Transmission System Planning Engineer I-Principal (Depends on Experience)

Closing Date to Apply: This position is open until filled. Applications will be reviewed as they are received. The position may close at any time once a sufficient pool of qualified candidates has been established.

Salary:

Engineer I: $80,366 - $129,813
Midpoint: $105,090

Engineer II: $85,623 - $139,896
Midpoint: $112,760

Engineer III: $104,822 - $177,107
Midpoint: $140,964

Engineer IV: $112,585 - $192,317
Midpoint: $152,452

Engineer V: $130,666 - $228,062
Midpoint: $179,364

Principal Engineer: $141,196 - $249,064
Midpoint: $195,130

Grant PUD posts the full salary range for each position. The midpoint is provided as a reference point and is not a guaranteed starting pay. Starting pay is based on job-related factors such as qualifications, experience, skills, internal alignment, and organizational needs. Most new hires are typically placed between the minimum and midpoint of the range.

Benefits: This link below will provide you with Grant PUD’s benefit that may be available if hired, different employee types are eligible for different benefits.

Grant PUD — Unified Insurance Program (uip-wa.org)

Grant County PUD will administer a background check as part of the hiring process, if selected for this position.

Applicants meeting minimum qualifications may be further evaluated based on preferred qualifications and job-related criteria. Only the most qualified candidates will be referred for further consideration.

The District may use the applicant pool and results from this recruitment to fill additional vacancies in the same classification for up to six (6) months following the recruitment closing date, consistent with District policy and applicable law.

Position Summary

This position performs technical transmission system planning functions, including developing and maintaining power flow base cases, conducting contingency analyses, evaluating study results, modeling and evaluating alternative solutions to mitigate identified system issues, performing transient stability simulations, supporting compliance with applicable NERC and WECC reliability standards, and developing recommendations for transmission system improvements and capital projects.

Responsibilities and assignments will vary based on the level at which the position is filled. At developing levels, the position performs defined or routine assignments under the guidance of more experienced engineers while building knowledge of Grant PUD’s transmission system, planning practices, analytical tools, and reliability requirements. At experienced and senior levels, the position independently performs and leads increasingly complex transmission planning studies, exercises advanced engineering judgment, coordinates technical inputs, and develops well-supported recommendations. At the Principal Engineer level, the position provides expert-level technical leadership, serves as a recognized Subject Matter Expert, mentors other engineers, and acts as a trusted advisor on high-risk, enterprise-impacting, and strategic transmission planning matters.

Essential Functions

Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class; employees may be assigned duties which are not listed below; reasonable accommodations will be made as required. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement and is subject to change at any time by the employer. Essential functions will be assigned at a scope, level of complexity, and degree of independence commensurate with the classification at which the position is filled. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

General (applies to all levels)

• Demonstrated commitment to Grant PUD’s mission, vision, values, strategic plan, and Grant PUD/IBEW Local 77 Code of Excellence. The incumbent should be familiar with these organizational priorities and behave in a way that aligns with these expectations.
• In this position, if needed to operate a GPUD vehicle for business purposes, please refer to the Vehicle/Asset Usage Policy, IS-TA-POL-001
• Understand and adhere to compliance requirements for this position that may include laws, regulations, security guidelines, Grant PUD policies & procedures.
• Actively participate in all aspects of our safety program, including but not limited to:
  • Following all safety policies and procedures;
  • Alerting supervisors and coworkers to unsafe or hazardous working conditions;
  • Reporting any safety incidents or close calls within 24 hours to your supervisor; and
  • Accepting feedback from supervisors and coworkers regarding your own safety performance.

Engineer I

• Assist with the development and maintenance of data, models, and supporting documentation used in long-range transmission planning.
• Assist with development and maintenance of power flow base cases under the guidance -of more experienced engineers.
• Perform defined portions of routine contingency, power flow, voltage, and related transmission planning analyses using established procedures.
• Review study inputs and results for completeness, accuracy, and consistency, and communicate identified discrepancies.
• Support the modeling and preliminary evaluation of transmission system alternatives intended to address identified reliability or capacity issues.
• Develop proficiency in the use of power flow, transient stability, voltage stability, and other related transmission planning applications.
• Develop knowledge of applicable NERC Standards, WECC System Performance Criteria, and Grant PUD transmission planning guidelines, and apply them under guidance.
• Assist with feasibility, system impact, load service, generation interconnection, and other transmission planning studies.
• Prepare technical calculations, study documentation, exhibits, and summaries for review by more experienced engineers.
• Participate in internal and external transmission planning meetings as assigned.
• Develop working knowledge of Grant PUD’s electric transmission system configuration, electrical characteristics, and interaction with the interconnected transmission network.

