Planning Engineer Sr

About the Role

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.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• Helps develop improvements to transmission planning and market forecasting processes.
• Assists in providing input and analyses from the planning perspective on market/protocol design issues.
• Assists 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.
• Assists market participants to update power system dynamic models.

Senior Level: Includes all of the above, plus:

• 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.
• Has the ability to resolve complex issues in creative and effective ways.
• May coordinate, provide presentations, and participate in stakeholder meetings with ERCOT personnel, Market Participants, and industry Regulatory agencies.
• Fosters and leverages strong working relationships with team and other internal departments.
• Lends professional expertise to guide projects and help teammates assigned by manager.
• Acts as mentor and advisor to less experienced engineers/analysts.
• Leads multifunctional teams to obtain input, address comments, and perform studies.
• Demonstrates skills as an expert user of power system software applications and tools, spreadsheet programs, and database programs.
• Maintains knowledge of emerging trends and industry best practices.

Lead Level: Includes all of the above, plus:

• 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.
• Acts as a lead engineer and resource to senior and junior staff, guiding, reviewing, and at times directing technical work.
• Represents the organization in project leadership roles and high-impact stakeholder or inter-organizational forums.

Requirements

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.

Experience

• Engineer 2: Minimum 1 to 2 years (in excess of degree requirements) of progressively responsible experience as a power system engineer or similar role. Experience within the electric utility industry preferred.
• Engineer 3: Minimum 3 years (in excess of degree requirements) of progressively responsible experience as a power system engineer or similar role. Experience within the electric utility industry preferred.
• Senior Level: Minimum 5 years (in excess of degree requirements) of progressively responsible experience as a power system engineer or similar role within the electric utility industry.
• Lead: Minimum 8 years (in excess of degree requirements) of progressively responsible experience as a power system engineer or similar role within the electric utility industry.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience conducting dynamic model quality tests 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.

Pay

Expected Salary Range: $109,000 - $150,000