Planning Engineer Sr

Job Summary

Provides electrical engineering analysis and technical support for the planning and operation of the electric power system. Implements appropriate system modeling, develops tools and procedures to monitor and control the system, performs system studies, analyzes simulated or actual operating results, develops solutions to current or future system issues, and appropriately reports findings and recommendations.

Level 2 & 3

• Designs and performs steady-state analyses, dynamic stability analyses, and electromagnetic transient analyses using power system simulation models (PSSE, VSAT, TSAT, PowerWorld, and/or PSCAD) under the direction of a senior level engineer or management.
• Runs appropriate scenarios and input variations to result in robust results, analyzes study accuracy and assigns confidence metrics, helps formulate conclusions and recommendations, prepares reports and presentations.
• Structures appropriate planning studies and sensitivity analyses to determine the need for improvements and evaluate proposed projects, including technical and financial analyses.
• Aids in developing improvements to transmission planning and market forecasting processes.
• Aids in providing input and analyses from the planning perspective on market/protocol design issues.
• Aids in the preparation of study reports and procedures for ERCOT management, NERC, and other entities.
• Reviews stakeholder reports to ensure appropriate technical content and accuracy.
• Aids market participants to update power system dynamic models.

Senior Level

• Serves as a technical Subject Matter Expert for the department.
• Makes independent decisions except in instances of unusually complex engineering scenarios.
• Works on the most complex engineering issues where analysis of situations requires an in-depth evaluation of variable factors.
• Holds the ability to resolve complex issues in creative and effective ways.
• Makes technical recommendations on issues that extend beyond standard practices, influencing project, program, or departmental outcomes.
• Serves as a recognized technical authority and primary point of contact, frequently engaging with Market Participants, TSPs, and external stakeholders.

Lead Level

• Broadly applies advanced engineering principles, theories, and concepts with full-depth expertise in transmission planning and power system analysis.
• Independently defines problem statements, study scope, and analytical approaches for complex, ambiguous issues where established procedures may not exist.
• Leads and delivers highly complex studies and projects of diverse scope, exercising sound judgment in selecting methods, assumptions, and solution strategies.
• Provides technical recommendations on issues that extend beyond standard practices, influencing project, program, or departmental outcomes.
• Serves as a recognized technical authority and primary point of contact, frequently engaging with Market Participants, TSPs, and external stakeholders.
• Operates with wide latitude in decision-making within assigned programs and projects; work is reviewed primarily for alignment with objectives and outcomes.
• Works independently with minimal supervision; receives general direction on new or strategic assignments.
• Lends professional expertise to guide projects and help teammates assigned by manager.
• Learns and applies emerging trends and industry best practices.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or related field, or a combination of education and experience that provides the applicant with knowledge equivalent to a major in such fields.
• Engineer 2 – Minimum 1 to 2 years (in excess of degree requirements stated above) of progressively responsible experience as a power system engineer or similar type role.
• Engineer 3 - Minimum 3 years (in excess of degree requirements stated above) of progressively responsible experience as a power system engineer or similar type role.
• Senior level - Minimum 5 years (in excess of degree requirements stated above) of progressively responsible experience as a power system engineer or similar type role within the electric utility industry.
• Lead - Minimum 8 years (in excess of degree requirements stated above) of progressively responsible experience as a power system engineer or similar type role within the electric utility industry.

Preferred Work Experience

• Experience conducting dynamic model quality test and review of performance response of generators.
• Experience performing large-scale dynamic stability analyses using power system simulation tools (PSSE, TSAT, PowerWorld).
• Experience with EMT simulation tools (PSCAD), especially for large-scale system analysis.
• Experience evaluating and updating power system dynamic models.
• Experience analyzing large load dynamic behavior (e.g., data centers, traditional industrial loads) and assessing system impacts.
• Experience programming and developing simulation automation tools (Python).
• Experience assessing and mitigating sub-synchronous oscillation issues.
• Experience assisting in the development of improvements to transmission planning processes and familiarity with NERC reliability standards.

Position Level

The position level is open to an Engineer 2, Engineer 3, Senior Engineer, or Lead depending on the candidate's level of experience that is identified during the process.

Expected Salary Range

$109,000 - $150,000