Transmission Planning Engineer

DTE Energy; Detroit (MI); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

DTE Energy in Detroit seeks an experienced Transmission Planning Engineer to develop and analyze models of electrical transmission systems, ensuring reliable power delivery across the grid. You will work with operators, planners, and stakeholders to plan interconnections and infrastructure upgrades, using tools like PSSE, PowerWorld, and TARA.

The role requires strong expertise in load flow, stability, and contingency analyses, with an emphasis on data validation and regulatory support.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering and 8 years of experience in power systems, grid operations, or transmission planning.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license and certifications in power systems modeling or grid operations.
• Experience with modeling software such as PSS/E, TARA, and DSATools with Python scripting.

Responsibilities

• Develops, maintains, and validates detailed transmission network models using specialized software (e.g., PSSE, PowerWorld, TARA, PSCAD).
• Performs power flow, dynamic stability, and contingency analyses to assess system performance under normal and stressed conditions.
• Troubleshoots modeling issues and recommends improvements to enhance grid efficiency and reliability.
• Evaluates system performance under various scenarios to support long-term transmission planning and infrastructure upgrades.
• Presents findings and recommendations to leadership for system capacity and upgrade decisions.
• Analyzes datasets from SCADA, EMS, and field equipment to validate models.
• Collaborates cross-functionally to support RFPs, interconnection studies, and strategic planning.
• Provides regulatory filing support including analysis and testimony as necessary.
• Represents the company in industry forums and ensures compliance with NERC/FERC standards.

Skills

Power systems analysis

Python scripting

Load flow

Dynamic stability

Contingency analysis

Data validation

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Tools

PSSE

PowerWorld

TARA

DSATools

Job description

DTE is one of the nation's largest diversified energy companies. Our electric and gas companies have fueled our customer's homes and Michigan's progress for more than a century. And as Michigan's largest source of renewable energy, we're creating a cleaner, healthier environment to power our future. We're also serving communities beyond Michigan, where our affiliated businesses offer renewable energy, emission control technologies, and energy services to industries in 19 states.

But we're more than a leading energy company... and working at DTE is more than just a job. At DTE, we take great care of each other and our customers, and we use our energy to be a force for growth and prosperity in our communities. When you join us, you'll be part of a team that welcomes, recognizes, and celebrates differences and values everyone's health, safety, and wellbeing. Are you ready to make that kind of difference? Bring your energy to DTE. Together, we can achieve great things.

Testing Required: Not Applicable

Hybrid Role: This role is hybrid, with an established schedule of in-person work required at an assigned work location. Any remote work is expected to be performed from an employee's primary residence, unless allowed (or prohibited) through the Company's remote work guidelines.

Emergency Response: Yes - Must be available to perform a primary assignment in support of DTE's emergency response to storms or other events that impact service to our customers.

Job Summary

Develops and analyzes models of electrical transmission systems to simulate and optimize power flows across the grid. Supports utilities and energy companies to plan, optimize, and ensure the reliability of power delivery. Works with system operators, planners, and external stakeholders to support operational decisions, interconnection requests, and infrastructure projects. Ensures the reliability, efficiency, and safety of the electrical grid within planning and operational critical frameworks. Utilizes various modeling tools to design cost-effective transmissions alternatives, optimize existing ones, and plan for future system expansion and upgrades.

Span of Control: Individual contributor role, no direct reports.

Key Accountabilities

• Develops, maintains, and validates detailed transmission network models using specialized software (e.g., PSSE, PowerWorld, TARA, PSCAD).
• Performs power flow, dynamic stability, and contingency analyses to assess system performance under normal and stressed conditions.
• Troubleshoots modeling issues, resolves data inconsistencies, and recommends improvements to enhance grid efficiency and reliability.
• Evaluates the electrical system performance under various scenarios and contingencies to support long-term transmission planning and infrastructure upgrades.
• Supports long-term transmission planning by evaluating system capacity, reliability, and upgrade requirements; then presents findings and recommendations to leadership.
• Analyzes operational datasets from SCADA systems, EMS (Energy Management Systems), and field equipment to validate and refine models for efficiency and mitigations.
• Collaborates cross-functionally to provide technical expertise which includes supporting RFPs (Request for Proposal), new generation/load interconnection studies, and strategic planning initiatives.
• Provides regulatory filing support including preparing analysis and writing testimony as necessary.
• Participates in technical working group meetings and forums representing the company in discussions with parties (ITC, MISO, FERC, etc.) to provide feedback and propose alternative cost-effective transmission solutions. Ensures compliance with DTE, FERC, NERC and reliability council's standards while staying up to date with industry codes and best practices.

Minimum Education & Experience Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in engineering and 8 years of experience in power systems, grid operations, or transmission planning.

Other Qualifications

Preferred

• Experience in developing bulk power system models, power system studies, power systems modeling software, transmission planning modeling software, or transmission planning and operations.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license.
• Certifications in power systems modeling or grid operations.
• Experience working transmission planning/power systems.
• Experience working with modeling software such as PSS/E, TARA, and/or DSATools with Python scripting for running batch analysis and data handling.
• Strong understanding of load flow, stability, steady state, and dynamic behavior in power system.
• Ability to run new generator injection analysis and to assess the impact of new generation and load interconnections.
• Familiarity or experience with PROMOD and PSCAD is a plus.

Other Requirements

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills within Microsoft Excel, Python, Power BI, Visio, and/or MATLAB.
• Attained experience in developing bulk power system models and performing comprehensive studies including load flow, stability, and contingency analyses.
• Proficiency in modeling software in PROMOD, PSCAD, PowerWorld, TARA, and PSSE.
• Understanding ISO/RTO markets and regulatory standards (e.g., NERC, FERC) and experience working with EMS/SCADA systems.
• Knowledge of regulated rate cases, integrated resource planning, and preparation of transmission related testimony.
• Proficient communication skills to ensure effective cross-functional collaboration.
• Ability to manage multiple projects, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines.

Additional Information

Incumbents may engage in all or some combination of the activities and accountabilities and utilize a variety of the competencies cited in this description depending upon the organization and role to which they are assigned. This description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by incumbents in this job. It is not intended as an all-inclusive list of accountabilities or responsibilities, nor is it intended to limit the rights of supervisors or management representatives to assign, direct and control the work of employees under their supervision.

Privacy Notice to California Job Applicants

At DTE Energy, we are committed to providing an inclusive workplace where everyone feels welcome and a sense of belonging. We seek individuals with a heart for service, a passion to help our communities prosper, and ideas to help shape the future of energy. We are proud to be an equal opportunity, employer that considers all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, religion, disability, national origin, citizenship, height, weight, genetic information, marital status, pregnancy, protected veteran status or any other status protected by applicable federal and/or state laws.