Associate Engineer

About the role

The Associate Transmission Planning Analysis Engineer supports detailed planning and analysis of the 34.5 kV, 69 kV, 138 kV, 230 kV, and 345 kV transmission system to ensure operational reliability, adequacy, and security in alignment with FERC 715 requirements.

Responsibilities

• Assist with annual NERC TPL-001 Transmission System Planning Performance Assessments using steady-state, short-circuit, and dynamic power system analysis techniques, leveraging TARA, PSS®E, ASPEN, and DSA Tools in accordance with FERC 715.
• Support the preparation and documentation required for NERC EOP-005 System Restoration from Blackstart Resources, using transient power system techniques and PSCAD to model and analyze system restoration scenarios.
• Afford assistance with documentation for the annual NERC CIP-014 Physical Security assessment by modeling realistic and historical physical attacks on transmission equipment and evaluating whether such events could lead to instability, uncontrolled separation, or cascading within an electrical interconnection using TARA, PSS®E, and DSA Tools.
• Assist with documentation for the annual NERC CIP-014 Physical Security assessment by modeling realistic and historical physical attacks on transmission equipment and evaluating whether such events could lead to instability, uncontrolled separation, or cascading within an electrical interconnection using TARA, PSS®E, and DSA Tools.
• Assist in evaluating optimization of the Transmission System and proposed transmission plans to reduce overall investment and support downward pressure on electric rates, including the use of traditional solutions and emerging technologies such as grid-enhancing technologies (GETs).
• Participate in stakeholder meetings related to MISO’s regional Transmission Planning process, including the MISO Transmission Expansion Plan (MTEP), and assist in planning and evaluating transmission projects using steady-state, short-circuit, and dynamic power system techniques with TARA, PSS®E, ASPEN, and DSA Tools under FERC 715.
• Collaborate with Indiana’s vertically integrated investor-owned utilities and generation and transmission cooperatives to develop a cost-effective forecasted transmission plan that reliably serves existing and new customers.
• Prepare for, support, and defend against regulatory audits conducted by entities such as NERC, IURC, FERC, and MISO, ensuring adherence to transmission tariffs, distribution tariffs, and NERC compliance requirements.
• Provide analytical and technical assistance to the Transmission Operations Control Center during emergencies, including extreme weather events, emergency repairs, or system restoration efforts, to support timely restoration of service.
• Assist with documenting tasks associated with NERC standards, including but not limited to TPL-007, FAC-003, FAC-010, FAC-011, FAC-014, PRC-012, and PRC-026, using steady-state, short-circuit, and dynamic power system techniques with TARA, PSS®E, ASPEN, DSA Tools, and PSCAD as needed.
• Contribute to clear, accurate technical reports and compliance documentation that support internal decision-making and external regulatory obligations.
• Communicate complex technical concepts and study results clearly to internal stakeholders and external partners, both verbally and in writing.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, or a closely related engineering discipline.
• Foundational knowledge of transmission engineering principles, including power flow, system reliability, and grid planning.
• Experience or coursework in power flow analysis and power system studies within an electric utility or related environment.
• Technical understanding of transmission systems and transmission grid operation, including reliability, adequacy, and security concepts.
• Proficiency or strong aptitude with power system analysis tools such as PSS®E, TARA, and DSA Tools for steady-state, dynamic, and transient studies.
• Proficiency or strong aptitude with short-circuit analysis tools such as ASPEN or CAPE.
• Proficiency or strong aptitude with electromagnetic transient simulation tools such as PSCAD.
• Ability to apply regulatory requirements and planning criteria governed by FERC 715 and NERC standards to transmission planning studies.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex datasets, models, and simulation results.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain complex technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Attention to detail and accuracy in preparing technical reports, compliance documentation, and study deliverables.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree, certificate, or equivalent experience specifically focused on power systems studies.
• Passing grade on the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) examination.
• Proficiency in report writing, technical analysis, and compliance-related procedures.
• Detailed understanding of regulatory frameworks and markets, including NERC, FERC, and regional transmission organizations such as PJM and MISO.
• Experience participating in or supporting regional transmission planning processes such as MISO MTEP, EPR, or ERAS.
• Familiarity with grid-enhancing technologies (GETs) and their application in transmission system optimization.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with multiple utilities, cooperatives, and regional stakeholders.
• Strong organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple studies and deliverables in a regulated environment.
• Interest in or experience with system restoration, blackstart, and physical security assessments for transmission systems.

Work Environment

The role operates in a professional, analysis-driven environment focused on high-voltage transmission planning and regulatory compliance. Work primarily involves using specialized power system analysis software, including TARA, PSS®E, ASPEN, DSA Tools, PSCAD, and potentially CAPE, to perform steady-state, short-circuit, dynamic, and transient studies. The position requires regular interaction with internal engineering teams, transmission operations personnel, and external stakeholders such as regional transmission organizations and regulatory bodies. Work hours generally follow standard business schedules, with the expectation of providing support during system emergencies, extreme weather events, or urgent studies as needed. The environment emphasizes meticulous documentation, adherence to NERC and FERC standards, and active participation in regional planning processes, offering opportunities to contribute to long-term grid reliability and cost-effective transmission solutions.