Operations Planning Engineer

Bonneville Power Administration • Spokane, WA

9h • Onsite

About The Position

This position is in the Operations Planning organization within Operations Support, Transmission System Operations, Transmission Services, Bonneville Power Administration (BPA). The Operations Planning Engineer serves as a technical specialist providing specialized products and operational support for real-time dispatch of the transmission system.

The role supports real-time operation and management of BPA’s multi-state transmission grid. It includes developing and managing near-term transmission paths and flow-gate System Operating Limits, helping prevent system instability, providing analysis during unplanned or abnormal system conditions, coordinating complex outages across a multi-state region, and advising internal and external stakeholders on power-system operations policies and technical issues.

The incumbent must report in person to the official duty location, carry a BPA-provided cell phone, and respond to after-hours call-backs. The position also requires working with emergency response teams and being prepared to work from an alternate location during emergencies. NERC-mandated training and working knowledge of FERC Standards of Conduct are required.

Requirements

• United States citizenship.
• Valid driver's license as a condition of employment.
• Successful completion of a preliminary background check before beginning work, unless an existing completed investigation makes another check unnecessary.
• Engineering degree meeting the specified engineering education criteria, or an accepted combination of education and experience, professional registration/licensure, FE or other qualifying written examination, specified academic coursework, or related curriculum and professional engineering experience.
• At least one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-12 in the Federal service.
• Specialized experience must include independently performing power-system engineering studies, modeling, or analyses on electric utility transmission or bulk power systems; providing engineering or operational support to real-time operations, dispatch, or system planning to maintain bulk electric system reliability, operating limits, or system security; and interpreting, applying, or advising on electric reliability or regulatory standards, guidelines, or operating procedures.
• Current Federal employees must meet time-in-grade requirements by the announcement closing date.
• Provide college transcripts demonstrating education from an accredited institution; foreign education must be evaluated by an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
• Working knowledge of Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) Standards of Conduct.
• Ability to complete NERC-mandated training per PER 005 v2.
• Males must meet Selective Service registration requirements.

Nice To Haves

• Hiring incentives may be authorized for a highly qualified candidate, subject to budget availability and federal regulations.

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage near-term transmission paths and flow-gate System Operating Limits (SOLs) in support of real-time transmission-system operation and management.
• Provide technical information and procedures to help guard against system instability.
• Provide real-time power-system analysis support to system dispatchers during unplanned or abnormal system conditions.
• Coordinate outages with requesting entities, facilitating and planning complex outages across a multi-state region.
• Develop and provide guidance, methods, criteria, and direction to internal and external stakeholders on power-system operations policies and technical issues.
• Work with emergency response teams, agencies, and coordinators, and be prepared to work from an alternate location during emergencies.
• Carry a BPA-provided cell phone and respond to after-hours call-backs.
• Complete NERC-mandated training and maintain working knowledge of FERC Standards of Conduct.

Benefits

• Federal employee benefits package for employees and their families.
• Work-life balance programs and policies designed to support flexible, responsive work environments.
• BPA Be Well wellness program supporting career, community, financial, physical, and social well-being.

What This Job Offers

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