Engineer II

• Contribute to the development and maintenance of long-range transmission plans in accordance with NERC Planning Standards, WECC System Performance Criteria, and Grant PUD guidelines.
• Develop and maintain power flow base cases and supporting study data using established processes and procedures.
• Perform routine contingency, power flow, voltage, and related transmission planning analyses with general supervision.
• Evaluate routine study results and model alternative solutions to mitigate identified reliability, capacity, or performance issues.
• Perform engineering analyses of defined transmission projects and system requirements using established methods.
• Maintain working proficiency in the use of power flow, transient stability, voltage stability, and other related transmission planning applications.
• Maintain working knowledge of applicable NERC Standards, WECC System Performance Criteria, and Grant PUD transmission planning guidelines, and apply them to assigned work.
• Perform defined portions of feasibility, system impact, load service, generation interconnection, and other transmission planning studies.
• Coordinate study data and technical inputs with internal departments, consultants, interconnected utilities, and other stakeholders as assigned.
• Prepare technical reports and recommendations for review by more experienced engineers.
• Participate in regional transmission planning meetings with WECC, regional planning groups, and other utilities as assigned.
• Develop and maintain knowledge of Grant PUD’s electric transmission system configuration, electrical characteristics, and interaction with the interconnected transmission network.

Engineer III

• Independently perform assigned portions of long-range transmission planning in accordance with NERC Planning Standards, WECC System Performance Criteria, and Grant PUD guidelines.
• Develop, maintain, and validate power flow base cases and supporting planning models.
• Independently perform moderately complex contingency, power flow, transient stability, voltage stability, and related transmission planning analyses.
• Evaluate study results, identify system limitations, model alternative solutions, and develop technical recommendations for transmission system improvements.
• Perform engineering analyses of future transmission projects and requirements, including evaluation of reliability, capacity, operational, and system-performance considerations.
• Maintain proficiency in the use of power flow, transient stability, voltage stability, and other related transmission planning applications.
• Interpret and apply applicable NERC Standards, WECC System Performance Criteria, and Grant PUD transmission planning guidelines to assigned studies.
• Perform moderately complex feasibility, system impact, load service, generation interconnection, and other transmission planning studies.
• Coordinate assigned study work with internal departments, consultants, interconnected utilities, customers, and other stakeholders.
• Prepare complete technical reports, study findings, and capital project recommendations for review and approval.
• Represent Grant PUD in selected regional transmission planning meetings with WECC, regional planning groups, and other utilities.
• Develop and maintain thorough knowledge of Grant PUD’s electric transmission system configuration, electrical characteristics, and interaction with the interconnected transmission network.
• Provide technical assistance and informal guidance to less experienced engineers.

Engineer IV

• Lead complex assigned components of long-range transmission plans in compliance with NERC Planning Standards, WECC System Performance Criteria, and Grant PUD guidelines.
• Develop and recommend updates to Grant PUD transmission planning processes, methodologies, and guidelines.
• Lead complex contingency, power flow, transient stability, voltage stability, and related transmission planning studies.
• Evaluate complex study results, identify system risks and limitations, develop and compare alternative solutions, and formulate well-supported recommendations for transmission system improvements and capital projects.
• Perform complex engineering analyses of future transmission projects and requirements, including projects involving multiple system constraints, stakeholders, or planning objectives.
• Maintain advanced proficiency in the use of power flow, transient stability, voltage stability, and other related transmission planning applications.
• Interpret and apply applicable NERC Standards, WECC System Performance Criteria, and Grant PUD planning guidelines, and ensure their consistent application within assigned studies.
• Lead complex feasibility, system impact, load service, generation interconnection, and other transmission planning studies.
• Coordinate or direct consultants performing assigned study work on Grant PUD’s transmission system and review consultant deliverables for technical adequacy.
• Lead coordination of technical inputs from internal departments, customers, interconnected utilities, regional planning organizations, and other stakeholders.
• Represent Grant PUD in regional transmission planning meetings with WECC, regional planning groups, and other utilities.
• Develop and maintain advanced knowledge of Grant PUD’s electric transmission system configuration, electrical characteristics, operating considerations, and interaction with the interconnected transmission network.
• Provide technical guidance, review work products, and support the development of less-experienced engineers.

Engineer V

• Develop long-range transmission plans in compliance with NERC Planning Standards, WECC System Performance Criteria, and Grant PUD guidelines.
• Develop and/or update Grant PUD's transmission planning processes and guidelines.
• Perform engineering analysis of future transmission projects and requirements.
• Maintain an effective level of expertise in the use of power flow, transient and voltage stability, and other related applications to perform transmission planning duties.
• Maintain an effective level of expertise and understanding of applicable NERC Standards, WECC System Performance Criteria, and Grant PUD planning guidelines, and ensure their consistent application to Grant PUD planning processes.
• Perform transmission system feasibility, system impact, and other studies related to load service and generation interconnection requests.
• Conduct or direct consultants performing study work on Grant PUD's transmission system.
• Participate in regional transmission planning meetings with WECC, regional planning groups, and other utilities.
• Develop and retain expert-level knowledge of Grant PUD's electric transmission system configuration, electrical characteristics, and interaction with the interconnected network.
• Train and mentor junior engineers on transmission planning principles.

