Transmission Planning Engineer III

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. Provides professional engineering service and support in the planning, construction, operation, maintenance, and analysis of PSE facilities and assets. Schedules and coordinates major segments of complex projects to meet cost and time objectives. Reviews design and documentation to ensure compliance with PSE expectations. Interprets and applies existing guidelines and engineering principles, practices, and theories toward the completion of assignments involving a substantial degree of complexity, with many interrelated elements requiring considerations not previously encountered. Supports the continued development of PSE’s engineering workforce by sharing knowledge with others. 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.
• Maintain and update internal planning criteria and guidelines as needed to reflect changing industry trends.
• Document and share work with others to strengthen the depth and breadth of skills within PSE’s engineering workforce.
• 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.
• Substantial experience in planning, design, specification preparation, technical field work, project cost estimating and scheduling (typically achieved after five (5) 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.
• Demonstrated organization, documentation, prioritization, and project management skills.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience working in the utility industry.
• Familiar with codes and equipment utilized in the design and operation of utility systems.
• Possession of a Professional Engineering license.
• Knowledge of engineering economics and utility accounting practices.
• Experience working on complex engineering projects.

Additional Information