Transmission Planning Engineer II

Job Description

PSE's Transmission Planning department is hiring two Engineers and these roles are posted as an Engineer I, II, III and Senior Engineer. Please apply to the role that most closely matches your qualifications. Under minimal supervision of more experienced staff, an Engineer prepares engineering plans, designs, specifications, standards, cost estimates, system studies, and other such evaluations. The engineer also works on project teams to support the successful completion of projects designed to reinforce the energy delivery or power generation systems. Work on assignments is also performed with the goal of growing the engineers’ technical and managerial knowledge about PSE processes and systems. Supports emergency response operations when needed.

Upholds the safety compliance standards inherent in PSE’s operating and/or field procedures related to work responsibilities. Promotes and supports a culture of total safety. Demonstrates commitment to conduct business honestly, ethically and consistent with our core values and Code of Conduct. Ensures duties are performed in accordance with all regulatory compliance obligations.

This job is considered “safety sensitive” as defined in RCW 49.44.240 and is subject to pre-employment drug screening that includes screening for the presence of marijuana and marijuana metabolites.

Job Responsibilities

• Perform studies and analyses to identify electric transmission system needs and develop infrastructure projects to support system reliability and performance.
  
  • Develop transmission system models in consideration of applicable load and resource forecasts and expected system topology over a 10-year planning horizon.
  • Complete complex power system modeling, simulation, and analysis using advanced power system analysis programs, such as PowerWorld.
  • Interpret available codes, standards, requirements, and guidelines for application to identified system needs and the development of infrastructure projects to address those needs.
  • Document project need and solution justification for both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Provide professional engineering service and support in the construction, operation, and maintenance of PSE facilities and assets.
• Ensure compliance with NERC Reliability Standards applicable to the Transmission Planner and/or Planning Coordinator.
• Document transmission plans in compliance with PSE’s Open Access Transmission Tariff (OATT).
• Participate in public meetings related to PSE’s transmission plans as needed
• Support the maintenance of technical specifications for interconnection of resources under state jurisdiction.
• Perform study work related to the interconnection of large retail loads
• Support the completion of study work related to FERC/OATT processes such as generator interconnection or transmission service requests.
• Coordinate with Integrated Resource Planning on the incorporation of renewable energy resources on PSE’s local system.
• Maintains knowledge of industry developments and best practices and their application at PSE to further business objectives.
• Ensure that problem solutions are tailored to PSE’s business environment.
• Identify potential areas of weakness with assigned work and initiate corrective action.
• Support emergency response work as requested, including immediate and extended restoration efforts driven by weather and other system failures.
• May coordinate the work of engineering assistants, technicians, or others who assist in specific assignments (including contractors/consultants).
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science degree or PE license in electrical, mechanical, civil or other appropriate engineering field. A PE license may qualify in lieu of a degree.
• Experience in planning, design, specification preparation, technical field work, project cost estimating and scheduling (typically achieved after three (3) or more years practice as a degreed engineer). Years of acquired experience is provided as a guide and alone does not constitute readiness for job level as individual’s skill acquisition rates can vary significantly.
• Organization, documentation, prioritization, and project management skills.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience working with both internal and external customers on projects.
• Familiar with codes and equipment utilized in the design and operation of utility systems.
• Experience with coordinating external consultants in the execution of a project.
• Possession of EIT certificate and ability to acquire PE license.
• Knowledge of engineering economics and utility accounting practices.

Additional Information