Principal

• Performs the same core duties as Engineer V above (long-range planning, expertise in power flow and stability analysis, feasibility and interconnection studies, directing consultants, regional planning participation, and expert-level system knowledge), at a broader and more strategic scope, plus:
• Lead development of long-range transmission plans and planning recommendations.
• Develop and/or update Grant PUD's transmission planning processes and guidelines.
• Perform engineering analysis of future transmission projects and requirements involving multiple constraints and stakeholders.
• Serve as the designated Subject Matter Expert (SME) for transmission system planning, including power flow and stability studies, long-range transmission plans, reliability criteria, interconnect and load service studies, and planning-driven capital recommendations. Provide expert recommendations on transmission system risk mitigation and long-term reliability, mentor Engineers I-V, coach cross-functional teams, and model technical excellence across Transmission Planning.

Required Qualifications (Education, Experience, Licenses & Certifications):

• Bachelor’s degree in an engineering field

Minimum Experience

• Eng I: No prior professional engineering experience required.
• Eng II: One year of power engineering experience.
• Eng III: Three-five years of power engineering experience, including two years of transmission systems planning experience.
• Eng IV: Six years of power engineering experience, including three years of transmission systems planning experience.
• Eng V: Ten years of power engineering experience, including five years of transmission systems planning experience.
• Principal: Ten plus years of progressively responsible transmission systems planning experience, including demonstrated technical leadership of complex, high-risk, or enterprise-impacting work.

Preferred Qualifications (Education, Experience, Licenses & Certifications):

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering with a power systems emphasis.
• Engineer-in-Training certification or successful completion of the Fundamentals of Engineering examination, particularly for Engineer I through Engineer III candidates.
• Professional Engineer licensure, particularly for Engineer IV through Principal Engineer candidates.
• Electric utility experience involving transmission system planning, power system analysis, system operations, generation or load interconnections, or reliability compliance. Electric utility experience, including technical leadership of complex transmission planning studies, reliability standards or compliance activities, or enterprise-critical transmission system initiatives.

Other Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of – Power system engineering principles and their application to electric utility planning and operational practices. Electric transmission system modeling, power flow analysis, contingency analysis, voltage analysis, and transient stability analysis. Transmission planning studies performed for long-range planning, reliability compliance, system expansion, and connection of new load or generation. Transmission system equipment, configurations, electrical characteristics, operating considerations, and system interactions. Applicable NERC Reliability Standards, WECC criteria, regional planning requirements, and electric utility planning practices. Engineering methods used to identify system limitations and evaluate transmission system alternatives. Technical report preparation, study documentation, and development of engineering recommendations. At senior and Principal levels, advanced transmission planning methodologies, complex system interactions, emerging industry issues, and strategic planning considerations.
• Skill in – Using power flow and stability software, with PowerWorld experience preferred. Developing, maintaining, validating, and troubleshooting transmission planning models and study data. Performing technical analyses accurately and with appropriate attention to detail. Evaluating study results, identifying system limitations, and developing technically sound alternative solutions. Applying engineering judgment and making well-informed decisions based on available technical information. Preparing clear, accurate, and professional technical reports, calculations, exhibits, and recommendations. Presenting technical study results and recommendations to engineers, management, customers, regulators, and other stakeholders. Communicating effectively through written, oral, and interpersonal communication. Coordinating assignments involving multiple internal and external stakeholders. Managing workflow, priorities, schedules, and multiple concurrent assignments. Utilizing Microsoft Office products and applicable engineering, modeling, data management, and analysis tools. At senior levels, leading complex studies, reviewing technical work, coordinating consultants, and guiding less-experienced engineers. At the Principal level, resolving novel or exceptionally complex technical issues, establishing technical direction, serving as a technical authority, mentoring others, influencing stakeholders, and building organizational technical capacity.
• Ability to – Learn and apply Grant PUD’s transmission system information, planning practices, procedures, and analytical tools. Work independently at a level commensurate with experience and classification. Recognize when technical issues require consultation, escalation, or additional review. Collaborate effectively with engineering, operations, compliance, project development, financial, customer-service, and other internal functions. Work effectively with consultants, interconnected utilities, regional planning organizations, customers, and other external stakeholders. Perform work in field and construction environments when necessary. Adapt to evolving assumptions, priorities, regulatory requirements, technologies, and system conditions. At the Principal level, serve as a final or senior technical authority on high-risk and enterprise-impacting decisions.

Physical Requirements

• Position may be eligible for hybrid work arrangement: ☒Yes ☐No
• Majority of work is performed in a standard office setting.
• Will perform work onsite at the locations of the assigned Business Units
• Typical shift of employees in this position: ☒8 hours ☐9 hours ☐10 hours ☐12 hours

*For a full list of requirements, the applicant/incumbent should refer to the Physical Capacity Evaluation (PCE).

The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the principal functions for this job, the level of knowledge and skill typically required, and the scope of responsibility, but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including work in other functional areas