Lead Engineer, Transmission System Planning (hybrid)

Eversource Energy•Hartford, MA

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

Lead Engineer in Transmission System Planning provides focused subject matter expertise and oversight of power system studies and system solutions development by coordinating team assignments associated with the modeling and analysis of Eversource’s electric transmission system. The role requires extensive experience associated with the modeling, analyses, and planning level designs of transmission lines, substation facilities, and other applicable assets or resources comprising of New England’s electric power system. Typical studies include analyses of power flow, transient stability, short circuit, and electromagnetic transient (EMT). The position assists in leading the development and improvements of standard procedures or processes, methodologies and any other necessary documentation supporting the studies and any resulting system improvements. This position entails representing the Company on regional and national transmission committees regarding transmission planning matters for New England Power Pool (NEPOOL), North American Electric Reliability Council (NERC), New England Power Coordination Council (NPCC), and Independent System Operators of New England (ISO-NE) as needed. This is a hybrid position. The first 3 months are in the office.

Requirements

Eight or more years performing Power Systems Engineering and Analysis or as a Power System Planner in an electric utility with Transmission system planning focused experience.
Effective communication and writing skills with the ability to communicate complicated technical issues in a succinct manner.
Very familiar with NERC, NPCC and ISO-NE transmission planning reliability standards.
Understanding of ISO-NE Transmission Planning Process and Procedures.
Experience with power system transmission analysis tools such as PSSE, TARA, EMS, ASPEN, PROMOD, PowerWorld, PSCAD or other similar analysis software.
Ability to interface effectively and collaborate with clients, peers, project personnel, and all levels of management enterprise-wide to develop solutions and ensure stakeholder buy-in.
Strong understanding of electrical engineering concepts such as reliability, load flow, stability, short circuit, voltage regulation, transients, power factor, losses, etc.
Strong technical understanding of the parameters and functions used in the operation of the power delivery system as well as power industry fundamentals, practices, and standards
Thorough understanding of engineering economics
Requires a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Power Systems or related.
A minimum of 8 years of Power Systems Analysis or Planning experience.
Transmission System Planning experience is required
Must be available to work emergency restoration assignment as required.
Must be available to travel between MA/CT/NH as necessary.

Nice To Haves

Advanced Degree in Power Systems Engineering is preferred

Responsibilities

Serve as the System Planning team lead for direct report engineers by ensuring responsible assignments are performed satisfactorily where sound technical mitigation measures or upgrade solutions are recommended.
Serve as point of contact for internal and external stakeholders on transmission system reliability studies
Leads the development and maintenance of the system power flow model. This includes: Collection and review of the forecast loads to be included in the model Collection, modification, and review of a variety of electric system parameters including: equipment ratings, impedances, contingency sets, protection and control parameters, as well as system topology Collection, modification, and review of modeling for steady state, stability, short circuit, and EMT analyses
Leads the strategic needs assessment and analysis of proposed solutions associated with Eversource service territory, especially EMA and NH. This includes: Determining required level of analysis, study assumptions, and study scopes Application of corporate planning standards in conjunction with any other applicable NERC, NPCC, and ISO-NE reliability standards and criteria Determining transmission system area needs through performing transmission system studies Verification of technical feasibility or soundness of proposed plans utilizing industry accepted techniques Interfacing with various ISO-NE staff, DER and Distribution System Planning, Advanced Forecasting, line and substation engineering, Asset Management, siting, environmental and permitting, operations, etc. for the determination of system impacts and proposed solutions Developing design solutions and possible alternatives to mitigate identified assessment criteria violations with consideration of other potential near term and long term needs in the study area Providing study updates and presenting study results to internal and external stakeholders as needed
Leads the Annual System assessments and develops potential alternatives to reliability objectives by identifying key technical issues and developing proposed and alternative solutions. This includes: Application of corporate planning standards in conjunction with any other Federal, State or Local regulatory requirements
Plans, develops and collaborates in the implementation and management of the life cycle planning for transmission assets
Contributes to the development of the Transmission capital budget through development of cost-effective programs and projects to meet customer and system needs
Leads the analysis of system interconnections. This task includes: Review and provide assessment support for applications in the applicable interconnection queue Managing the impact analysis of interconnections on the Eversource electric system
Serves as a company expert witness advocating the Company’s position at various regulatory and/or siting proceedings on issues dealing with Company’s plans for Transmission improvements.
Conducts performance evaluations for System Planning staff and creates performances goals, development plans and growth opportunities for all direct reports.
Represents the department and the company on various industry related committees.
Participates with other utilities and the planning staff of the Independent System Operator (ISO) in the preparation of regional transmission expansion studies.
Coordinates and works in close collaboration with various internal departments such as Engineering, System Operations, Protection & Control, Communications, Project Management, Regulatory Policy, Compliance, Siting & Outreach, Real Estate, Investment Planning and Finance as well as any other internal or external groups as necessary
Clearly and effectively communicates the results of analyses and action plans both verbally and in writing
Trains junior staff in technical analyses and procedures
Performs an emergent storm assignment as needed during times of inclement weather or adverse system conditions