Transmission Planning Engineer

This position provides analytical competencies that enhance WETT’s ability to adhere to all Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT), North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC), Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), and Texas Reliability Entity (TRE) compliance standards.  The Transmission Planning Engineer is responsible for performing planning studies for new interconnection requests and/or  to help support capital investment decisions.  In addition, engages ERCOT and other utilities in discussions regarding system conditions and planning assessments and recommendations.  The Transmission Planning Engineer  also supports WETT’s compliance efforts for the Transmission Operator and Transmission Planning Functions. This position reports to the Transmission Planning Director. 

Responsibilities

• Provide engineering and analytical expertise to support the reliability of WETT’s transmission system, and its compliance with the Transmission Planning and Transmission Operator under NERC and ERCOT requirements. 

• This position will play a major role in seeking development opportunities for WETT through transmission planning studies and relationships with other utilities.


• Performs transmission planning Steady State, Short Circuit, and Stability studies for the Annual Planning Assessment to comply with NERC and ERCOT standards and in support of development of WETT’s transmission system.


• Participates in the ERCOT Steady State Working Group (SSWG), Dynamics Working Group (DWG), System Protection Working Group (SPWG) or any other applicable ERCOT working groups, ensuring WETT’s facilities are properly modeled in the SSWG, DWG, and SPWG cases.


• Manages assigned Transmission Planning, Generation Interconnection, and Large Load Interconnection projects.


• Participates and represents WETT in the ERCOT RIWG, LLWG, PLWG, RPG, and other stakeholder meetings.


• Assists in the review of Planning Procedures to ensure compliance with NERC Reliability Standards and ERCOT Nodal Protocols and Planning Guides.


• Supports compliance with NERC and ERCOT standards applicable to WETT.


• Works closely with WETT internal departments, ERCOT, utilities, generation and load developers, and third-party consultants on transmission, generation, and load interconnection projects.


• Performs other duties as assigned.

Essential Knowledge & Skills/Education

• BSEE from accredited university required.


• EIT preferred.


• A minimum of 3 years of progressive experience in transmission planning of electrical utilities. Experience with TSPs and ERCOT preferred.


• Expert level skills of power system software and simulation tools like PSSE, TARA, PowerWorld and ASPEN.


• Knowledge of current NERC, FERC, and ERCOT standards, procedures, and guidelines.


• Must have excellent oral, written communications and interpersonal skills.


• Results driven and accountable for actions.


• Able to accept responsibility, make appropriate decisions, and prioritize and handle multiple tasks and projects concurrently.


• Must demonstrate strong problem-solving skills, be able to think independently and be able to adjust to changing conditions.