Generation Planning Engineer

Associated Electric Cooperative; Springfield (MO); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) match

Paid time off & holidays

Health insurance

Job summary

Associated Electric Cooperative is seeking a Generation Planning Engineer to evaluate the generation portfolio and influence long-term power supply decisions. The role blends power systems engineering, generation modeling, economics, and strategic resource planning to address capacity, load, fuel, and market risks.

The ideal candidate has an engineering background, energy industry experience, and strong analytical capabilities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or related technical field.
• Typically 5+ years of relevant experience in electric utility planning, generation planning, power systems, or related area.
• Proven ability to perform complex, non-routine engineering/quantitative analysis.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for technical audiences.

Responsibilities

• Support development of Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) evaluating future generation capacity and load requirements.
• Develop and apply power system and generation modeling for long-range forecasts and cost-of-service studies.
• Provide technical/analytical support for generation investments and power supply contracts.
• Develop and improve engineering models and analytical tools for planning decisions.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to align planning efforts and present findings to leadership.
• Lead complex analytical projects with clear written reports and presentations.

Skills

Power systems modeling

Quantitative analysis

Written & verbal communication

Excel/SQL/Databricks

Investment decision support

Education

Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering

Tools

Production-cost modeling software

Capacity-expansion modeling software

Job description

At Associated Electric Cooperative, we're committed to providing reliable energy to the communities we serve with passion and precision. We're a tight-knit team dedicated to keeping the lights on and the energy flowing smoothly across our expansive network!

From technical to operational to professional disciplines, our team brings a wide variety of skills, talents, and expertise to the table. We believe in both dedicating ourselves to excellence and investing in your growth.

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 ex