Engineer III

Job Description

Transmission Planning Engineer will prepare engineering plans, system studies, and related evaluations. This role provides professional engineering services and support in the planning, construction, operation, maintenance, and analysis of our electric transmission facilities and assets. The engineer will apply knowledge and analysis of the transmission system and ensure compliance with NERC standards governing Transmission Planning and Operation. The role involves interpreting and applying existing guidelines, engineering principles, practices, and theories to complete assignments with many interrelated elements. Additionally, the engineer will collaborate on project teams to successfully complete projects aimed at reinforcing energy delivery or power generation systems. This position also offers opportunities to enhance technical and managerial knowledge about our processes and systems. The ideal candidate will possess expertise in areas such as steady-state and dynamic power system analysis, power quality and transient analysis, reliability standards compliance, and economic development transmission service evaluations. 

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

• Responsible for preparing studies and analyses to develop and justify capacity and reliability projects for the electric transmission system.
• Run power system simulation, modeling and analysis using advanced power system analysis programs.
• Responsible for NERC Planning Standards applicable to the Transmission Planner.   
• Provide professional engineering service and support in the planning, construction, operation, maintenance, and analysis of PSE facilities and assets.
• Plan projects to meet cost and time objectives; including compliance with applicable NERC Transmission Planning and Operating Standards.
• Interprets requirements and application of company and industry standards, guidelines, and methods.
• Review design and documentation to ensure compliance with internal planning criteria and standards.
• Interprets and/or modifies available guidelines for application to existing problems or processes.
• Documents project need, benefit and justifications with minimal direct supervision.
• Creates and reviews cost estimates, and provides economic cost/benefit analysis for project alternatives. 
• Plan and develop project budgets with appropriate documentation.
• Applies engineering principles, practices and theories.
• Identifies potential areas of weakness with assigned work and initiates corrective action.
• Ensures compliance with codes, standards, and design requirements.
• Supports 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).
• 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.
• Experience in transmission planning and operations is preferred.
• Experience in transmission design, maintenance, and protection and controls is desirable.
• Experience in transmission project management, estimating, and scheduling is desirable.
• Proficiency in power system analysis using industry-accepted tools such as PSS/E, PSLF, CAPE, ASPEN, EMTP, PSCAD, TARA, VSAT, PowerWorld, SINCAL, etc.
• Acumen in NERC reliability standards.
• Knowledge of FERC transmission policy and regulation.

Additional Information