Planning Engineer I (Transmission Projects)

Dairyland Power Cooperative; La Crosse (WI); On-site; USD 77,400 - 116,100; Full time

Job summary

Dairyland Power Cooperative in La Crosse, Wisconsin is seeking a Planning Engineer I (Transmission Projects) to support the development and coordination of transmission plans ensuring safe and reliable capacity. The role involves conducting detailed analyses, maintaining power flow models, and providing engineering support across departments.

The ideal candidate holds a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering, possesses strong technical analysis skills, and is eager to work towards professional registration.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical (power option preferred) Engineering or directly related major is required.
• Valid Driver’s License is necessary.
• Willingness to work toward professional registration.

Responsibilities

• Perform detailed analyses to assess transmission performance and recommend optimal system upgrade plans.
• Develop and maintain databases for power flow models.
• Conduct engineering economic analysis of operating alternatives.
• Coordinate with neighboring utilities on system planning.
• Provide engineering support for metering of transmission and distribution substations.
• Assist with problems related to electrical engineering and provide technical assistance to various departments.

Skills

General computer literacy

Experience with Excel, Word, PowerPoint

Understanding of Engineering Economics

Good oral and written communication skills

Education

Bachelor of Science Degree in Electrical Engineering or directly related major

Job description

PLANNING ENGINEER I (TRANSMISSION PROJECTS)

Hiring Salary: $77,400-116,100. Compensation is determined by a combination of factors, including but not limited to education, work experience, and certifications. The actual offer may vary, reflecting the candidate's unique blend of experience, educational background, and skill level.

The Planning Engineer I (Transmission Projects) is responsible for supporting the development, coordination and evaluation of transmission plans to ensure safe, adequate and reliable transmission capacity consistent with applicable planning criteria. Provide ongoing technical assistance to other departments and Dairyland’s cooperative members.

Impact You'll Make In This Role

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

1. Perform detailed analyses to assess transmission performance, determine future transmission and substation requirements and prepare comprehensive reports recommending optimal system upgrade plans and normal operating configurations.
2. Develop and maintain databases for power flow models. Prepare Dairyland’s annual regional power flow model data submittal. Monitor regional power flow model update postings as necessary to keep Dairyland’s models current.
3. Conduct engineering economic analysis of operating and facility addition alternatives.
4. Participate in MISO planning processes and coordinate with neighboring utilities on system planning.
5. Participate in MISO, and inter‑utility (joint study) task forces as a representative of Dairyland. Prepare data submittals to MISO, MRO, RUS, state agencies, NATF, SPP, etc.
6. Review Member Cooperative work plans as they relate to Regional Transmission projects. Coordinate with the Engineering Lead to ensure compliance.
7. Provide back‑up support to the Operations Engineers for the outage coordination function, including assistance in operating studies for the development of operating guides.
8. In coordination with Compliance, provide technical support and documentation to satisfy applicable NERC compliance standards.
9. Provide engineering and design support for metering of DPC’s transmission and distribution substations, ties with foreign power suppliers, and ties with municipal power systems.
10. Assist Electrical Engineering staff to resolve problems encountered by Dairyland and its members in areas related to electrical engineering such as equipment ratings, system power factor, power quality, voltage regulation, personnel safety, loading, control settings, etc.
11. Provide technical assistance to the Electrical Maintenance Department, System Operations Department, Planning Department, Generation Division and other departments in the areas of protective relaying, metering, transformers, regulators, circuit breakers, substation design, maintenance procedures, etc. This may include on‑site support during testing, commissioning, start up and troubleshooting.
12. Other duties as assigned.

Your Experience and Expertise

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education & Experience: Bachelor of Science Degree in Electrical (power option preferred) Engineering or directly related major.

Skills

1. General computer literacy is required and experience with Excel, Word, and PowerPoint is preferred.
2. Understanding of Engineering Economics is required.
3. Good oral and written communication skills.

Licenses and Certifications

Willing to work toward professional registration. Valid Driver’s License.

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand, walk, use hands to finger, handle or feel, and reach with hands and arms. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this job.