Application Guide
How to Apply for Power Systems Engineer (USA)
at Piq Energy
🏢 About Piq Energy
Piq Energy is a dynamic startup focused on accelerating grid interconnection through an autonomous grid planning product. Working here offers the chance to directly impact renewable energy integration, collaborate with a nimble team, and shape the future of grid modernization.
About This Role
As a Power Systems Engineer, you will design and build Piq's core autonomous grid planning tool, managing complex grid data and models to streamline interconnection studies. Your work will directly help utilities and developers connect renewable projects faster, reducing bottlenecks in the energy transition.
💡 A Day in the Life
Your day might start with a stand-up meeting to discuss sprint goals, then diving into Python scripts to clean and validate grid data from a utility. After lunch, you could run PSSE simulations for a new interconnection request, review results with the analytics team, and end the day by documenting a new feature for the product.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who Piq Energy Is Looking For
- A power systems engineer with 5+ years of utility, ISO, or consultancy experience, not just academic research.
- Deep expertise in interconnection processes and grid planning standards (e.g., NERC, FERC, IEEE 1547).
- Proficient with PSSE, TARA, or PowerWorld for steady-state and dynamic studies, and Python for automation.
- Comfortable working in a fast-paced startup environment, with a hands-on, problem-solving mindset.
📝 Tips for Applying to Piq Energy
Tailor your resume to highlight specific interconnection projects and the impact of your work (e.g., reduced study time).
In your cover letter, explicitly mention your experience with the tools listed (PSSE, TARA, PowerWorld, Python) and give an example of automating a grid study.
Showcase any experience with renewable energy integration or DER studies, as Piq focuses on faster interconnection.
Prepare a portfolio or case study of a complex grid planning challenge you solved, emphasizing data management and model building.
Network with current Piq employees on LinkedIn to understand their culture and mention any insights in your application.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
['Your deep understanding of interconnection workflows and pain points (e.g., queue delays, data inconsistencies).', 'Proven ability to build and manage large grid models using Python and power system tools.', 'Enthusiasm for startup culture and desire to build a product from the ground up.', "Specific examples of how you've improved grid planning processes or reduced study turnaround times."]
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Read Piq Energy's website and any press releases to understand their product's value proposition and current clients.
- → Research recent FERC orders on interconnection reform (e.g., Order 2023) and how Piq's tool addresses them.
- → Look up the company's leadership team on LinkedIn to understand their background and vision.
- → Review case studies or blog posts about grid interconnection challenges to align your experience with their mission.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overemphasizing academic research without real-world utility/ISO experience—Piq wants industry practitioners.
- Being vague about tool proficiency—be specific about which tools and versions you've used and for what tasks.
- Not demonstrating a startup mindset—avoid language that suggests you need rigid processes or large teams to operate.
📅 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:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!