Manager – Load Interconnection Support

FirstEnergy at a Glance

We are a forward-thinking electric utility powered by a diverse team of employees committed to making customers’ lives brighter, the environment better and our communities stronger.

FirstEnergy (NYSE: FE) is dedicated to integrity, safety, reliability and operational excellence. Headquartered in Akron, Ohio, FirstEnergy includes one of the nation's largest investor-owned electric systems, more than 24,000 miles of transmission lines that connect the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions, and a regulated generating fleet with a total capacity of more than 3,500 megawatts.

About the Opportunity

This is an open position with FirstEnergy Service Company, a subsidiary of FirstEnergy Corp.

This is a full-time, on-site position located in Akron, Ohio.

Responsible for the oversight of all wholesale load interconnection requests and transmission-connected retail agreements for behind the meter generation and transmission load customers across the FirstEnergy footprint. In addition, this position and the team it would lead are responsible for supporting the FERC and State cost allocation for Large Load customers. This position would also be tasked with implementing and establishing internal controls to govern FirstEnergy's Large Load business practice.

This manager position leads a team that works with both internal and external customers. Internal cross-functional teams include Transmission Operations, Transmission Planning and Protection, Transmission & Distribution Business Service, Portfolio Management, Metering, Rates, Customer Support, and Legal. External customers include PJM, other Transmission Owners, wholesale load customers including municipal and cooperative utilities.

The team is also responsible for tracking all wholesale load interconnection / delivery points across the company to ensure the necessary interconnection, construction and study agreements are filed with FERC or PJM in a timely manner and in accordance with federal and state regulatory requirements.

Position Summary

The Load Manager is responsible for managing the evaluation, planning, coordination, and execution of interconnection requests for large load customers with demand requirements greater than 20 megawatts (MW). This role serves as the primary point of contact for data centers, industrial facilities, manufacturing plants, and other high-capacity customers seeking service from the utility.

The Load Manager coordinates activities across transmission planning, distribution planning, engineering, customer support and customer accounts to ensure reliable, compliant, and timely interconnection of large load projects.

Key Responsibilities

Large Load Interconnection Management

• Serve as the primary company representative for Wholesale customers (e.g., municipal or cooperative utilities) requesting electric service greater than 20 MWs.

• Manage the end-to-end interconnection process for Wholesale customers from inquiry through energization.

• Evaluate customer load requirements, service configurations, reliability needs, and project schedules.

• Coordinate the development and execution of interconnection and construction service agreements.

• Monitor project milestones and ensure adherence to utility procedures and timelines.

• Manage FirstEnergy’s Delegation of Authority process for the approval of Wholesale customer Load Studies.

• Collaborate with Customer management, and transmission and distribution planning teams to develop and review Conceptual and Detailed Load Studies.

RTO/ISO and Regulatory Coordination

• Coordinate with PJM regarding Wholesale customer large load interconnection requirements.

• Ensure compliance with applicable tariffs, regulatory requirements, reliability standards, and utility policies.

• Participate in stakeholder meetings and industry working groups related to large load integration and planning.

Project Development and Execution

• Facilitate coordination among engineering, construction, operations, customer project teams, and external consultants.

• Track project costs, schedules, risks, and infrastructure dependencies.

• Assist in the negotiation and administration of customer-funded facility agreements and cost responsibility arrangements.

Stakeholder and Customer Relations

• Build and maintain strong internal and external relationships.

• Provide customers with guidance regarding utility requirements, study processes, technical standards, and project timelines.

• Resolve issues and facilitate timely decision-making throughout project development.

Reliability and Risk Management

• Ensure customer interconnections support system reliability and operational integrity.

• Identify risks associated with load growth, infrastructure limitations, and project execution.

• Coordinate contingency planning and operational readiness activities prior to customer energization.

• Support compliance with reliability standards and established utility operating practices.

Required Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Engineering Technology, Business, or a related field.

Experience

• Minimum 7 years of experience in electric utility operations, transmission planning, distribution planning, customer interconnections, engineering, or grid operations.

• Knowledge of transmission and distribution system design and planning practices.

• Experience working with utility tariffs and agreements.

Technical Knowledge

• Understanding of:

o Power system operations and planning

o Transmission and distribution engineering

o Load forecasting methodologies

o System impact studies

o Reliability standards and compliance requirements

o Utility rate structures and service agreements

Key Competencies

• Project Management

• Strategic Planning

• Customer Relationship Management

• Technical Analysis

• Regulatory Compliance

• Stakeholder Engagement

• Negotiation and Contract Administration

• Risk Assessment and Mitigation

• Communication and Presentation Skills

• Cross-Functional Leadership

• Problem Solving and Decision Making

Benefits, Compensation & Workforce Diversity 
 

At FirstEnergy, employees are key to our success. We depend on their talents to meet the challenges of our changing business environment. We are committed to rewarding individual and team efforts through our total rewards philosophy which includes competitive pay plus incentive compensation, a company-sponsored pension plan, 401 (k) savings plan with matching employer contribution, a choice of medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, and life insurance programs, as well as skills development training with tuition reimbursement. Please visit our website at www.firstenergycorp.com to learn more about all of our employee rewards programs. FirstEnergy proudly supports workforce diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, status as a protected veteran, or status as a qualified individual with a disability. No recruiters or agencies without a previously signed contract. Unable to sponsor or transfer H-1 B visas at this time. 
 

Safety 

Safety is a core value for FirstEnergy and is essential to all of our business activities. We ensure employees have the tools, information, and processes to perform their duties in a manner that assures safety for themselves, their co-workers, our customers and the public. Our goals are to provide a safe work environment, to maintain an accident-free, injury-free workplace, and to promote and maintain public safety. To meet these goals, we dedicate ourselves to achieving world-class safety standards. 

Position Classification

Exempt

FirstEnergy Human Resources Team