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.

The California ISO is committed to the health, safety, and work/life integration of it employees and is proud to offer flexible work arrangements. This position would be eligible to participate in a hybrid remote schedule (3 days in our beautiful Folsom campus, 2 days working from home). Relocation assistance is available.

Under the general direction of the  Manager, the Sr Regional Transmission Engineer performs highly complex CAISO transmission system planning and engineering analyses, acts as a subject matter expert, and provides power systems expertise in support of transmission system planning policies and decisions.  Participates in WECC system planning studies.  Provides technical training and expertise and guidance to other Regional Transmission Engineering staff. 

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

• Takes a leadership role in performing, reviewing and approving technical and economic assessments and analyses of the transmission grid. Studies may include but are not limited to: transmission planning analyses, new generation interconnections, power flow, transient stability and post-transient analysis, local capacity requirements.  Develops and recommends projects and/or operating procedures to meet identified needs. 
• Performs planning studies and produces annual transmission plans in coordination with transmission owners, neighboring systems, and stakeholders.
• Provides ongoing active participation in, guidance to, and technical support related to transmission system, renewable integration, smart grid, customer services group, market operations and operations engineering and provides technical support to other departments within the ISO as required.
• Anticipates, identifies and resolves engineering-related problems and potential problems. May propose solutions to issues and problems outside of assigned areas of responsibility.  Prepares and conducts path rating studies and contingency analyses (including power flow, stability, and post-transient analyses) to maintain reliable operation of the grid.   
• Implements Transmission Planning Process, and Generation Interconnection Process Business Practice Manuals.  Self certifies that all NERC Standards applicable to a Planning Coordinator are met.
• Provides ISO management and other external entities with essential information relating to the ISO controlled grid and control area.
• Represents the ISO’s interests in applicable WECC and related committees, work groups, and other public and industry forums.

Level of Education and Discipline:

• A Bachelor's degree (BA, BS) or equivalent education, training or experience in Electrical Engineering.
• Curriculum emphasis in power systems preferred.
• Advanced Degree preferred.

Amount of Experience:

• Equivalent years of education and training, plus five (5) or more years related experience.

Type of Experience:

• Electric industry experience including any combination of the following is required:
  • Planning
  • Design
  • Grid Operations
  • Relaying/Protection
  • Energy Management Systems (EMS)
  • Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition Systems (SCADA)
• Experience and familiarity with California electric transmission grid or other WECC systems is desired. 
• Experience running power flow programs such as GE-PSLF is required.
• Demonstrated knowledge of power systems and equipment required.
• General computer programming skills, and proficiency using industry standard office tools including MS-Access and MS-Excel is required. 
• Knowledge or experience in statistics, quantitative economics and energy management resource planning 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 work effectively in a team environment as leader, facilitator and team member. 
• Must be able to handle a dynamic and changing work environment, and work well independently.
• Good analytical, verbal and written communication skills required.
• 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. 

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