Department: Transmission Planning
Hourly/Salaried: Salaried
Reports To: Manager, Planning
Work Location: Pinnacle Ridge

Primary Purpose
Develop and analyze transmission system improvement scenarios to maintain and improve the operation and reliability of the Vermont integrated transmission system as an integral part of the New England regional transmission system. The Senior Planning Engineer will perform and document planning studies, such as load flow and stability studies, to ensure compliance with regional and national reliability standards. The individual will plan and conduct work requiring judgment in the evaluation, selection, and adaption or modification of standard techniques, procedures, and criteria.

This Senior level builds on the skills of a practicing engineer capable of making competent engineering recommendations and decisions and managing technical projects with minimum level of oversight. It is typical for an individual to be in this job classification for a large part of their career. It is expected that expertise in a particular area of engineering is developed in this classification. Senior Engineers will mentor less experienced engineers. VELCO has a four-level career ladder. This third level is for accomplished engineers with typically a minimum of 7 years engineering experience. Where applicable, the Senior Planning Engineer will direct and oversee junior or subordinate staff members.

Responsibilities
The Senior Engineer is self-sufficient in developing and analyzing transmission system improvement scenarios to:
– enhance transfer capability
– integrate generation, electric demand and storage
– reduce losses
– simplify system operation, and
– improve the reliability, resilience, environmental sustainability and power quality of the Vermont integrated transmission system as an integral part of the New England regional transmission system.

The Senior Planning Engineer will demonstrate sufficient talent and skills to make competent engineering recommendations and decisions, and manage projects with a minimum level of oversight. The Senior Planning Engineer devises new approaches to problem solving, makes decisions and recommendations that are recognized as authoritative and have an important impact on extensive engineering and related activities of the company. It is expected that expertise in a majority of the systems and applications in a particular area of engineering has been developed in this classification.

Expectations are that the individual consistently demonstrates the knowledge to fully and competently complete engineering assignments by independently evaluating, selecting, and applying the appropriate
techniques, procedures, templates, criteria, judgment, and change management processes. The individual should have an excellent understanding of a majority of the Planning systems and applications described in the Engineer job summary.

Will guide others in the performance of technical analyses of the transmission system, including related studies, such as evaluating transmission economics in support of the overall power delivery system.

Communicate in writing and verbally in a clear and effective manner with fellow engineers, management, other transmission utilities, system operators (ISO-NE, NYISO, etc.), members of the public and regulators.

Work collaboratively with other VELCO Departments and within study teams comprised of participating utilities and other affected/interested parties to develop solutions, including non-transmission alternatives, to system deficiencies.

Manage data organization and reporting to make valuable information available where needed in a comprehensive, coherent form.

Apply planning processes, procedures and standards for system model updates, system studies, reporting, and demonstrate compliance with planning standards.

Be a contributing member of the VELCO technical team, as well as provide technical information and advice, to ensure that the evaluation of system enhancements and other projects is performed with maximum efficiency and resource utilization. Contribute to the improvement of procedures and templates with an appreciation for succession planning and greater efficiencies within the department and the company.

The individual will have a solid understanding of a majority of the systems and applications outlined for the Engineer level. Expectations are that this individual is capable and willing to supervise or coordinate the work of less experienced engineers, cross-train other team members (including interns with the Manager of Planning) on a majority of the systems and applications described in the Engineer job summary.
Education & Training

BS in Electrical Engineering or related engineering field and experience in the same field with electrical system planning applications required. A Master’s Degree in Engineering or a specialized industry credential such as a Certificate in Power Systems Management, together with a history of sustained exceptional performance, is expected.

Experience
The Senior Engineer role will typically have greater than 7 years of Planning Engineering experience. Will demonstrate proficiency with electrical system planning tools, specifically PowerWorld, PSLF or PSS/E power flow and transient stability. A strong computer aptitude is a must. Critical thinking and complex problem solving skills as they relate to electrical system planning modeling as well as efficient programming skills in C variants, Python, Visual Basic, etc.) are requirements.

Knowledge/Skills
This role requires a proven ability to maintain strict adherence to procedures and policies designed to maintain reliability and safety in critical systems and to ensure planning is conducted consistently throughout New England. The ability to scope and review transmission projects, with proven ability to assess, develop and communicate model requirements is essential. Superior communication skills are critical as this role will interface directly with a variety of stakeholders. Self-motivation, innovation, and organization are essential.

Physical/Mental Demands
• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.
• Must be able to travel to various meeting sites.

VELCO is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Interested applicants should submit an Application with Resume and Cover Letter at https://www.velco.com/contact/careers/career-opportunities
or send an email with Resume and Cover Letter to careers@velco.com