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.

Under the general direction of the Manager, leads and works on moderately complex engineering projects and provides transmission planning support. Primarily responsible for leading and performing transmission planning analysis of the Grid. Responsible for documenting studies performed to ensure compliance with NERC reliability standards. Conducts, reviews and develops Grid upgrade requirements. Leads, coordinates, performs and reviews new generator interconnection studies. Conducts technical and economic assessments of the grid and participates in the development of policies and methodologies associated with the planning of California’s transmission grid.

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

• Leads, prepares and conducts transmission planning related studies for the ISO Transmission Plan, generator interconnection, Local Capacity Requirements (LCR), congestion analyses, and other environmental policy triggered projects (i.e., SB100). Works effectively and productively with other engineers to share data and information in a timely fashion in support of the department’s goals and objectives. Proactively resolves any differences in technical project solutions and results between team members with mutual respect for greater team success. Offers innovation when solving problems and communicates to others in clear terms.
• Supports management by providing technical expertise and perspective on transmission planning initiatives. Plays an active role in formulating policies on transmission planning initiatives such as renewables integration by working with state and federal regulatory agencies, PTOs and other stakeholders to assure ISO objectives are met. Mentors other engineers and shares technical expertise formally and informally as needed. Provide engineering support to other ISO departments as required (i.e., System Operations, External Affairs, Legal, Grid Assets, Audits, etc). Represent ISO interests in applicable WECC and related committees, work groups and other industry or public forums as assigned.  Serve as an expert witness in regulatory proceedings as needed.
• Complies with ISO Tariff sections applicable to transmission planning (e.g. section 24, generation interconnection sections, etc.), Transmission Planning BPM, and applicable sections of other BPMs.  Adheres to NERC standards applicable to transmission planning.
• Takes initiative in improving processes, data bases, and sharing lessons learned in applying planning and operating tools and methodologies in order to increase work efficiency and productivity.  Provides training and guidance to Senior Engineers and Associate Engineers as assigned.
• Reviews and approves technical and economic assessments and analyses of the transmission grid as assigned. Proposes and recommends approval of projects as appropriate.

Level of Education and Discipline:

• A Bachelor's degree (BA, BS) required in Electrical Engineering, with emphasis on Power Systems.
• Master’s degree (MS) highly preferred.

Amount of Experience:

• Equivalent years of education and training, plus six (6) or more years related experience.

Type of Experience:

• Electric utility industry experience including a combination of the following:
  • Planning
  • Operations
  • Nodal Market development & support
  • Utility Economics
  • Production Simulation Modeling
  • Energy Management Systems
  • Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition Systems
• Experience and familiarity with California electric transmission grid or other WECC systems.  
• Experience with practical knowledge of PC hardware and software, general computer programming skills, ability to use industry standard office tools is required.

Special Certifications of Technical Skills:

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

Additional Skills and Abilities:

• Demonstrates fundamental leadership skills with the ability to work effectively in a team environment as a leader, facilitator and team member. 
• Ability to provide practical and feasible solutions to problems, keeping multiple conflicting considerations into account.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and writing skills required.
• Excellent analytical skills are required, including the ability to effectively communicate complex technical materials and concepts in a non-technical manner. 
• Must be able to handle a dynamic and changing work environment, and work independently.
• Strong computer skills in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Self-motivated, problem solving skills and the ability to influence others without direct authority.
• Ability to set and meet self-imposed deadlines, work effectively with minimal supervision 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.
• Expected to maintain excellent relationship with peers and superiors. 

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