Senior Transmission Planning Engineer - Stability Studies

ICF; United States; Remote; USD 119,000 - 203,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible work

Donation matching

Tuition reimbursement

401k matching

ESPP

Job summary

ICF's Power Delivery Services team seeks a seasoned power system stability engineer to lead transient stability and dynamic simulations using PSS/E, PSLF, and TSAT for utility planning and interconnection studies.

You will model conventional generators, IBRs, and BESS, validate dynamic models, assess stability against NERC standards, and mentor junior engineers while contributing to business development in a collaborative, client-focused environment.

Qualifications

• ABET-accredited BS in Electrical Engineering or closely related field.
• 8+ years of experience in power system studies with focus on transient stability and dynamic simulation.
• Hands-on stability studies experience with PSS/E, PSLF, or equivalent software.
• Must be located in the United States, Canada or Puerto Rico.

Responsibilities

• Lead transient stability and dynamic simulation studies for utility planning and interconnection work.
• Develop, review, validate, and tune dynamic models (WECC-style) and user-defined models.
• Assess stability against NERC standards and regional criteria (TPL-001, PRC-024/029).
• Perform voltage stability (PV/QV), weak-grid, and short-circuit screening; coordinate EMT studies as needed.
• Author and QA technical study reports for regulatory filings and clients; mentor junior engineers.

Skills

Power system stability

Dynamic simulations

Python automation

PSS/E/PSLF

Education

BS in Electrical Engineering

Tools

PSS/E

PSLF

TSAT

PSCAD

ETAP

ASPEN

CAPE

PowerWorld

Job description

Ready to make a difference?

We are a relentlessly client-focused group re-imagining, re-designing, and re-engineering the way electric utilities tackle industry problems. Our transmission planning team delivers technically rigorous power system studies and strategic planning support to utilities, developers, and grid operators navigating one of the most dynamic periods in the history of the electric grid — from large-scale renewable interconnection and large load growth to FERC-driven transmission reform. We are seeking an experienced power system engineer with deep stability expertise who can independently execute transient stability and dynamic simulation studies, serve as a technical resource to clients and project teams, and help develop less-experienced engineers. Steady-state transmission planning experience is a strong plus.

Why you will love working here:

• Quality of life: Flexible workplace arrangements, work-life balance
• Investment in the community: Donation matching, volunteer opportunities
• Investment in you: Tuition reimbursement, access to professional development resources, 401k matching, Employee Stock Purchase Plan

The Ideal Candidate

You are a technically deep power system stability engineer with a track record of leading complex stability and dynamic simulation studies from kickoff through final deliverable. You build, validate, and interpret dynamic models for conventional generation, inverter-based resources, and battery storage, and you can explain what the results mean for grid reliability. Experience with steady-state power flow and contingency analysis for transmission planning is a strong complement. You take ownership of your work and your clients. You move fluidly between dynamic studies, interconnection processes, and steady-state analysis without losing the thread.

What you will be doing:

• 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 (IBR), and battery energy storage systems (BESS)
• Develop, review, validate, and tune dynamic models, including generic renewable models (e.g., WECC) and user-defined models, through model quality tests such as flat-start, step-response, and fault ride-through checks
• Assess stability performance against NERC TPL-001 and regional planning criteria and PRC-024/PRC-029 ride-through requirements, including voltage recovery, damping and oscillatory behavior, and critical clearing times
• Perform voltage stability (PV/QV), weak-grid, and short-circuit-ratio screening, and coordinate with electromagnetic transient (EMT) studies where needed
• Perform NERC reliability standards studies and assessments, including TPL-001 stability analysis and MOD-026/027/032/033 model verification and validation
• Lead the stability portion of generation and large-load interconnection impact studies, including feasibility, facilities, and cluster/serial study processes across CAISO, MISO, PJM, ERCOT, WECC, and other regional footprints
• Serve as technical lead or study manager on transmission planning engagements, owning scope, schedule, quality, and client relationship
• Develop Python-based automation and tooling to improve study execution efficiency, model management, and output quality
• Support steady-state load flow and contingency analysis (PSS/E, PSLF, PowerWorld) for utility transmission planning and interconnection studies
• Support long-range transmission expansion planning, including load growth, generation retirement, and renewable buildout scenarios and FERC Order 1920 and Order 2023 compliance work
• Author and QA 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
• Participate in business development through proposal writing, scope development, client presentations, and identification of new opportunities
• Track FERC policy, NERC standards, and grid technology trends, such as IBR performance requirements, to inform client strategy and internal capability development

