Senior Transmission Planning Engineer - Stability Studies

ICF•Reston, VA

3d•Remote

About The Position

ICF is seeking an experienced power system engineer with deep stability expertise to perform transient stability and dynamic simulation studies, provide technical leadership to clients and project teams, and mentor less-experienced engineers. The role supports utility planning and interconnection work amid renewable generation growth, large-load growth, and transmission reform. Steady-state transmission planning experience is a strong plus. The engineer will lead stability studies and interconnection analyses, develop and validate dynamic models for conventional generation, inverter-based resources, and battery storage, and assess results against applicable reliability standards and regional criteria. The position may also support steady-state planning, long-range transmission expansion, regulatory compliance, business development, and client engagement. The role requires residence in the United States, Canada, or Puerto Rico; candidates must be authorized to work in the United States, and the position is not eligible for new H-1B sponsorship by ICF.

Requirements

Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering or a closely related engineering discipline from an ABET-accredited college or university.
At least 8 years of experience in power system studies, focused on transient stability and dynamic simulation analysis.
Hands-on experience performing stability studies and developing or validating dynamic models in PSS/E, PSLF, or equivalent software.
Must be located in the United States, Canada, or Puerto Rico.

Nice To Haves

Advanced experience with transient, voltage (PV/QV), and small-signal stability studies, including development, validation, tuning, and interpretation of dynamic models.
Experience evaluating conventional generation, inverter-based resources, and battery energy storage systems, including dynamic model verification under NERC MOD-026/027 and ride-through requirements under PRC-024/PRC-029 and IEEE 2800.
Experience with TSAT or other time-domain stability tools, and electromagnetic transient software such as PSCAD or EMTP.
Transmission planning experience with steady-state power flow and contingency analysis using PSS/E, PSLF, or PowerWorld.
Demonstrated experience leading or managing technical study engagements as the primary point of contact.
EIT or PE registration, or active pursuit of licensure.
Familiarity with regional ISOs/RTOs—including CAISO, MISO, PJM, ERCOT, NYISO, ISO-NE, and/or SPP—and their interconnection processes and planning criteria, as well as WECC and SERC regional requirements.
Experience with large-load interconnection studies for data center, hyperscaler, industrial, or other high-demand customers.
Proficiency in Python for power system study automation, model management, and data workflows.
Short-circuit analysis experience using ASPEN, CAPE, or ETAP.
Strong technical report writing skills and ability to communicate complex results clearly to non-engineering audiences and utility executives.
Experience contributing to business development proposals and client scoping discussions.

Responsibilities

Lead transient stability and dynamic simulation studies for utility planning and interconnection work using PSS/E, PSLF, and TSAT, evaluating conventional generation, inverter-based resources, and battery energy storage systems.
Develop, review, validate, and tune dynamic models, including generic renewable models and user-defined models, using model quality tests such as flat-start, step-response, and fault ride-through checks.
Assess stability performance against NERC TPL-001, regional planning criteria, and PRC-024/PRC-029 ride-through requirements, including voltage recovery, damping, oscillatory behavior, and critical clearing times.
Perform voltage stability (PV/QV), weak-grid, and short-circuit-ratio screening, and coordinate with electromagnetic transient studies when needed.
Perform NERC reliability standards studies and assessments, including TPL-001 stability analysis and MOD-026/027/032/033 model verification and validation.
Lead stability work for generation and large-load interconnection impact studies, including feasibility, facilities, and cluster or serial study processes across regional footprints.
Serve as technical lead or study manager for transmission planning engagements, owning scope, schedule, quality, and client relationships.
Develop Python-based automation and tooling to improve study execution, model management, and output quality.
Support steady-state load flow and contingency analysis using PSS/E, PSLF, or PowerWorld for utility transmission planning and interconnection studies.
Support long-range transmission expansion planning, including load growth, generation retirement, renewable buildout scenarios, and FERC Order 1920 and Order 2023 compliance work.
Author and quality-assure technical study reports for regulatory filings, client deliverables, and interconnection submissions.
Mentor junior and mid-level engineers through technical review, guidance, and day-to-day collaboration.
Contribute to business development through proposal writing, scope development, client presentations, and identification of new opportunities.
Track FERC policy, NERC standards, and grid technology trends to inform client strategy and internal capability development.