Transmission Planning Engineer

Job Summary

Develops and analyzes models of electrical transmission systems to simulate and optimize power flows across the grid. Supports utilities and energy companies to plan, optimize, and ensure the reliability of power delivery. Works with system operators, planners, and external stakeholders to support operational decisions, interconnection requests, and infrastructure projects. Ensures the reliability, efficiency, and safety of the electrical grid within planning and operational critical frameworks. Utilizes various modeling tools to design cost-effective transmissions alternatives, optimize existing ones, and plan for future system expansion and upgrades.

Span of Control: Individual contributor role, no direct reports.

Key Accountabilities

• Develops, maintains, and validates detailed transmission network models using specialized software (e.g., PSSE, PowerWorld, TARA, PSCAD).
• Performs power flow, dynamic stability, and contingency analyses to assess system performance under normal and stressed conditions.
• Troubleshoots modeling issues, resolves data inconsistencies, and recommends improvements to enhance grid efficiency and reliability.
• Evaluates the electrical system performance under various scenarios and contingencies to support long-term transmission planning and infrastructure upgrades.
• Supports long-term transmission planning by evaluating system capacity, reliability, and upgrade requirements; then presents findings and recommendations to leadership.
• Analyzes operational datasets from SCADA systems, EMS (Energy Management Systems), and field equipment to validate and refine models for efficiency and mitigations.
• Collaborates cross-functionally to provide technical expertise which includes supporting RFPs (Request for Proposal), new generation/load interconnection studies, and strategic planning initiatives.
• Provides regulatory filing support including preparing analysis and writing testimony as necessary.
• Participates in technical working group meetings and forums representing the company in discussions with parties (ITC, MISO, FERC, etc.) to provide feedback and propose alternative cost-effective transmission solutions. Ensures compliance with DTE, FERC, NERC and reliability council’s standards while staying up to date with industry codes and best practices.

Minimum education & experience Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering and 8 years of experience in power systems, grid operations, or transmission planning.

Other Qualifications

Preferred

• Experience in developing bulk power system models, power system studies, power systems modeling software, transmission planning modeling software, or transmission planning and operations
• Professional Engineer (PE) license.
• Certifications in power systems modeling or grid operations.
• Experience working Transmission planning/power systems
• Experience working with modeling software such as PSS/E, TARA, and/or DSATools with Python scripting for running batch analysis and data handling.
• Strong understanding of load flow, stability, steady state, and dynamic behavior in power system.
• Ability to run new generator injection analysis and to assess the impact of new generation and load interconnections.
• Familiarity or experience with PROMOD and PSCAD is a plus.

Other Requirements

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills within Microsoft Excel, Python, Power BI, Visio, and/or MATLAB.
• Attained experience in developing bulk power system models and performing comprehensive studies including load flow, stability, and contingency analyses.
• Proficiency in modeling software in PROMOD, PSCAD, PowerWorld, TARA, and PSSE.
• Understanding ISO/RTO markets and regulatory standards (e.g., NERC, FERC) and experience working with EMS/SCADA systems.
• Knowledge of regulated rate cases, integrated resource planning, and preparation of transmission related testimony.
• Proficient communication skills to ensure effective cross-functional collaboration.
• Ability to manage multiple projects, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines.

Additional Information

Incumbents may engage in all or some combination of the activities and accountabilities and utilize a variety of the competencies cited in this description depending upon the organization and role to which they are assigned. This description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by incumbents in this job. It is not intended as an all-inclusive list of accountabilities or responsibilities, nor is it intended to limit the rights of supervisors or management representatives to assign, direct and control the work of employees under their supervision.