Engineer II or Senior Engineer - Transmission Planning

Southwest Power Pool • Little Rock, AR

7d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Engineer II and Senior Engineer, Transmission Planning roles support the development, analysis, and execution of transmission planning functions. Responsibilities include performing engineering analyses, running simulations using appropriate economic and reliability software tools, developing and coordinating study scopes, and supporting the CPP, Tariff Studies, Regional Cost Allocation Review (RCAR), and Coordinated System Plan Study processes. Both levels contribute to the planning objectives, critical issues, new concepts, policy matters, process improvements, and engineering measurements. These roles require interaction with SPP staff, stakeholders, and regulators, with the ability to communicate effectively through written and oral formats. A strong technical understanding of SPP’s power systems—including powerflow, flowgates, congestion, and transmission planning techniques—is required, along with a fundamental understanding of the SPP Culture, Mission, Core Values, and governing documents.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Science in Engineering from a university meeting Professional Engineering exam requirements (ABET-accredited institution or graduate degree from an ABET-accredited institution)
• Degree must be calculus-based; preferred fields include Electrical, Computer, Industrial, Mechanical, or Systems Engineering
• 2 years of relevant engineering experience (for Engineer II)
• 5 years of relevant engineering experience (for Senior Engineer)
• Competent with administrative and communication tools for word processing, spreadsheet development, and time keeping
• Intermediate proficiency with most SPP power systems analysis tools
• Practical understanding of the SPP Open Access Transmission Tariff, FERC and NERC governing documents, SPP By-Laws, SPP Criteria, and SPP Committee structure
• Knowledge of power systems analysis tools for steady-state, dynamic, short-circuit, or database management
• Strong interpersonal, teamwork, written, and verbal communication skills
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, and Access
• Understanding of and compliance with SPP Policies and Procedures

Nice To Haves

• Professional Engineer (PE) License preferred (for Engineer II)
• PE License may satisfy one year of experience requirement (for Senior Engineer)
• Experience in the electric utility industry
• Professional Engineer License
• Advanced degree in a related field of study

Responsibilities

• Develop expertise with SPP power system analysis tools and processes
• Apply concepts related to powerflow and transmission planning
• Develop, use, and instruct transmission planning tools such as PROMOD, Powerbase, PAT, PSS/E, Capacity Expansion software, and Microsoft Office
• Complete study assignments directed by supervision or stakeholder committees
• Lead or support complex technical processes for transmission planning and CPP-related efforts; delegation of assignments may be required
• Responsible for technical content in the CPP Report and STEP Reports approved by the Board of Directors
• Coordinate SPP transmission planning process, results, and analysis with neighboring ISOs, RTOs, and Planning Authorities
• Maintain detailed understanding of governing documents and processes as required
• Develop positive technical, supervisory, leadership, and management-level stakeholder relationships
• Assist with assignments to collect data, share results, and facilitate stakeholder feedback
• Develop staff secretary skills (meeting minutes, action items, Robert’s Rules of Order)
• Serve as staff secretary for an SPP task force or working group if called to do so
• Exercise intermediate decision-making skills to adapt between standard and non-standard techniques
• Take responsibility for independent projects and develop project management skills
• Build skills through collaboration and observation of more experienced engineers
• Provide key technical support in a teamwork environment
• Independently manage technical processes, studies, or tasks with limited scope and minimal supervision
• Assist more experienced engineers with advanced studies and processes
• Observe engineering decision-making behaviors to develop leadership abilities
• Embrace and promote the SPP Culture, Mission, and Core Values
• Incorporate Culture Drivers into all engineering assignments and SPP-related efforts
• Ensure compliance with SPP Policies and Procedures

Benefits

• Competitive and transparent pay with bonus opportunities
• Excellent insurance package including three great medical plans to choose from, employer-paid short-term disability, long-term disability, and life insurance
• Relocation bonus (if applicable)
• Hybrid working environment for positions that are eligible
• Fantastic contributions to your retirement through a 401(k) savings plan with employer-match benefits and a pension (defined benefit plan) fully funded by SPP

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level