 | |
UpInArms | Sep 2021 | #4 | |
CrispyQ | Sep 2021 | #5 | |
Danmel | Sep 2021 | #6 | |
BadGimp | Sep 2021 | #7 | |
MLAA | Sep 2021 | #8 | |
NBachers | Sep 2021 | #9 | |
hibbing | Sep 2021 | #10 | |
KT2000 | Sep 2021 | #11 | |
Jerry2144 | Sep 2021 | #12 | |
littlemissmartypants | Sep 2021 | #13 | |
Tommymac | Sep 2021 | #14 | |
samnsara | Sep 2021 | #15 | |
keithbvadu2 | Sep 2021 | #16 | |
ailsagirl | Sep 2021 | #17 | |
summer_in_TX | Sep 2021 | #18 | |
Retired Engineer Bob | Sep 2021 | #19 | |
Jimbo S | Sep 2021 | #20 | |
hatrack | Sep 2021 | #21 | |
texasfiddler | Sep 2021 | #27 | |
c-rational | Sep 2021 | #22 | |
Red Mountain | Sep 2021 | #23 | |
calimary | Sep 2021 | #24 | |
texasfiddler | Sep 2021 | #26 | |
calimary | Sep 2021 | #30 | |
texasfiddler | Sep 2021 | #25 |
Response to texasfiddler (Original post)
Thu Sep 16, 2021, 09:40 PM
SheltieLover (57,073 posts)
1. Good luck!!!
![]() Pls let us know how it goes. ![]() |
Response to SheltieLover (Reply #1)
Thu Sep 16, 2021, 09:45 PM
texasfiddler (1,935 posts)
2. Thank you! I will
Response to texasfiddler (Reply #2)
Thu Sep 16, 2021, 09:47 PM
SheltieLover (57,073 posts)
3. Excellent! 👏👏👏👏
I love your motivation!
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Response to SheltieLover (Reply #1)
Sat Sep 18, 2021, 09:24 AM
texasfiddler (1,935 posts)
28. Interview went well!
Update:
Interview went well! It was a very interesting interview. One of the major hurdles slowing down the momentum of clean energy expansion is the building of the Point of Interconnection (POI) substations between the solar/wind farms and the transmission system. This is traditionally managed by the Utility Transmission Operator. The engineering staffs at these utilities are being overwhelmed with interconnection requests. Some of the major utilities are allowing the renewable EPC contractor and engineering firm to "self build" and manage the interconnection substation project. However, the firm has to be pre-approved by the utility. It is important to get this bottleneck removed, but the substation protection and design has to be designed and coordinated properly. Can you imagine how many hours the Fox propaganda and entertainment network would run a story if a fault in a wind farm or solar farm caused a regional blackout? The hiring manager that interviewed me said that engineering graduates are flocking to renewable engineering jobs and have been doing so for a while. This made me smile, but it also means that there are 30 year old licensed P.E. solar engineers out in the market that have more utility solar farm experience than I do. However, the relay and substation experience I have gained in the traditional fossil fuel area means this 52 year old electrical engineer will help get these things properly connected to the grid. Plus, the company I am interviewing with is big on cross training and project crossover so I am sure I would be able to be a part of the solar farm teams and I can cross train some of the younger engineers with what I know. I have an interview with the renewable substation team coming up. Thanks for your interest. |
Response to texasfiddler (Reply #28)
Sat Sep 18, 2021, 10:07 AM
SheltieLover (57,073 posts)
29. Yaaaaay!
Wow! 2nd interview already booked?
Great! ![]() ![]() Yikes. Not sure how you do what you do. Lol But we all sure appreciate your expertise & dedication to clean energy! ![]() |
Response to texasfiddler (Original post)
Thu Sep 16, 2021, 09:52 PM
UpInArms (51,077 posts)
4. Fingers crossed!
All the luck in the world to you!
