Transmission Planning Engineer – Grid Reliability & Growth

PacifiCorp; Portland (OR); On-site; USD 89,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

PacifiCorp is seeking a Transmission Planning Engineer to advance planning, design, and analysis of the electric transmission network in the Portland area. You will lead complex studies, develop system models, and ensure reliability per NERC/WECC standards.

Ideal candidates bring a BS in Electrical Engineering with 2+ years in transmission planning and strong collaboration skills. Senior roles expect 5+ years and leadership capabilities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering.
• Minimum of two or more years of directly related experience in transmission modeling, transmission system engineering and/or transmission system planning.
• Project management and leadership skills including the ability to work as a team member, to maintain project timelines, budgets, and deliver on commitments.
• Knowledge of applicable federal, state, local laws, regulations, the National Electric Codes, and NERC and WECC reliability standards.
• Ability to perform effectively in high‑pressure situations while maintaining focus and calm.
• Demonstrated communication (written, verbal and presentation) and interpersonal skills involving the ability to work cross-functionally to understand requirements, present alternatives, and recommendations.
• Proficient with the use of personal computers including automated tools and software applications including power flow and dynamic analysis, data base management (PI), Visio, Microsoft Office Suite including Access, and use of EMS or SCADA.
• Preferred: Professional Engineer (PE) certification; Power Option (Power System Analysis); Advanced Degree.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, modify, and evaluate transmission systems, processes, or facilities to support Company objectives, utilizing engineering methods to demonstrate compliance with NERC/WECC reliability standards.
• Develop complex engineering studies, plans, specifications, calculations, evaluations, design documents, and performance assessments.
• Determine methods and techniques for obtaining results.
• Recommend alternative engineering solutions to management to meet business needs.
• Deliver on commitments and manage outside engineering services to accomplish the assigned work.
• Maintain project timeliness and budgets.
• Participate in the development of new WECC/NERC standards to influence the successful implementation of clear/concise standards that support improved reliability for the electric system.
• Develop highly complex engineering studies, plans, specifications, calculations, evaluations, design documents, and performance assessments to the main grid.
• Act as a lead expert in the work group; train and mentor associate and career level planners, engineers, technicians and drafters.
• Coordinate with neighboring utilities on planning studies for interconnected transmission and generation facilities.
• Prepare the annual screening studies for NERC compliance.
• Perform main grid power flow stability studies.

Skills

Project management

Leadership

Communication skills

Teamwork

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering

Professional Engineer (PE) certification

Advanced degree

Tools

EMS or SCADA

Power flow analysis

Dynamic analysis

PI (data base management)

Visio

Microsoft Office (Access)

Job description

PacifiCorp is seeking a Transmission Planning Engineer to advance planning, design, and analysis of the electric transmission network in the Portland area. You will lead complex studies, develop system models, and ensure reliability per NERC/WECC standards.

Ideal candidates bring a BS in Electrical Engineering with 2+ years in transmission planning and strong collaboration skills. Senior roles expect 5+ years and leadership capabilities.