Transmission System Operator I-NC

PPL Corporation; Allentown (Lehigh County); Hybrid; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

PPL Corporation is seeking a Transmission System Operator to manage the 69 kV to 500 kV transmission system in Allentown, PA. Responsibilities include directing system operations, ensuring reliability, and supporting emergency response efforts. The position requires strong analytical skills and a bachelor's degree in engineering or related fields. Candidates must be willing to work rotating shifts and complete required training.

This role offers opportunities to engage directly with team members and contribute to critical utility operations, ensuring safety and reliability for all stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Must be willing to work rotating shifts.
• Pre-employment testing is required: PSP psychological testing.
• Successful completion of formal Transmission System Operator Initial Training Program (ITP).
• Basic Computer Skills.

Responsibilities

• Direct the operation of the Transmission System under RFC guidelines.
• Analyze prearranged maintenance outage requests for reliability.
• Produce real-time system information and daily activity reports.
• Assist in developing PPL EU's outage plan.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering, electrical technology, mathematics, or related technical discipline

Completion of PPL TSO training program

Job description

Overview

Responsible for operating the 69 kV through 500 kV transmission system for PPL Electric Utilities under direct supervision of Transmission System Operator or Senior Transmission System Operator. All primary responsibilities are completed under direction and observation of the Sr Transmission System Operator or Transmission System Operator. This position works under the direction of the Sr Transmission System Operator or Transmission System Operator to direct the reliable and secure operation of PPL Electric Utility's Transmission System in accordance with FERC, NERC, and RFC guidelines, and PJM's and PPL's Reliability Principles and Practices on a minute‑to‑minute basis. The Transmission System Operator‑NC directs System Operating, Distribution Operations, and Electrical Test personnel in the operation, maintenance, and installation of Transmission equipment and facilities under the control and responsibility of Transmission Operations.

Must be willing to work rotating shifts!

Responsibilities

• Direct the operation of the Transmission System in a manner which will enable the system to survive the loss of the next worst single line, transformer, or bus fault, as defined in RFC guidelines, PJM's operating manuals and PPL's Reliability Principles and Practices.
• Analyze prearranged maintenance outage requests on the Transmission System to insure reliable, "single contingency criterion" operation. Reschedule the facility outage or reconfigure the system, as necessary, to ensure reliable operation.
• Direct the application of PPL's Permit and Tag procedures on the Bulk Power Transmission system and prepare all related documents to promote safety and reliability of the Bulk Electric System.
• Continually analyze the transmission system operation, using available tools including the Transmission Management System (RTNET/RTCA) and other external inputs, to quickly recognize abnormalities and take corrective action to return the system to normal. Supervise and assist in operational activities of the System Operators as required. Direct System Operator operational activities during emergencies involving transmission level lines and substations as required.
• Following partial or total power system collapse, direct and control system restoration activities, including command and control of available generation resources and transmission facilities, to insure a safe, reliable, secure, and expeditious return to normal operation.
• Implement Emergency Procedures, at the discretion of a Sr. Transmission System Operator or Transmission System Operator, for the purpose of maintaining system integrity. This may include shedding load when system conditions deteriorate.
• Optimize operation of TMS and associated computer systems through continuous monitoring of performance characteristics, performing or coordinating database updates, and identifying and correcting areas of deteriorating application performance.
• Produce and disseminate real‑time system information and/or daily activity reports, as necessary, to appropriate personnel, i.e. Public Utility Commission, PEMA, Company Management, and other Utilities. Produce and maintain the ELCP, DRO and PDDR reports for Transmission Operations.
• Assist in supporting PPL EU portfolio strategy by developing and maintaining PPL EU's mid‑term and long‑term outage plan. Actively participate in and engage other departments in developing the outage plan and an evaluation of the risk to the system.
• Physical presence in the office/on‑site to engage in face‑to‑face interaction and coordination of work among direct reports and co‑workers.
• May be assigned an Electric Utilities emergency and storm role. This is a special assignment that comes into play during storms and other emergencies when the company needs to restore power or respond to other issues affecting customer service. This role may necessitate the need to work after‑hours, outside of your normal schedule.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Complies with all policies and standards.

Qualifications

Required Education:

Bachelor’s degree in engineering, electrical technology, mathematics, or related technical discipline or an equivalent combination of education and experience on a year‑for‑year basis and Completion of PPL TSO training program are required within nine (9) months of attaining the position.

Required Experience:

• Must be willing to do shift work and work overtime.
• Pre‑employment testing is required: PSP psychological testing.
• Successful completion of formal Transmission System Operator Initial Training Program (ITP).
• Basic Computer Skills.

Licenses / Certifications / Other Qualifications:

• PJM Transmission Operator within 180 days – Required.
• NERC Transmission Operator within 180 days – Required.
• PJM Generation certification – Preferred.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree.
• PJM Transmission Operator certification and/or NERC Transmission Operator certification.
• Ability and initiative to organize and direct several concurrent activities, under extreme pressure.

Remote Work

The company reserves the right to determine if this position will be assigned to work on‑site, remotely, or a combination of both. Assigned work location may change. In the case of remote work, physical presence in the office/on‑site may be required to engage in face‑to‑face interaction and coordination of work among direct reports and co‑workers.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Our company is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, national origin, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, disability status, or any other protected characteristic.