Generation Planning Engineer

Associated Electric Cooperative Inc.; Springfield (MO); On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Top pay

401(k) with employer match

Paid holidays

Healthcare plan

Job summary

Associated Electric Cooperative Inc. seeks a Generation Planning Engineer to evaluate its generation portfolio and inform long-term power supply decisions.

You will combine power-system modeling, economics, and strategic planning to translate analysis into actionable recommendations for investments, contracts, and resource planning. The role requires an engineering background and experience in electric utilities, with collaboration across engineering and business teams and opportunities to

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or related technical field.
• Typically 5+ years in electric utility planning, generation planning, power systems, power markets, or related area.
• Track record of growth in technical capabilities and responsibilities.
• Experience independently performing complex engineering, quantitative, or technical analysis.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and ability to explain complex concepts to diverse audiences.

Responsibilities

• Support development of Associated's Integrated Resource Plan (IRP), evaluating future generation capacity and load.
• Develop and apply power system and generation modeling for long-range forecasts and portfolio analysis.
• Provide technical and analytical support for generation investments and contracts.
• Develop and improve engineering models, tools, and planning processes.
• Collaborate with engineering, power production, energy marketing, fuels, finance, and other teams.
• Lead complex analytical projects and translate findings into clear reports and presentations.

Skills

Power systems

Quantitative analysis

Communication skills

Engineering analysis

Industry experience

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Advanced degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

Excel

SQL

Databricks

Production-cost modeling

Capacity-expansion modeling

Job description

As a Generation Planning Engineer, you will apply your engineering and analytical expertise to evaluate Associated Electric Cooperative's generation portfolio and help shape power supply decisions for years to come.

This role brings together power systems engineering, generation modeling, economics, and strategic resource planning to solve complex challenges involving generation assets, electrical load, fuel, wholesale energy markets, emerging technologies, and financial risk. You'll translate detailed technical analysis into meaningful recommendations that influence major investment and long-term planning decisions.

The ideal candidate brings an engineering background, electric utility or energy industry experience, and strong technical and analytical capabilities. This is a technical contributor role offering collaboration across engineering and business teams, and the opportunity to influence the future of Associated's generation resources.

What You'll Do

• Support development of Associated's Integrated Resource Plan (IRP), evaluating future generation capacity, electrical load requirements, and long-term resource needs.
• Develop and apply power system and generation modeling to support long-range financial forecasts, cost-of-service studies, portfolio analysis, and other major planning initiatives.
• Provide technical and analytical support for generation investments, plant modifications, power supply contracts, and other significant business decisions.
• Develop and improve engineering models, analytical tools, and processes that strengthen resource planning and technical decision-making.
• Collaborate with engineering, power production, energy marketing, fuels, finance, accounting, transmission, information services, and other teams to evaluate solutions and align planning efforts.
• Lead complex analytical projects, managing scope, schedules, and coordination with leadership while translating technical findings into clear written reports and presentations for diverse audiences.

What You'll Need

This opportunity is part of a built-in career progression that includes Associate Resource Planner, Resource Planner, Senior Resource Planner, and Principal Resource Planner. Candidates will be placed at the level that best aligns with their skills and experience, with meaningful opportunities to continue growing their expertise, responsibility, and impact over time.

• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, another engineering discipline, or a related technical field.
• Typically 5+ years of relevant experience in electric utility planning, generation planning, power systems, power markets, quantitative analysis, or a related area.
• Track record of continued growth in technical capabilities and job responsibilities.
• Experience independently performing complex, non-routine engineering, quantitative, or technical analysis.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain complex technical concepts to both technical and nontechnical audiences.

Preferred

• Advanced degree in electrical engineering, power systems engineering, or a related field.
• Strong understanding of electric power systems, utility generation, resource planning, wholesale energy markets, or closely related areas.
• Experience with production-cost or capacity-expansion modeling software.
• Experience evaluating generation investments, power supply contracts, or long-term generation portfolio alternatives.
• Experience with statistical, stochastic, financial, or power system modeling.
• Experience developing analytical tools or automating planning processes using large datasets and tools such as Excel, SQL, or Databricks.

What Associated provides:

• We are committed to rewarding talent with top pay. Your efforts will be recognized with a total compensation package that reflects your experience and contributions.
• Plan for your future with confidence! We offer a robust 401(k) program with a generous employer match to help you build the financial future you deserve.
• We know how important work-life integration is. Recharge with PTO and enjoy paid holidays, ensuring you have time to unwind and pursue your passions outside of work.
• Your health matters to us! Stay covered beginning on your first day of employment with our premier healthcare plan that includes medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your family.

At Associated Electric Cooperative, all of our 700+ employees across MO/AR/OK territory play a crucial role in powering our mission! Whether you're an experienced professional or just starting your career, you'll find endless opportunities for career development here. Join us in an environment where your contribution is valued, and your career can thrive as we work together to keep the lights on!

Equal Opportunity Statement:

AECI is fully committed to the concept and practice of equal opportunity in all aspects of employment. Please reference the contact information below if you require assistance in filling out an application. Individuals with disabilities should request reasonable accommodations in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act prior to an appointment.

An equal opportunity employer and provider/disability/veteran.