Principal Transmission Planning Engineer

The intent of this job posting is to establish an eligibility list which may be used to fill current and future, permanent and limited-term, vacancies for up to two (2) years. You must clearly demonstrate, on your resume, that you possess the knowledge, skills and experience required in the minimum qualifications listed in this posting.

In support of our reliable planning and clean energy goals, SMUD is seeking a highly engaged and experienced Principal Transmission Planning Engineer for supporting the transmission planning and generation interconnection studies. Under the direction of the Manager of Transmission Planning, this position has the responsibility for reliable planning for the current and future needs of the Bulk Electric System (BES) of SMUD and Balancing Authority of Northern California (BANC). This position provides technical expertise and leadership in transmission planning and generation interconnection studies, compliance support with FERC/NERC/WECC Reliability Standards and Criteria, as well as mentoring and oversight for lower level engineers, to support the reliable and cost-effective planning of the BES generation and transmission assets for SMUD and BANC.

Purpose

Performs and spearheads the performance of transmission planning studies and related engineering analyses and activities. Provides project management and SMUD representation to other utilities and external agencies to ensure an adequate, reliable, and cost-effective transmission system for SMUD.

Nature and Scope

Serves as a technical or functional expert or consultant providing expertise and/or direction in one or more areas of a professional discipline and assumes responsibility for resolving complex problems and overseeing complex projects. May also serve in a lead/supervisory role and assist in planning, coordinating, prioritizing, monitoring and evaluating the work results in assigned area and in selecting, training, motivating, evaluating and developing lower-level personnel.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Provides transmission planning expertise and ensures the availability of timely, accurate, technical information on SMUD transmission projects; provides technical support to co-workers, other departments, and SMUD management by conducting studies and technical and economic evaluations; prepares written summaries, reports, and recommendations for planning studies and SMUD projects; responds verbally or in writing to routine and time-critical inquiries from SMUD’s Board of Directors, regulatory bodies, other utilities, public agencies, and other SMUD departments on transmission studies and projects.
• Ensures the availability of cost effective, timely, accurate, and up-to-date information on SMUD transmission lines and major electrical equipment; collects, verifies, organizes, and maintains SMUD’s data, in electronic format, on transmission lines and major electrical equipment to enable the transmission planning group and other SMUD departments to perform timely, accurate short circuit, load flow and stability studies by organizing the work group to enter, audit and maintain accurate data; uses computer expertise to facilitate selection, application, and maintenance of appropriate software programs; coordinates data capture, entry, and retrieval/exchange of information.
• Spearheads, plans, coordinates, prioritizes, monitors, guides, reviews, and conducts work activities associated with department internal/external projects in accordance with established task objectives and schedule as outlined in the project plan/contract; ensures work activities successfully contribute to the overall completion of department projects.
• Ensures the technical development of transmission planning staff and quality work products; conducts technical review of evaluations, calculations, reports, and recommendations prepared by less experienced staff members and outside contractors or consultants; provides direction, guidance, suggestions and/or hands-on training to support improvements and quality standards.
• Ensures the adequacy and reliability of SMUD transmission system; provides technical support and guidance/consultation to SMUD's other departments including Energy Trading and Contracts, Resource Planning, Power Generation Project Development, Grid Assets, and Distribution Planning and Operations by evaluating projects and proposals; prepares reports; makes recommendations on transmission system losses, system reliability, voltage profiles, and other related issues.
• Represents SMUD’s positions, priorities and interests on multi-utility projects and to WECC subcommittees and regulatory bodies by spearheading SMUD and multi-utility work groups; spearheads or participates in review committees; presents or participates in project reviews by regulatory bodies and other agencies.

Required Education

• A Bachelor’s degree with major course work in electrical engineering or related field from an accredited college or university.

Required Experience Qualifications

• At least seven (7 ) years of progressively responsible relevant work experience in electrical engineering for the power industry with at least five (5 ) of those years involved in transmission system planning with project leadership/management, and outside agency interface and inter-utility project involvement.

Knowledge Of

Power system planning techniques at a mastery level including load flow, stability, fault and economic analysis in order to perform power system studies; Western United States transmission and generation system adequacy and development qualifications and inter-utility relationships; methods and techniques for planning, organizing, and overseeing work activities; practices for delegating, assigning, and reviewing work assignments; techniques and concepts related to teamwork; methods and techniques for report preparation and writing; advanced techniques and practices for negotiating; advanced fundamentals and practices of economic assessment of projects and programs; fundamentals and practices of program evaluation; fundamentals and practices of various analytical approaches; techniques and practices for problem research and resolution; techniques and practices for resolving complex technical issues; advanced fundamentals, practices, and procedures related to power system operation; advanced power system theory; advanced thermal and hydroelectric generation and load management dispatch; systems and concepts related to economic operation of a power system; advanced planning and design techniques; fundamentals related to short circuit evaluation; generator unit efficiency and capability characteristics; WECC/NERC Reliability criteria; AC/DC transmission systems; safety policies, practices, and procedures; standard operating procedures for modern office equipment including a computer and applicable software; fundamentals and practices of database administration; fundamentals and procedures of electronic records; English grammar, punctuation and vocabulary standards.

Skills To

Perform system evaluations including transmission power flows, stability, fault, and other engineering studies; review, assess, and comment on planning reports prepared by inter-utility work groups, WECC committees, regulatory bodies, and consultants; understand and handle the technical, political, and corporate issues that are subject to change; interact with others to influence and motivate; compile and prepare technical, statistical, and/or analytical reports and presentations; develop and conduct oral presentations to internal/external audiences; work effectively with other utilities and outside agencies to develop joint engineering projects; interpret, assess, and apply pertinent policies, procedures, regulations, and requirements; identity significant organizational issues, concerns, and needs and develop strategies for rectifying them; interpret, assess, and apply pertinent policies, procedures, regulations, and requirements; negotiate with external representatives on behalf of SMUD; utilize a personal computer and/or computer terminal, systems, and software relevant to the job; communicate effectively orally and in writing internally/externally; establish and maintain effective working relationships internally/externally.

Desirable Qualifications

• Advanced degree, such as M.S. or Ph.D. in electrical engineering or related field

Physical Requirements

Applicants must be able to perform the essential job functions with or without a reasonable accommodation.

Hybrid Work

This position may be eligible for SMUD's hybrid (office/home) work employee benefit, the schedule of which will be determined by the successful candidate and the Hiring Manager. SMUD takes pride in powering the Sacramento region community where we live and work. We value the strong working relationships we develop with our colleagues. Our approach to hybrid work will continue to evolve. Please be aware that should SMUD’s business needs change, emergencies occur, or various other reasons arise, you may be required to report onsite on a part-time or full-time basis.