Senior Transmission Planning Engineer

New Leaf Energy • Lowell, MA

13d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Senior Transmission Planning Engineer performs transmission modeling and analysis to identify high-impact locations for new utility-scale projects and opportunities to use available capacity. This analysis informs the utility-scale project development team’s land prospecting strategy. The role works with project developers throughout the development cycle to evaluate utility study deliverables, assess potential upgrades and queue attrition scenarios, and guide projects forward. It collaborates internally with Project Development, Policy, and Interconnection teams and externally with third-party consultants, utility and ISO engineers, and other industry professionals to advocate for New Leaf Energy’s utility-scale portfolio. The position reports to the Senior Director of Grid Analytics.

The role is approximately 70% project-task work and 30% higher-level project management, standards and SOP maintenance, and cross-functional collaboration and training. It may be based in Boston, Lowell, Oakland, Troy, or Chicago. The company’s hybrid arrangement requires employees to work in the office at least two out of Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, with the option to work from the office or home on other days.

Requirements

• At least 5 years of power engineering experience, specializing in transmission planning.
• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or a similar relevant field of study.
• Advanced knowledge of power systems and transmission planning practices, with the ability to build expertise in specific ISO territories.
• Advanced knowledge of planning software for transmission system analysis, including steady-state power flow, stability, and transfer analysis.
• Ability to read and interpret ISO study deliverables and understand their impact on New Leaf projects.
• Advanced ability to work with multiple software programs, such as PSSE and TARA.
• Ability to represent New Leaf Energy from an engineering standpoint at ISO scoping calls.
• Strong understanding of New Leaf Energy’s VSM and development strategy.
• Strong understanding of regional ISO study practices and ability to research and learn standards for new markets.
• Ability to teach less experienced engineers how to perform transmission analysis.
• Ability to learn and demonstrate project management fundamentals.
• Well-organized self-starter with a genuine drive for success.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree.

Responsibilities

• Perform transmission analysis with little or no supervision from a Lead TPE or Manager.
• Create scopes of work for third-party engineers or internal TPEs to facilitate company operations.
• Review deliverables produced by internal TPEs or third-party engineers.
• Create standard operating procedures for team study methodologies and maintain team standards and procedures.
• Serve as the transmission planning engineering lead for multiple ISO territories, helping project developers navigate the transmission network and identify competitive, efficient interconnection locations.
• Evaluate ISO and utility impact studies; where appropriate, challenge study methodology and propose alternative approaches.
• Help project developers assess potential project sites, including estimating potential network upgrades and costs.
• Participate in technical policy working groups to advocate for policies and standards that further New Leaf Energy’s mission and goals.
• Onboard and manage third-party consultants who assist with engineering analysis.
• Collaborate cross-functionally and provide training.

Benefits

• Competitive salaries and comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits.
• 401(k) plan with immediate vesting and a company match: 100% of the first 3% of pay and 50% of the next 2% contributed.
• Open and self-managed paid time-off policy.
• Hybrid work location policy that supports working from home for part of the week.
• Parental leave for birthing and non-birthing parents, available immediately upon hire.
• Professional development and education assistance.
• Above-market variable compensation, with an on-target annual cash bonus equal to 20% of base salary.
• Equity-like program intended to let employees experience the benefits of ownership.

What This Job Offers

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