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Response to texasfiddler (Original post)
Thu Sep 16, 2021, 09:55 PM
CrispyQ (34,972 posts)
5. Positive vibes coming your way from Colorado!
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Response to texasfiddler (Original post)
Thu Sep 16, 2021, 09:55 PM
Danmel (4,776 posts)
6. Good luck!
Pulling for you!
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Response to texasfiddler (Original post)
Thu Sep 16, 2021, 10:07 PM
BadGimp (3,960 posts)
7. Wishing the best for you!
Go get Em!
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Response to texasfiddler (Original post)
Thu Sep 16, 2021, 10:07 PM
MLAA (15,870 posts)
8. Good luck! You can do it!
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Response to texasfiddler (Original post)
Thu Sep 16, 2021, 10:13 PM
NBachers (16,327 posts)
9. You got this - and we will all benefit! Thank you
Response to texasfiddler (Original post)
Thu Sep 16, 2021, 10:14 PM
hibbing (9,888 posts)
10. That sounds awesome, nail it n/t
Response to texasfiddler (Original post)
Thu Sep 16, 2021, 10:57 PM
KT2000 (20,412 posts)
11. Wishing a good interview
for you - and good benefits on the job.
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Response to texasfiddler (Original post)
Thu Sep 16, 2021, 11:05 PM
Jerry2144 (1,808 posts)
12. You can do this
You’re wise and able to bring stability
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Response to texasfiddler (Original post)
Thu Sep 16, 2021, 11:18 PM
littlemissmartypants (21,061 posts)
13. All the best, texasfiddler. Good luck! ❤
Response to texasfiddler (Original post)
Thu Sep 16, 2021, 11:41 PM
Tommymac (7,263 posts)
14. Fine aspiration. Good Luck. nt
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Response to texasfiddler (Original post)
Thu Sep 16, 2021, 11:42 PM
samnsara (17,207 posts)
15. you will do well!
Response to texasfiddler (Original post)
Fri Sep 17, 2021, 12:07 AM
keithbvadu2 (33,498 posts)
16. Sounds interesting
Response to texasfiddler (Original post)
Fri Sep 17, 2021, 12:08 AM
ailsagirl (22,260 posts)
17. Best of luck!!!!!
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Response to texasfiddler (Original post)
Fri Sep 17, 2021, 12:27 AM
summer_in_TX (2,410 posts)
18. That's an awesome goal!
Best of luck to you!
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Response to texasfiddler (Original post)
Fri Sep 17, 2021, 12:18 PM
Retired Engineer Bob (759 posts)
19. Best of luck with the interview
I’m sure you will do fine.
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Response to texasfiddler (Original post)
Fri Sep 17, 2021, 12:28 PM
Jimbo S (2,905 posts)
20. Jealous!
From one engineer to another. I always desired an opportunity to make a positive significant impact on society.
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Response to texasfiddler (Original post)
Fri Sep 17, 2021, 05:17 PM
hatrack (58,457 posts)
21. Very coo!
Let us know when you find out.
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Response to hatrack (Reply #21)
Sat Sep 18, 2021, 09:23 AM
texasfiddler (1,935 posts)
27. Interview went well!
Update:
Interview went well! It was a very interesting interview. One of the major hurdles slowing down the momentum of clean energy expansion is the building of the Point of Interconnection (POI) substations between the solar/wind farms and the transmission system. This is traditionally managed by the Utility Transmission Operator. The engineering staffs at these utilities are being overwhelmed with interconnection requests. Some of the major utilities are allowing the renewable EPC contractor and engineering firm to "self build" and manage the interconnection substation project. However, the firm has to be pre-approved by the utility. It is important to get this bottleneck removed, but the substation protection and design has to be designed and coordinated properly. Can you imagine how many hours the Fox propaganda and entertainment network would run a story if a fault in a wind farm or solar farm caused a regional blackout? The hiring manager that interviewed me said that engineering graduates are flocking to renewable engineering jobs and have been doing so for a while. This made me smile, but it also means that there are 30 year old licensed P.E. solar engineers out in the market that have more utility solar farm experience than I do. However, the relay and substation experience I have gained in the traditional fossil fuel area means this 52 year old electrical engineer will help get these things properly connected to the grid. Plus, the company I am interviewing with is big on cross training and project crossover so I am sure I would be able to be a part of the solar farm teams and I can cross train some of the younger engineers with what I know. I have an interview with the renewable substation team coming up. Thank you for your interest. |
Response to texasfiddler (Original post)
Fri Sep 17, 2021, 08:07 PM
c-rational (2,459 posts)
