Transmission Planning Modeling Engineer

American Electric Power•New Albany, OH

3d•$98,993 - $177,503•Onsite

About The Position

This position is within the East Transmission Planning Modeling organization supporting the PJM region. The role is responsible for the development, maintenance, validation, and quality assurance of transmission system models and associated data used in transmission planning, reliability assessments, operational studies, and NERC compliance activities. The position works closely with internal stakeholders, PJM, neighboring transmission owners, and operations personnel to ensure accurate representation of the transmission system and planned future network changes.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in engineering in a program accredited by ABET (for Senior SG8)
2 years of related engineering experience along with a Master's degree or PhD in engineering from a program accredited by ABET (for Senior SG8)
4 or more years of related engineering experience (for Senior SG8)
Bachelor's degree in engineering in a program accredited by ABET (for Principal SG9)
6 years of related engineering experience along with a Master's or PhD in engineering from a program accredited by ABET (for Principal SG9)
8 or more years of related engineering experience (for Principal SG9)
Bachelor's degree in engineering in a program accredited by ABET (for Staff SG10)
8 years of related engineering experience along with a Master's degree or PhD in engineering from a program accredited by ABET (for Staff SG10)
10 or more years of related engineering experience (for Staff SG10)
Bachelor's degree in engineering (non-ABET) plus a Master's degree or PhD in engineering from a university with an ABET accredited Bachelor's program (acceptable alternative for Senior SG8)
Bachelor's degree in engineering (non-ABET) plus a Master's degree or PhD in engineering from a university with an ABET accredited Bachelor's program (acceptable alternative for Staff SG10)

Nice To Haves

Registration as a Professional Engineer (PE) in any U.S. state or Puerto Rico is encouraged and preferred (for Senior SG8)
Registration as a Professional Engineer (PE) in any U.S. state or Puerto Rico is preferred for this position unless approval to waive this requirement is given by the organization's EVP (for Principal SG9)
Individuals with a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering Technology can satisfy this degree requirement, if they obtain a certified Professional Engineering (PE) license (for Principal SG9)
Registration as a Professional Engineer (PE) in any U.S. state or Puerto Rico is preferred for this position unless approval to waive this requirement is given by the organization''s EVP (for Staff SG10)
Individuals with a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering Technology can satisfy this degree requirement, if they obtain a certified Professional Engineering (PE) license (for Staff SG10)
Confirmation is preferred to ensure the PE obtained in Puerto Rico aligns with NCEES standards (for Staff SG10)
VP or above may waive the requirement for a degree from a university with an Non ABET accredited program (for Staff SG10)
Experience developing, maintaining, validating, and analyzing transmission planning models using PSS-ODMS, Siemens PSS®E, ASPEN OneLiner, TARA, or similar power system analysis tools, including the implementation of equipment data, topology changes, generation interconnections, load modifications, facility ratings, and future transmission projects.
Experience supporting power flow, short circuit, stability, or reliability assessments using transmission planning models
Experience modeling transmission lines, transformers, generators, and other electric system equipment.
Knowledge of inverter-based resources, including solar and wind generation technologies.
Knowledge of synchronous generation modeling and power system behavior.
Experience working with PJM planning processes, planning models, or regional transmission organization data exchanges.
Experience supporting or working with NERC Reliability Standards and compliance programs.
Demonstrated ability to compare data from multiple sources, evaluate data quality, and perform data correction and clean-up activities.
Experience developing, improving, documenting, and implementing engineering or business processes.
Strong communication, organizational, and collaboration skills with the ability to work independently, manage large volumes of technical data, and coordinate effectively with internal and external stakeholders.

Responsibilities

Develop, maintain, and validate transmission system models used for planning, operational, reliability, and compliance studies utilizing industry modeling tools such as PSS-ODMS and PSS®E.
Accurately model transmission system topology, impedance, ratings, and configurations for transmission lines, transformers, generators, breakers, and associated equipment across Medium, High, and Extra High Voltage facilities.
Develop and maintain future network models that incorporate load growth, generation additions and retirements, transmission upgrades, system reconfigurations, and other planned projects while ensuring accurate representation of the as-built system.
Coordinate with area planning, operations, engineering, project management, and external entities including RTO’s, neighboring transmission owners, and interconnecting entities to obtain, validate, and implement modeling and equipment data.
Support PJM planning model development processes, including coordination of baseline, near-term, and long-term planning models, PJM submittals, model reviews, and responses to PJM data requests.
Perform data validation, discrepancy resolution, and model quality reviews using both programmatic and manual techniques to identify errors, inconsistencies, and outdated modeling practices.
Participate in the planning, organization, and execution of project work activities while managing multiple assignments and deadlines.
Support compliance with applicable NERC Reliability Standards, including activities related to data quality, model accuracy, evidence retention, and compliance reporting.
Apply engineering judgment, analytical thinking, and problem-solving skills to resolve technical issues, investigate data anomalies, and develop sustainable solutions.
Support continuous improvement initiatives through process development, process documentation, implementation of best practices, training, and knowledge transfer activities.