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Transmission Planning Engineer

Northwestern Energy

The Role

Overview

Model, analyze, and plan transmission systems for Montana & South Dakota.

Key Responsibilities

  • system improvements
  • stability analysis
  • power flow
  • transmission studies
  • compliance standards
  • report preparation

Tasks

-Make recommendations to management on system improvements to mitigate identified constraints -Demonstrate and maintain a good safety record -Collaborates with peers to perform transient stability analyses -Collaborate with experienced engineers on power flow simulations, fault-duty analysis, and PV (power-voltage) studies -Travel to jobsites, off-site meetings and trainings (up to 5% of travel per year) including overnight stays when necessary -Develop an understanding of compliance standards from NERC, WECC, and FERC -Develop base cases and conduct transmission system studies, using power flow and stability simulation software (PSSE and Powerworld) -Prepare reports and present results to management and/or internal and external customers -Maintain compliance with all related reliability standards including industry and regulatory -Capable of producing highly complex designs and deliverables, while also conducting thorough peer reviews to ensure quality and consistency across team outputs

Requirements

  • electrical engineering
  • professional engineer
  • pss/e
  • power-flow
  • programming
  • integrated planning

What You Bring

-Demonstrates strategic expertise in planning engineering, with the ability to align technical initiatives with broader organizational goals, such as integrated resource planning -Excellent computer skills and proficient with Microsoft Office Suite -Engineering degree required, Electrical Engineering preferred -Valid driver's license and satisfactory driving record -Strong analytical and strategic thinking capabilities, with a proven ability to mentor and train junior engineers effectively -Get Into Energy - Energy Industry Fundamental 2.0 certification is a plus [getintoenergy.org](click here to certify at no cost) -Knowledge & experience with power system modeling software preferred (such as PSS/E) -Recognized as a subject matter expert in planning tools and methodologies -A Professional Engineer (PE) license is preferred -Basic understanding of electric system and transmission system fundamentals -Demonstrated expertise in power-flow analysis, scripting languages, and transient stability studies -An advanced degree and/or Professional Engineer (PE) license is preferred and may be required for specific roles -All NorthWestern Energy employees are required to adhere to company safety standards and the Code of Business Conduct & Ethics -Experience with integrated resource planning is preferred -Knowledge & experience with generation resource planning is preferred -Professional Engineer's Licensure or ability to obtain licensure -This role offers the opportunity to learn the fundamentals of electric transmission system studies and gain familiarity with the topology of the Montana and South Dakota transmission networks -Demonstrates a solid understanding of guidelines, policies, practices, and standards related to transmission planning -Excellent communication skills both oral and written required -A Bachelor's degree in engineering is required for all levels, with a preference for Electrical Engineering -Actively pursuing Professional Engineer (PE) licensure is preferred -Computer programming skills preferred -Use sound analytical skills to model, analyze, and plan the transmission systems for Montana and South Dakota -Possesses intermediate-level knowledge of transmission systems and independently conducts power-flow studies

Benefits

-Company travel and extended hours may be required

The Company

About Northwestern Energy

-Serving customers across Montana, South Dakota, and Wyoming with reliable electricity and natural gas services. -A regional utility company focused on providing sustainable energy solutions to homes and businesses. -Committed to innovation in energy transmission, distribution, and generation, continually upgrading infrastructure. -Engages in a variety of energy-related projects, from renewable energy development to advanced grid technologies. -Has a long history of investing in the communities it serves and providing energy solutions that power local economies. -Focused on ensuring energy reliability while transitioning towards more sustainable energy sources, including renewables. -Pioneering initiatives in reducing operational costs while maintaining high safety and environmental standards.

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