Transmission Planning Engineer

Responsibilities

• Independently perform the annual NERC TPL-001 Transmission System Planning Performance Assessment using steady-state, short-circuit, and dynamic power systems techniques in accordance with FERC 715.
• Use a software suite including TARA, PSS®E, ASPEN, and DSA Tools to conduct power flow, dynamic-stability, transient-stability, and voltage-stability studies for the transmission system.
• Independently perform the NERC EOP-005 System Restoration from Blackstart Resources assessment using transient power systems techniques and PSCAD to evaluate system restoration capabilities.
• Independently perform the annual NERC CIP-014 Physical Security assessment by modeling realistic and historical physical attacks on transmission equipment to determine whether such events could result in instability, uncontrolled separation, or cascading within an electrical interconnection using TARA, PSS®E, and DSA Tools.
• Independently perform tasks related to 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 systems techniques with TARA, PSS®E, ASPEN, DSA Tools, and PSCAD as needed.
• Apply steady-state, short-circuit, dynamic, and transient power systems techniques using TARA, PSS®E, ASPEN, DSA Tools, and PSCAD to evaluate system impacts of new or modified facilities.
• Independently evaluate optimization of the Transmission System and proposed transmission plans to reduce overall investment and drive downward pressure on electric rates, including the evaluation of traditional solutions and new technologies such as grid-enhancing technologies (GETs).
• Participate in stakeholder meetings related to the MISO regional Transmission Planning process and the MISO Transmission Expansion Plan (MTEP).
• Plan projects within and evaluate MTEP to ensure effective, efficient, and thorough evaluation of transmission projects, ensuring just and reasonable transmission scope using appropriate power system analysis techniques and tools.
• Participate in stakeholder meetings for MISO’s Expedited Project Review (EPR) and Expedited Resource Adequacy Study (ERAS).
• Independently plan projects within and evaluate EPR and ERAS to ensure effective, efficient, and thorough evaluation of transmission projects using steady-state, short-circuit, dynamic, and transient analysis tools governed by FERC 715.
• Collaborate with multiple vertically integrated investor-owned utilities and generation and transmission cooperatives to establish a cost-effective forecasted transmission plan that reliably serves existing and new customers.
• Prepare for regulatory audits and defend technical positions before entities such as NERC, state utility regulators, FERC, and MISO regarding adherence to transmission tariffs, distribution tariffs, and NERC compliance requirements.
• Support the Transmission Operations Control Center during emergencies, including extreme weather events, emergency repairs, or system restoration, to help ensure timely restoration of service to customers.
• Prepare clear, comprehensive engineering reports and documentation that communicate study methodologies, assumptions, results, and recommendations to technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Ensure all planning studies and deliverables align with applicable regulatory frameworks and internal procedures, supporting ongoing compliance and audit readiness.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, or a closely related discipline.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience working in the electric utility industry, with a focus on transmission planning, power systems, or related functions.
• Ability to perform complex power system analyses and prepare engineering deliverables independently and without supervision.
• Passing grade on the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) examination.
• Hands-on experience with transmission planning and operation in an electric utility context.
• Strong technical knowledge and understanding of the transmission grid and its operation.
• Proficiency in using TARA, PSS®E, ASPEN, DSA Tools, PSCAD, or closely related power systems analysis software.
• Detailed understanding of regulatory frameworks and requirements related to NERC, FERC, and regional transmission organizations such as PJM and MISO.
• Proficiency in engineering report writing, data analysis, and compliance-related documentation.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to explain complex technical concepts clearly to diverse audiences.