22. Good luck.
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Response to texasfiddler (Original post)
Fri Sep 17, 2021, 08:35 PM
Red Mountain (1,544 posts)
23. I want your last ten years to have meaning for my kids, too
Good luck!
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Response to texasfiddler (Original post)
Fri Sep 17, 2021, 09:37 PM
calimary (78,038 posts)
24. Extra good luck, texasfiddler!
Please let us know what happens!
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Response to calimary (Reply #24)
Sat Sep 18, 2021, 09:22 AM
texasfiddler (1,935 posts)
26. Interview went well!
Update:
Interview went well! It was a very interesting interview. One of the major hurdles slowing down the momentum of clean energy expansion is the building of the Point of Interconnection (POI) substations between the solar/wind farms and the transmission system. This is traditionally managed by the Utility Transmission Operator. The engineering staffs at these utilities are being overwhelmed with interconnection requests. Some of the major utilities are allowing the renewable EPC contractor and engineering firm to "self build" and manage the interconnection substation project. However, the firm has to be pre-approved by the utility. It is important to get this bottleneck removed, but the substation protection and design has to be designed and coordinated properly. Can you imagine how many hours the Fox propaganda and entertainment network would run a story if a fault in a wind farm or solar farm caused a regional blackout? The hiring manager that interviewed me said that engineering graduates are flocking to renewable engineering jobs and have been doing so for a while. This made me smile, but it also means that there are 30 year old licensed P.E. solar engineers out in the market that have more utility solar farm experience than I do. However, the relay and substation experience I have gained in the traditional fossil fuel area means this 52 year old electrical engineer will help get these things properly connected to the grid. Plus, the company I am interviewing with is big on cross training and project crossover so I am sure I would be able to be a part of the solar farm teams and I can cross train some of the younger engineers with what I know. I have an interview with the renewable substation team coming up. Thank you for your interest. |
Response to texasfiddler (Reply #26)
Sun Sep 19, 2021, 03:03 PM
calimary (78,038 posts)
30. Well, now I REALLY wanna know what happens!
Don't forget the update!
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Response to texasfiddler (Original post)
Sat Sep 18, 2021, 07:45 AM
texasfiddler (1,935 posts)
25. My initial interview went very well!
It was a very interesting interview. One of the major hurdles slowing down the momentum of clean energy expansion is the building of the Point of Interconnection (POI) substations between the solar/wind farms and the transmission system. This is traditionally managed by the Utility Transmission Operator. The engineering staffs at these utilities are being overwhelmed with interconnection requests. Some of the major utilities are allowing the renewable EPC contractor and engineering firm to "self build" and manage the interconnection substation project. However, the firm has to be pre-approved by the utility. It is important to get this bottleneck removed, but the substation protection and design has to be designed and coordinated properly. Can you imagine how many hours the Fox propaganda and entertainment network would run a story if a fault in a wind farm or solar farm caused a regional blackout?
The hiring manager that interviewed me said that engineering graduates are flocking to renewable engineering jobs and have been doing so for a while. This made me smile, but it also means that there are 30 year old licensed P.E. solar engineers out in the market that have more utility solar farm experience than I do. However, the relay and substation experience I have gained in the traditional fossil fuel area means this 52 year old electrical engineer will help get these things properly connected to the grid. Plus, the company I am interviewing with is big on cross training and project crossover so I am sure I would be able to be a part of the solar farm teams and I can cross train some of the younger engineers with what I know. I have an interview with the renewable substation team coming up. Thanks for everyone's interest. |