Regional Transmission Engineer - South Region

  • Full-time

Company Description

The California Independent System Operator (ISO) manages the flow of electricity across the high-voltage, long-distance power lines that make up 80 percent of California's power grid. We safeguard the economy and well-being of 30 million Californians by operating the grid reliably 24/7.

As the impartial grid operator, the California ISO opens access to the wholesale power market that is designed to diversify resources and lower prices. It also grants equal access to 25,865 circuit-miles of power lines and reduces barriers to diverse resources competing to bring power to customers.

The California ISO's function is often compared to that of air traffic controllers. It would be grossly unfair for air traffic controllers to represent one airline and profit from allowing that company's planes to go through before others. In the same way, the California ISO operates independently—managing the electron traffic on a power grid we do not own—making sure electricity is safely delivered to utilities and consumers on time and reliably.

 

Job Description

Under the general direction of the Manager Regional Transmission - North, you will work on highly complex engineering assignments and provide power systems expertise in support of transmission system planning policies and decisions.  You'll participate in WECC planning studies and collaborate with other Regional Transmission Engineering staff, Participating Transmission owners and stakeholders on planning studies and planning initiatives. 

What's In it for You

Be a part of our purpose in leading the way to tomorrow's energy network. Make a difference and impact millions of people who depend on electricity in their everyday lives.

  • You get to work on interesting and challenging assignments that will help grow your skill set.
  • You will work in an extremely collaborative environment inside our LEED certified Folsom, California campus.
  • You will be challenged, be a part of a winning team, and your contributions will be rewarded and recognized.

What You Will Be Doing

  • Performs and reviews technical analyses and provides support for economic assessments of the transmission grid. Studies may include but are not limited to: new generation interconnections, controlled grid analyses, independent power flow, transient stability and post-transient analyses, and local capacity requirements. Proposes projects and mitigation alternatives as appropriate.
  • Performs planning studies and produces annual transmission plans in coordination with transmission owners and stakeholders.
  • Implements Transmission Planning Process and Generation Interconnection Process Business Practice Manuals. Self certifies that all NERC Standards applicable to a Planning Coordinator are met.
  • Anticipates, identifies, and resolves engineering-related problems and potential problems. May propose solutions to issues and problems outside of assigned areas of responsibility. Participate in path rating studies and contingency analyses (including power flow, short circuit, stability, and post-transient analyses) to maintain reliable operation of the grid.
  • Provides ongoing active participation in, guidance to, and technical support related to transmission system, renewable integration, customer services group, market operations and operations engineering and other departments within the ISO as required.
  • Provides ISO management and other external entities with essential information relating to the ISO controlled grid and control area.
  • May compile, analyze, and submit data and reports in compliance with external standards and requirements.
  • Represents the ISO's interests in applicable WECC and related committees, work groups, and other public and industry forums.
  • May provide basic training and guidance to Associate Engineers.
  • Adheres to and supports the Core Values of the ISO.
  • Performs related duties and activities as appropriate.

 

Qualifications

Level of Education and Discipline:

  • A Bachelor's degree (BA, BS) or equivalent education, training or experience
  • Advanced Degree preferred.
  • Electrical Engineering or related field.

Amount of Experience:

  • Two or more years directly related experience.

Type of Experience:

  • Electric utility industry experience including emphasis in power system planning or operation. Familiarity with California Electric System or other portions of the WECC system. 
  • Ability to run power flow programs such as GE-PSLF.
  • Practical knowledge of PC hardware and software, general aptitude for computer programming language like python and the use of industry standard office tools, especially MS-Access and MS-Excel is required.
  • Knowledge of statistics, quantitative economics, energy management, resource planning and related fields is desirable. 

Special Certifications of Technical Skills:

  • Registered California Engineer-In-Training or Professional Engineering License preferred.

Additional Skills and Abilities:

  • Must be able to handle a dynamic and changing work environment, and work well independently.
  • Good analytical, verbal and written communication and documentation skills required.
  • Ability to set and meet self-imposed deadline and perform effectively in high-pressure situations while maintaining focus and calmness.
  • Ability to provide timely professional assessments with limited information and/or assumptions, and to confidently act on decisions.
  • Must be able to work effectively in a team environment as leader, facilitator, and team member.

Additional Information

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.