Application Guide

How to Apply for Power Systems Engineer (USA)

at Piq Energy

🏢 About Piq Energy

Piq Energy is a forward-thinking startup focused on accelerating grid interconnection through autonomous planning technology. Working here means being at the forefront of digitalizing grid planning, which is crucial for the renewable energy transition. You'll join a small, agile team with the opportunity to have a significant impact on the product and the energy grid.

About This Role

As a Power Systems Engineer, you'll be the technical backbone of Piq's autonomous grid planning product, designing and iterating on features that automate complex transmission studies. You'll also manage grid data and models, providing critical support to both the analytics team and external users. This role is perfect for someone who loves both deep power systems engineering and coding, and wants to build tools that make grid interconnection faster and more efficient.

💡 A Day in the Life

You might start your day by reviewing a queue of interconnection requests and prioritizing which studies to automate next. You'll spend time coding new features in Python, testing them with PSSE simulations, and analyzing results. Later, you might collaborate with the analytics team to troubleshoot a model issue or prepare a report for a user, all while managing your own schedule in a remote setting.

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who Piq Energy Is Looking For

  • A seasoned transmission planning engineer with 5+ years at a utility, ISO, or consultancy, deeply fluent in interconnection processes (cluster studies, queue dynamics, cost allocation).
  • Hands-on expert with PSSE, PowerWorld, or TARA for steady-state and dynamic studies, and skilled in building and validating plant models.
  • Proficient in Python for automating studies, analyzing large datasets, and generating reports—you're not just an engineer, you're a coder.
  • Self-driven and autonomous, able to manage your own time and projects in a remote environment, with a strong attention to detail and a knack for problem-solving.

📝 Tips for Applying to Piq Energy

1

In your resume, explicitly highlight your experience with interconnection studies (e.g., cluster studies, generation interconnection agreements) and quantify the scale of projects you've worked on (e.g., voltage levels, MW capacity).

2

Showcase your Python projects on GitHub or in your portfolio, especially any that involve automating grid studies or processing power system data (e.g., PSSE automation scripts).

3

Tailor your cover letter to mention Piq's mission of 'connecting to the grid faster' and how your background directly contributes to that goal.

4

Since the role is remote, emphasize your experience working independently and your communication skills for collaborating with a distributed team.

5

Research Piq Energy's product or any public information about their technology (e.g., their website, LinkedIn, or tech blog) and mention specific ideas or questions you have about their approach in your application.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your deep understanding of the interconnection process and the pain points that Piq is solving.', "Your hands-on experience with power system analysis tools and how you've used them to solve real-world transmission planning problems.", "Your coding skills in Python and how you've used them to increase efficiency or automate tasks in your previous roles.", "Your ability to work autonomously and manage complex projects, with examples of how you've thrived in remote or self-directed environments."]

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Look into Piq Energy's website and any public materials to understand their product vision and current stage of development.
  • → Check their LinkedIn page for updates, team members, and any recent news or partnerships.
  • → Research the broader grid interconnection landscape in the US, including FERC Order 2023, to understand the context of Piq's work.
  • → If possible, find any white papers, blog posts, or conference talks by Piq team members to grasp their technical approach.

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Describe your experience with interconnection studies: what phases have you worked on and what tools did you use?
2 How would you approach automating a power flow study using Python and PSSE? Walk us through your process.
3 What are the key technical standards (e.g., NERC, FERC) that impact transmission planning, and how do you stay updated?
4 Tell us about a time you had to manage and validate a large grid model. What challenges did you face and how did you overcome them?
5 How do you prioritize tasks when working on multiple projects remotely? Give an example.
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Don't just list your job duties; highlight specific achievements and outcomes, especially those related to interconnection and automation.
  • Avoid being vague about your Python skills—provide concrete examples of scripts or tools you've built, and make sure your GitHub is polished if you mention it.
  • Don't overlook the importance of showing you can work autonomously; provide evidence of self-managed projects or remote work experience.

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Piq Energy!

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