What we need you to have (minimum qualifications):

• BS in Electrical Engineering, or a closely related engineering discipline, from an ABET-accredited college or university
• 8+ years of experience in power system studies, with a focus 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.

What we would like you to have:

• Advanced experience with transient, voltage (PV/QV), and small-signal stability studies, including development, validation, tuning, and interpretation of dynamic models
• Experience evaluating stability performance of conventional generation, IBR, and BESS, 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 with electromagnetic transient software (PSCAD, EMTP) as a supplemental capability
• Transmission planning experience with steady-state power flow and contingency analysis (PSS/E, PSLF, PowerWorld) for planning and interconnection studies
• Demonstrated experience leading or managing technical study engagements as primary point of contact
• EIT or PE registration, or active pursuit of licensure
• Deep 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; ability to communicate complex results clearly to non-engineering audiences and utility executives
• Experience contributing to business development proposals and client scoping discussions

To learn more about this team and how our grid engineering solutions help electric utilities balance cutting-edge technology with cost-efficiency and reliability ICF Power Delivery Services

Working at ICF

ICF is a global advisory and technology services provider, but we’re not your typical consultants. We combine unmatched expertise with cutting-edge technology to help clients solve their most complex challenges, navigate change, and shape the future.

We can only solve the world’s toughest challenges by building a workplace that allows everyone to thrive. We are an equal opportunity employer.Together, our employees are empowered to share theirexpertiseand collaborate with others to achieve personal and professional goals. For more information, please read our EEO policy.

We will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Work Authorization and Sponsorship

All candidates must be authorized to work in the United States. This position is not eligible for new H-1B visa sponsorship by ICF. Candidates who currently hold valid work authorization may be considered for a change of employer petition, subject to company policy and applicable immigration requirements.

Reasonable Accommodations

Reasonable Accommodations are available, including, but not limited to, for disabled veterans, individuals with disabilities, and individuals with sincerely held religious beliefs, in all phases of the application and employment process. To requestan accommodation,please email [e-mail] we will be happy toassist. All information you provide will be kept confidential and will be used only to the extentrequiredto provide needed reasonable accommodations.

Read more about workplacediscriminationrightsor our benefit offerings which are included in the Transparency in (Benefits) CoverageAct.

Bot and Third-Party Applications

Please note that this application must be submitted directly by the applicant for consideration.Failure to do so may result in the application being excluded for consideration.Applicants needing an accommodation for disability or religious purposes in connection with the application process should contact [e-mail] assistance.

Candidate AI Usage Policy

At ICF, we are committed to ensuring a fair interview process for all candidates based on their own skills and knowledge. As part of this commitment, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools to generate or assist with responses during interviews (whether in-person or virtual) is notpermitted. This policy is in place to maintain the integrity and authenticity of the interview process.

However, we understand that some candidates may require accommodation that involves the use of AI. If such anaccommodation is needed, candidates are instructed to contact us in advance at [e-mail]. We are dedicated to providingthe necessary support to ensure that all candidates have an equal opportunity to succeed.

Pay Range

There are multiple factors that are considered in determining final pay for a position, including, but not limited to, relevant work experience, skills, certifications and competencies that align to the specified role, geographic location, education and certifications as well as contract provisions regarding labor categories that are specific to the position.

The pay range for this position based on full-time employment is:

$119,323.00 - $202,850.00

Nationwide Remote Office (US99)