Power Systems Engineer

JPC Partners is looking for a Transmission Service Engineer / Analyst that will support various activities of the department which include performing power system studies, building power system models, analyzing requests for Transmission Service, calculating Available Transfer Capability (ATC) and the application of interchange schedule validation protocols.
The candidate will support projects to improve the Transmission Service Department (TSD) business processes and systems and will monitor and maintain TSD compliance to applicable reliability and business practice standards. The candidate will join a collaborative team working on novel power systems engineering challenges and will provide support to internal/external Transmission Service customers, industry groups, stakeholders, and Operations, Markets and Planning personnel while also serving as a direct contributor to projects impacting wholesale electricity markets, regional planning process, and real-time system operations.
Position Highlights:

• Multi-tasking and cross-divisional teamwork will be a key component of this position
• Planning, organizing, issue recognition and problem solving will be a key component of this position
• (Strong – Engineer III) powerflow experience using PSS/E, MUST, TARA or equivalent
• BS in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering or equivalent work experience

Responsibilities:

• Build, validate, and maintain accurate power flow models that reliably solve for a wide range of system conditions, including new generation and load patterns and outage scenarios.
• Use PSS/e, MUST, TARA, PAAC or equivalent software to ensure flows remain within acceptable reactive, thermal and stability limits.
• Lead efforts to improve and automate power flow calculations, using modern tools and scripting (Python, Oracle SQL, Excel).
• Calculate Available Transfer/Flowgate Capability (ATC/AFC) including associated Capacity Benefit Margin and Transmission Reliability Margin allocations (CBM/TRM) consistent with applicable NERC standards.
• Provide oversight for all processes and applications associated with the AFC/ATC calculations, including validation checking to ensure meeting or exceeding the applicable NERC standards.
• Administer the Open Access Same -Time Information System (OASIS) and ExSchedule systems in support of Transmission Service and interchange scheduling functions.
• Provide oversight for all processes and applications associated with these systems including validation checking to ensure we are meeting or exceeding the applicable FERC, NERC, and NAESB requirements.
• Develop and document TSD’s business requirements.
• Provide opinion and analysis to TSD’s internal and external customers.
• Recognize and recommend potential improvements to current TSD processes.
• Study and process long-term firm Transmission Service requests consistent with the rules and processes outlined in the OATT.
• Participate in efforts to implement business process and tool changes in anticipation of pending FERC/NERC requirements or NAESB business practices changes.
• Maintain and update Joint Operating Agreements and/or Manuals in support of established TSD processes.
• Work with stakeholders through the committee process and work with neighboring ISO/RTOs to ensure adherence to the JOAs and/or Manuals. Participate in industry and stakeholder forums.
• Provide direct support, including on-call support, to dispatch and internal/external customers.
• Apply the rules outlined by governing documents and business practices consistently across all members.

Requirements

• BS in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering or work experience commensurate with position responsibilities.
• 3-10 years of relevant industry experience with emphasis on power flow models and solutions.
• Power systems, Transmission Service, Interchange Scheduling, or other related experience.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills. Strong analytical and reasoning skills.
• Ability to work both independently with little direction and as a team contributor.

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ Preferred: Engineer with concentration in power systems. Ability to apply expertise in solving new and complex engineering problems and developing innovative strategies. Demonstrated ability to work independently and to train, guide or assist others to perform complex studies. Database software skills (Oracle and/or MS SQL). Programming or scripting experience in SQL, Visual Basic, or Java. Experience working through a formal software development process.