Transmission Planning Engineer/Consultant

AECOM; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

AECOM is seeking a Transmission Planning Engineer/Consultant to support North American utilities, developers, ISO/RTOs, and large energy users. You will focus on transmission planning, grid reliability, interconnection studies, and expansion strategies while working with multidisciplinary teams to deliver data-driven solutions.

The role involves developing planning models, evaluating system constraints, and communicating findings to technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Qualifications

• BA/BS in Electrical Engineering or Power Systems Engineering plus 6 years of related experience or demonstrated equivalency of experience/education
• 6 years of relevant transmission planning, power system analysis, utility engineering, or consulting experience
• Hands-on experience performing transmission power flow and contingency studies
• Experience with transmission planning models and software like PSS/E/PowerWorld/TARA
• Understanding of transmission planning, reliability, interconnection principles, and applicable standards

Responsibilities

• Perform transmission planning studies (power flow, contingency, transfer capability, congestion, interconnection)
• Develop and maintain power system planning models for transmission networks, generation and storage
• Identify system constraints and mitigation strategies for reliable grid operation
• Evaluate transmission expansion/investment options to meet load growth and renewable integration
• Present findings to clients and stakeholders and support business development activities

Skills

Analytical skills

Technical writing

Communication skills

Education

BA/BS in Electrical Engineering or Power Systems Engineering

Masters Degree in Electrical Engineering or Power Systems Engineering

Tools

PSS/E

PowerWorld

TARA

Python

PSCAD/EMT analysis

Job description

Company Description

Work with Us. Change the World.

At AECOM, we're delivering a better world. Whether improving your commute, keeping the lights on, providing access to clean water, or transforming skylines, our work helps people and communities thrive. We are the world's trusted infrastructure consulting firm, partnering with clients to solve the world’s most complex challenges and build legacies for future generations.

There has never been a better time to be at AECOM. With accelerating infrastructure investment worldwide, our services are in great demand. We invite you to bring your bold ideas and big dreams and become part of a global team of over 50,000 planners, designers, engineers, scientists, digital innovators, program and construction managers and other professionals delivering projects that create a positive and tangible impact around the world.

We're one global team driven by our common purpose to deliver a better world. Join us.

Job Description

AECOM is seeking a Transmission Planning Engineer / Consultant to support electric utilities, renewable developers, transmission owners, ISOs/RTOs, government agencies, and large energy users across North America. This role focuses on transmission planning, power system analysis, interconnection studies, grid integration, reliability assessments, and transmission expansion strategies.

The successful candidate will help clients address emerging challenges related to large load integration, renewable energy integration, energy storage, data center growth, and grid modernization.

Working as part of multidisciplinary teams, they will develop data-driven solutions that enhance grid reliability, resilience, and long‑term infrastructure planning while communicating technical findings to both technical and non‑technical stakeholders.

The job responsibilities of the position will include but are not limited to:

• Perform transmission planning studies, including power flow, contingency, transfer capability, congestion, and interconnection analyses.
• Develop and maintain power system planning models for transmission networks, generation, storage, and large load customers.
• Identify system constraints, reliability risks, and mitigation strategies to support reliable grid operation.
• Evaluate transmission expansion and investment options to address load growth, electrification, renewable integration, and grid modernization needs.
• Assess transmission impacts from evolving generation portfolios, large-load growth, data centers, and changing market conditions.
• Analyze alternatives such as transmission upgrades, reactive support, grid‑enhancing technologies, and non‑transmission solutions.
• Apply NERC, ISO/RTO, utility, and regulatory planning standards and criteria.
• Support projects involving large load integration, grid modernization, and emerging energy technologies.
• Evaluate transmission and infrastructure needs associated with data centers, renewable generation and other large‑load developments.
• Support long‑range transmission planning, integrated resource planning, and infrastructure investment strategy initiatives.
• Prepare technical studies, reports, presentations, business cases, and client recommendations.
• Develop automated workflows to improve study quality and efficiency.
• Present technical findings to clients and stakeholders and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to deliver integrated solutions.
• Support business development activities, including proposals, client engagement, and strategic growth initiatives.

Qualifications

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• BA/BS in Electrical Engineering or Power Systems Engineering + 6 years of related experience or demonstrated equivalency of experience and/or education
• 6 years of relevant transmission planning, power system analysis, utility engineering, or consulting experience
• Demonstrated hands‑on experience performing transmission power flow and contingency studies
• Experience developing, modifying, or working with transmission planning models
• Experience with PSS®E, PowerWorld, TARA, or comparable transmission planning software
• Understanding of transmission planning, reliability, and interconnection principles
• Strong analytical, technical‑writing, and communication skills

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Masters Degree in Electrical Engineering or Power Systems Engineering
• Professional Engineer (PE) license or progress toward licensure
• Advanced proficiency with PSS®E
• Experience performing dynamic stability studies
• Experience with generator or large‑load interconnection studies
• Familiarity with NERC TPL requirements and ISO/RTO planning processes
• Experience with one or more U.S. regional transmission systems, including CAISO/WECC, ERCOT, MISO, PJM, SPP, NYISO, or ISO-NE
• Experience with Python or other scripting and automation tools
• Familiarity with inverter‑based resource modeling, PSCAD/EMT analysis, production‑cost modeling, or other advanced planning specialties

Additional Information

• Sponsorship for US employment authorization is not available now or in the future for this position.
• Relocation is not available for this position.

At AECOM, we are committed to maintaining a secure and trustworthy recruitment process and take any fraudulent hiring activity seriously. To support this commitment, all newly hired employees are required to attend an in-person Day 1 onboarding at an AECOM office location as a condition of employment.

Offered rate of compensation will be based on individual education, qualifications, experience, and work location. The range for this position is $110000 to $150000.

About AECOM

AECOM is proud to offer comprehensive benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees. Depending on your employment status, AECOM benefits may include medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, disability benefits, paid time off, leaves of absences, voluntary benefits, perks, flexible work options, well‑being resources, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, service recognition awards, retirement savings plan, and employee stock purchase plan.

AECOM is the global infrastructure leader, committed to delivering a better world. As a trusted professional services firm powered by deep technical abilities, we solve our clients’ complex challenges in water, environment, energy, transportation and buildings. Our teams partner with public‑and private‑sector clients to create innovative, sustainable and resilient solutions throughout the project lifecycle – from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm that had revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2025. Learn more at aecom.com.

What makes AECOM a great place to work

You will be part of a global team that champions your growth and career ambitions. Work on groundbreaking projects - both in your local community and on a global scale - that are transforming our industry and shaping the future. With cutting‑edge technology and a network of experts, you’ll have the resources to make a real impact. Our award‑winning training and development programs are designed to expand your technical expertise and leadership skills, helping you build the career you’ve always envisioned. Here, you’ll find a welcoming workplace built on respect, collaboration and community—where you have the freedom to grow in a world of opportunity.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in your potential and are here to help you achieve it. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.