Engineer III - Modeling

Job Description

The Engineer III prepares engineering plans, designs, specifications, standards, cost estimates, system studies, and other such evaluations. This person will provide professional engineering service and support in the planning, construction, operation, maintenance, and analysis of PSE electric transmission facilities and assets as we develop a long-haul transmission strategy. This will include knowledge and analysis of the interconnected transmission system and the applicable FERC, NERC, WECC, and PSE Open Access Transmission Tariff (OATT) requirements that govern Transmission Planning and Operations.  This role will interpret and apply existing guidelines and engineering principles, practices, and theories toward the completion of assignments with a moderate degree of complexity, with many interrelated elements requiring considerations not previously encountered. 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 knowledge about PSE processes and systems.  The ideal candidate 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.

This position may be subject to random DOT drug and/or alcohol testing.

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

• Develops analytical approaches using long-term resource models, spreadsheets, and other tools, such as Python, Plexos, Aurora, or GridView as necessary, to analyze long-term resource performance, including provisions for balancing and ancillary services.
• Directs development of input databases necessary to perform long-term resource planning analysis.
• Identifies and oversees the development of means to address critical energy policy issues that may affect the company's long-term resource strategy.
• Directs and performs research on energy industry issues and communicates implications to senior management.
• Monitors energy load and supply trends at the local, state, regional and national levels, and incorporates that data into models as necessary.
• Supports powerflow analysis using software platforms such as PowerWorld, PSS/E, or PSLF as needed.
• Interprets and/or modifies available guidelines for application to existing problems or processes.
• Prepares complex designs, standards, studies and analyses.
• Provides a detailed design review of internal or external technical documents.
• Prepares cost estimates and project evaluations without direct supervision.
• Plans and develops project budgets with appropriate documentation.
• Ensures compliance with codes, standards, and design, operation, and maintenance requirements.
• Identifies potential areas of weakness with assigned work, and initiate corrective action.
• Documents and shares work with others to strengthen the depth and breadth of skills within PSE’s engineering workforce.
• Communicates solutions to personnel possessing a wide variety of educational and employment backgrounds, including in public forums in both verbal and written forms.
• Ensures that problem solutions are tailored to PSE’s business environment.
• Supports emergency response work as requested including immediate and extended restoration efforts driven by weather and other system failures.
• May lead or coordinate the work of junior engineers, engineering assistants, field technicians, and others who assist on specific projects. (This includes contractor/consultants.)
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science degree or PE license in electrical, mechanical, civil or other appropriate engineering field.
• Substantial experience in planning, design, specification preparation, technical field work, project cost estimating and scheduling (typically achieved after 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

Please note: this job posting is one of two that will be used to advertise and fill only one vacancy at the Engineer III or Senior Engineer level depending on the most qualified applicant across the two job openings posted. Only apply to one of the two job openings based on which level best matches your work experience. Job postings involved with this opening are 4549 and 4550.