Transmission Planning Engineer

Job Title: Senior Transmission Planning Analysis Engineer

Job Description

The Senior Transmission Planning Analysis Engineer independently performs advanced transmission system planning and analysis across 34.5 kV, 69 kV, 138 kV, 230 kV, and 345 kV networks to ensure operational reliability, adequacy, and security in alignment with FERC 715. The role focuses on detailed power system studies, including power flow, dynamic-stability, transient-stability, and voltage-stability analyses, and supports compliance with NERC standards and regional transmission planning processes. This position suits an experienced electric utility professional who enjoys complex technical analysis, regulatory compliance, and collaboration with regional stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Independently perform the annual NERC TPL-001 Transmission System Planning Performance Assessment using steady-state, short-circuit, and dynamic power systems techniques in accordance with FERC 715.
• Use a software suite including TARA, PSSE, ASPEN, and DSA Tools to conduct power flow, dynamic-stability, transient-stability, and voltage-stability studies for the transmission system.
• Independently perform the NERC EOP-005 System Restoration from Blackstart Resources assessment using transient power systems techniques and PSCAD to evaluate system restoration capabilities.
• Independently perform the annual NERC CIP-014 Physical Security assessment by modeling realistic and historical physical attacks on transmission equipment to determine whether such events could result in instability, uncontrolled separation, or cascading within an electrical interconnection using TARA, PSSE, and DSA Tools.
• When requested, independently perform NERC FAC-002 qualified changes and material modification impact studies to determine whether new or materially modified load, generation, or transmission facilities affect the Transmission System's ability to meet FERC 715 performance requirements.
• Apply steady-state, short-circuit, dynamic, and transient power systems techniques using TARA, PSSE, ASPEN, DSA Tools, and PSCAD to evaluate system impacts of new or modified facilities.
• Independently evaluate optimization of the Transmission System and proposed transmission plans to reduce overall investment and drive downward pressure on electric rates, including the evaluation of traditional solutions and new technologies such as grid-enhancing technologies (GETs).
• Participate in stakeholder meetings related to the MISO regional Transmission Planning process and the MISO Transmission Expansion Plan (MTEP).
• Plan projects within and evaluate MTEP to ensure effective, efficient, and thorough evaluation of transmission projects, ensuring just and reasonable transmission scope using appropriate power system analysis techniques and tools.
• Participate in stakeholder meetings for MISO's Expedited Project Review (EPR) and Expedited Resource Adequacy Study (ERAS).
• Independently plan projects within and evaluate EPR and ERAS to ensure effective, efficient, and thorough evaluation of transmission projects using steady-state, short-circuit, dynamic, and transient analysis tools governed by FERC 715.
• Collaborate with multiple vertically integrated investor-owned utilities and generation and transmission cooperatives to establish a cost-effective forecasted transmission plan that reliably serves existing and new customers.
• Prepare for regulatory audits and defend technical positions before entities such as NERC, state utility regulators, FERC, and MISO regarding adherence to transmission tariffs, distribution tariffs, and NERC compliance requirements.
• Support the Transmission Operations Control Center during emergencies, including extreme weather events, emergency repairs, or system restoration, to help ensure timely restoration of service to customers.
• Independently perform tasks related to NERC standards including, but not limited to, TPL-007, FAC-003, FAC-010, FAC-011, FAC-014, PRC-012, and PRC-026 using steady-state, short-circuit, and dynamic power systems techniques with TARA, PSSE, ASPEN, DSA Tools, and PSCAD as needed.
• Prepare clear, comprehensive engineering reports and documentation that communicate study methodologies, assumptions, results, and recommendations to technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Ensure all planning studies and deliverables align with applicable regulatory frameworks and internal procedures, supporting ongoing compliance and audit readiness.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, or a closely related discipline.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience working in the electric utility industry, with a focus on transmission planning, power systems, or related functions.
• Ability to perform complex power system analyses and prepare engineering deliverables independently and without supervision.
• Passing grade on the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) examination.
• Hands-on experience with transmission planning and operation in an electric utility context.
• Strong technical knowledge and understanding of the transmission grid and its operation.
• Proficiency in using TARA, PSSE, ASPEN, DSA Tools, PSCAD, or closely related power systems analysis software.
• Demonstrated experience with power flow, dynamic-stability, transient-stability, and voltage-stability studies.
• Detailed understanding of regulatory frameworks and requirements related to NERC, FERC, and regional transmission organizations such as PJM and MISO.
• Proficiency in engineering report writing, data analysis, and compliance-related documentation.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to explain complex technical concepts clearly to diverse audiences.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree, certificate, or equivalent experience specifically focused on power systems studies.
• Master's degree or equivalent advanced education in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, or a related field.
• Registered Professional Engineer (PE) license or eligibility and interest in obtaining licensure.
• Experience working within MISO or PJM regional transmission planning processes, including familiarity with MTEP, EPR, and ERAS.
• Experience conducting NERC TPL, EOP, CIP, FAC, and PRC-related studies and supporting associated compliance activities.
• Proficiency with CAPE or similar short-circuit and protection coordination software.
• Experience evaluating and applying grid-enhancing technologies (GETs) or other emerging transmission technologies.
• Strong organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple complex studies and projects simultaneously while meeting regulatory and internal deadlines.

Work Environment

The role focuses on a professional engineering environment centered on transmission system planning and regulatory compliance. You will work extensively with specialized power systems analysis tools such as TARA, PSSE, ASPEN, DSA Tools, PSCAD, and potentially CAPE or similar software to perform steady-state, short-circuit, dynamic, transient, and voltage-stability studies. The position involves regular collaboration with internal planning, operations, and compliance teams, as well as participation in external stakeholder meetings with regional transmission organizations such as MISO. Work is primarily office-based or hybrid, with a strong emphasis on computer-based analysis, documentation, and virtual or in-person meetings. Periodic support during system emergencies, extreme weather events, or restoration activities may require flexible hours to assist the Transmission Operations Control Center and ensure timely restoration of service. The culture values technical rigor, regulatory compliance, cross-utility collaboration, and continuous improvement in planning practices to provide reliable and cost-effective service to customers.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Moraine, OH.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $100000.00 - $117500.00/yr.

Financial & Retirement: Employees frequently highlight the company"s 401(k) contribution plan as a top-tier benefit.Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance. Some locations also feature disease management, health Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs), and 24-hour nurse lines.Work-Life Balance: Generous paid vacation, company holidays, and a dedicated Wellbeing Program targeting mental and physical health.Career Development: A structured 70 / 20 / 10 learning framework (on-the-job experience, learning through others, and formal training) is provided alongside continuing education assistance

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Moraine,OH.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 17, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.