System Studies Engineer - Interconnection - Power & Energy

Atwell, LLC is a bold leader in the consulting, engineering, and construction services industry, delivering a broad range of creative solutions to clients in the real estate & land development, and energy markets. We have a strong national presence and a diverse, award-winning project portfolio. Atwell is a privately owned company, with 2,000 passionate team members across 55 locations and growing!

Atwell, LLC is a proud recipient of the following 2024 awards:

• Nine consecutive years in a row as a “Best Place to Work” (#16) by Zweig Group
• Recognized as #10 in the “Top 100 Fastest Growing AEC Firms” in the U.S. by Zweig Group
• Recognized as #71 in the ENR Top 500 Design Firms, ranked in every region.
• Recognized in Crains “Fast 50” as one of the fastest-growing firms based in Michigan.
• Recognized in Crains Magazine as one of Michigan's largest privately held companies.

JOB SUMMARY

Atwell specializes in power generation and power delivery services, including high-voltage electrical systems, substations, switchyards, transmission lines, distribution design, overhead and underground collection systems, and renewable energy power generation facilities such as Windfarms, PV/Solar farms, and BESS facilities.

The Electrical Engineer with an emphasis in the power sector will play a key role in supporting the project team by leading various design components on individual projects. This position requires the individual to develop and demonstrate expertise in performing the core responsibilities outlined below.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Demonstrate a strong understanding of power engineering principles, with expertise in high-voltage electrical systems and components involved in power generation, transmission, distribution, and substation design..
• Communicates effectively with all project stakeholders, actively coordinating engineering and design activities across multiple engineering disciplines, including substation physical, protection & control, SCADA, civil, structural, transmission, distribution, collection system, studies, construction, procurement, and project management.
• Lead the engineering efforts on project design through the different project milestones from start to finish.
• Assist project managers in developing proposal documents and estimates for bidding or change orders.
• Work with drafters, designers, and other engineers on the preparation and checking of design drawings and design packages.
• Participation in occasional site visits, Field walkdowns, or client meetings at the client location may be required.
• Communicate with the Project Manager and Discipline Manager regarding workload status and complete assignments within scope, schedule, and budget with a high degree of accuracy to ensure the delivery of quality results.
• Draft, review, and finalize project technical documents including, but not limited to: master deliverable list, design criteria, design drawings, engineering reports, specifications, bill of materials, technical proposals, cost estimates, feasibility studies, testing procedures, commissioning plans, construction staging, and outage plans, and scope of work documents.
• Have a solid understanding of industry practices and standards such as NEC, NESC, NFPA, IEEE, ANSI, USDA, and other relevant technical standards.
• Conduct interdisciplinary reviews of design packages prepared by other engineering teams to ensure seamless coordination and integration across all engineering disciplines.

KEY COMPETENCIES AND SKILLSET

INTERCONNECTION

• PSCAD and PSSE load flow and dynamic analysis
• Experience with dynamic modeling and tuning of renewable generators in PSSE using the WECC generic models
• Experience with dynamic benchmarking of PSSE and PSCAD models
• Strong understanding of latest industry standards related to modeling, including: NERC PRC and MOD standards, IEEE 2800, IEEE 1547, FERC orders
• Must be familiar with generation interconnection processes in ERCOT, MISO, SPP, and FERC pro-forma.
• Experience with model tuning to meet PRC-019, PRC-024, PRC-029 preferred
• Experience with model tuning to meet MOD-026 and MOD-027 preferred
• Experience with injection studies, LGIP/SGIP/DER system impact studies, transmission capability analyses, LMP forecasting, and congestion analyses is required.
• High proficiency in using specialty software and tools, such as PSSE, PSCAD, PSLF, ASPEN One-liner, ETAP, EMTP, SKM, CYME, TSAT, PowerWorld, and Windmill, is strongly desired.
• Develop high-quality technical reports for documenting the process and results of the electrical studies performed..

ELECTRICAL STUDIES

• Demonstrate a strong understanding of electrical theory and concepts in performing studies such as: load flow & reactive power, short circuit, grounding, cable ampacity, energy loss, harmonics, protection coordination, arc flash, effective grounding, insulation coordination, induced voltages, and TOV/TRV is required.
• High proficiency in using specialty software and tools, such as ETAP, CYMCAP, WinIGS, CDEGS, PSSE, PSCAD, PSLF, ASPEN One-liner, EMTP, SKM, TSAT, CYME, PowerWorld, and Windmill, is strongly desired.
• Review utility interconnection studies and ensure compliance with interconnection and PPA requirements.
• Develop high-quality technical reports for documenting the process and results of the electrical studies performed.

EDUCATION

• Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering (ABET Accredited)
• Engineer-in-Training (EIT) Certification is desired for Level I through III
• Professional Engineer (PE) License desired for Level IV and above

Pay Range - $100,000 - $160,000

Atwell Benefits: To attract and retain the best professionals in the industry, we aim to provide an excellent working environment and a progressive benefits program designed to support your personal and professional needs.

Work/Life:

• Generous Paid Time Off
• Paid Parental Leave
• Flexible work schedules are available for some positions
• Tenure Awards — Travel Vouchers to see the world based on your travel preferences

Compensation:

• Competitive Compensation packages 
• Annual bonuses, spot bonuses and peer recognition awards
• 401K match - 1:1 up to 4% of compensation 
• Tuition Assistance
• Student Loan Repayment up to $25K
• Paid Licensing / Certification Fees and Renewals
• Financial Rewards for Obtaining Licensure
• Employee Referrals up to $5,000
• Annual Wellness Reimbursement up to $500 for anything wellness related (Gym memberships, fitness tracker, home gym equipment, etc.)
• Dependent Care Match

‘Atwell’ness:

• Medical (BC/BS), Dental (Delta), and Vision (VSP)
• Family Planning & IVF Benefits
• Pet Insurance
• Health Savings Account & Flex Spending Account options
• Employer paid LTD, STD, and life insurance
• Metlife Supplemental Benefits covering accident, hospitalization, and critical illness
• Member Assistance Program (MAP) with complimentary counseling sessions, legal benefits, financial consultations, and work/life referral services