Transmission Planning Engineer

ICF Olson; Reston (VA); On-site; USD 81,000 - 139,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tuition reimbursement

401k matching

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Donation matching

Volunteer opportunities

Professional development resources

Job summary

ICF Power Delivery Services in Reston, VA is seeking a technically deep transmission planning engineer to lead multi‑discipline power system studies from kickoff through final deliverable. You will own client relationships, guide study scope, and ensure clear, actionable results for utility decision‑makers.

You will perform steady‑state load flow, contingency analysis, transient stability, and interconnection studies across regional footprints, while mentoring junior staff and contributing to

Qualifications

• BS in Electrical Engineering from ABET-accredited college or university.
• 2+ years of transmission planning experience or related electrical engineering.
• EIT or PE registration, or active pursuit of licensure.
• Deep familiarity with ISOs/RTOs — including CAISO, MISO, PJM, ERCOT, WECC, SERC, NYISO, NEISO, and/or SPP.
• Experience with IBR and BESS dynamic modeling under NERC MOD-026/027/031/032/033.
• Proficiency in Python for power system study automation, model management, and data workflows.
• Short circuit analysis experience using ASPEN, CAPE, or ETAP.
• Familiarity with electromagnetic transient software (PSCAD, EMTP).
• Strong technical report writing skills; ability to communicate complex results clearly to non-engineering audiences.
• Experience contributing to business development proposals and client scoping discussions.

Responsibilities

• Serve as technical lead or study manager on transmission planning engagements, owning scope, schedule, quality, and client relationship.
• Perform steady-state load flow and contingency analysis (PSS/E, PSLF, PowerWorld) for utility transmission planning and interconnection studies.
• Conduct transient stability and dynamic simulation studies, including modeling of conventional generation and inverter-based resources (IBR).
• Lead generation and large load interconnection impact studies across CAISO, MISO, PJM, ERCOT, WECC, and other regional footprints.
• Develop long-range transmission expansion plans evaluating load growth scenarios, generation retirement, renewable buildout, and infrastructure needs.
• Support FERC Order 1920 proactive transmission planning and Order 2023 interconnection reform compliance work for utility clients.
• Develop Python-based automation and tooling to improve study execution efficiency, model management, and output quality.
• Mentor junior and mid-level engineers through technical reviews, guidance, and day-to-day collaboration.
• Participate in business development through proposal writing, scope development, client presentations, and identification of new opportunities.

Skills

PSS/E

PSLF

PowerWorld

Python

Communication

Leadership

Technical writing

Education

BS in Electrical Engineering (ABET)

Tools

PSS/E

PSLF

PowerWorld

PSCAD

CAPE

ETAP

ASPEN

Job description

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

And many, many more (Ask your recruiter for more details!)

The Ideal Candidate

You are a technically deep transmission planning engineer with a track record of leading complex, multi-discipline power system studies from kickoff through final deliverable. You take ownership of your work and your clients. You move fluidly between steady-state contingency analysis, transient stability, interconnection processes, and long-range buildout assessments without losing the thread. You write clearly, communicate confidently with utility decision-makers, and actively develop the engineers around you. You bring solutions, not just analyses, and you are motivated by the challenge of a grid that is changing fast.

What you will be doing:

Daily and weekly responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Serve as technical lead or study manager on transmission planning engagements, owning scope, schedule, quality, and client relationship
• Perform steady-state load flow and contingency analysis (PSS/E, PSLF, PowerWorld) for utility transmission planning and interconnection studies
• Conduct transient stability and dynamic simulation studies, including modeling of conventional generation and inverter-based resources (IBR)
• Lead 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
• Develop and assess long-range transmission expansion plans evaluating load growth scenarios, generation retirement, renewable buildout, and infrastructure needs
• Support FERC Order 1920 proactive transmission planning and Order 2023 interconnection reform compliance work for utility clients
• Perform NERC reliability standards studies and assessments including TPL-001, FAC-001/002, TOP-001, and MOD series standards
• Author and QA technical study reports for regulatory filings, client deliverables, and interconnection submissions
• Develop Python-based automation and tooling to improve study execution efficiency, model management, and output quality
• 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
• Monitor evolving FERC policy, regional planning standards, and grid technology trends to inform client strategy and internal capability development

What we need you to have (minimum qualifications):

• BS in Electrical Engineering from an ABET-accredited college or university
• 2+ years of experience in transmission planning, power system studies, or related electrical engineering

What we would like you to have:

• Hands‑on experience with PSS/E, PSLF, or equivalent transmission planning software
• 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, WECC, SERC, NYISO, NEISO, and/or SPP — and their interconnection processes and planning criteria
• Experience with IBR and BESS dynamic modeling under NERC MOD-026/027/031/032/033
• Familiarity with long‑range transmission expansion planning methodologies and scenario‑based planning frameworks
• 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
• Familiarity with electromagnetic transient software (PSCAD, EMTP) as a supplemental capability
• 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 #GEA25 #INDEED #LI-CC1

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 their expertise and collaborate with others to achieve personal and professional goals. For more information, please read ourEEO policy. We will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. 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. All information you provide will be kept confidential and will be used only to the extent required to provide needed reasonable accommodations. Read more aboutworkplacediscriminationrights or our benefit offerings which are included in theTransparency in (Benefits) Coverage Act.

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 not permitted. 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. We are dedicated to providing the necessary support to ensure all candidates have an equal opportunity to succeed.

Pay Range

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: $81,499.00 - $138,549.00 Nationwide Remote Office (US99)

About ICF

ICF is a global consulting and technology services company with approximately 9,000 employees, but we are not your typical consultants. At ICF, business analysts and policy specialists work together with digital strategists, data scientists and creatives. We combine unmatched industry expertise with cutting‑edge engagement capabilities to help organizations solve their most complex challenges. Since 1969, public and private sector clients have worked with ICF to navigate change and shape the future. Learn more at icf.com.