Transmission Planning Engineer

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. The Company is not able to take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time for this position or commit to doing so in the future for individuals with current authorization to work via, for example, CPT or OPT, and would need sponsorship in the future.

Tenaska is one of the largest privately held companies in the United States, an organization that’s adept in natural gas and power marketing, power management, development and acquisition of generation assets, operation of power plants, and more.

Job Summary:

The successful candidate will provide a wide range of technical and analytical functions for Tenaska’s electric power transmission analysis team and receive training in power flow modeling of bulk electric power systems.  Tasks performed in this role will be associated with the initiation and ongoing development of new power generation projects. 

The Transmission Planning Engineer will be a key member of interdisciplinary business teams and directly affect business outcomes.  As such, the Transmission Planning Engineer will work closely with other functions, including:  management, development, commercial, public relations, environmental, real estate, third-party consultants, and counterparties (suppliers, customers, partners, and lenders’ engineers). Some limited domestic travel will be required to other Tenaska offices, conferences, and counterparty offices.

Essential Job Functions:

• Prepare conceptual electrical designs for new power generation facilities, including high-voltage substations and switchyards.
• Develop preliminary electrical one-line diagrams.
• Prepare, compile, and submit all documentation required for generator interconnection requests (GIRs) for new power generation facilities.
• Track generator interconnection study schedules and manage interconnection-related deadlines across multiple power grid authorities.
• Evaluate interconnection study methodologies for power generators and large electrical loads.
• Analyze transmission tariffs, business practice documentation, and proposed regulatory or procedural changes.
• Participate in online and in-person training on power flow modeling software, including PowerWorld Simulator, TARA, PSSE, and similar tools.
• Perform basic power flow modeling to assess the impacts of proposed generation projects and transmission system upgrades.
• Coordinate with third-party engineering and consulting firms performing power flow modeling and interconnection studies.
• Evaluate the design, scope, and system impacts of proposed transmission system upgrades.
• Compare and assess potential project sites based on transmission grid topology, modeling results, and interconnection considerations.
• Participate in assigned industry organizations and user groups to evaluate potential impacts on Tenaska’s business activities.
• Prepare clear, well-documented written deliverables, including PowerPoint presentations, Excel workbooks, and brief technical memoranda summarizing methods, assumptions, analyses, and results.
• Maintain organized electronic files and documentation for models, task lists, schedules, and project work products.

Education, Experience & Skills:

Basic Requirements:

• Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from an accredited university program.
• 1–5 years of experience in engineering practice.
• Familiarity with power flow modeling concepts and related software tools.
• Proficient in MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and VBA.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• High attention to detail with an analytical, inquisitive mindset.
• Proactive problem solver who seeks out and addresses technical challenges.
• Strong work ethic with a collaborative, team-oriented approach.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, multi-tasked environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• MS in Electrical Engineering
• Professional Engineer-in-Training (“EIT”)
• Prior work experience in the electric power industry
• Demonstrated experience utilizing power flow modeling
• Knowledge of programming language(s) such as Python
• Knowledge of or familiarity with various power generation technologies including natural gas fired combined cycle, wind turbines, PV solar, and battery storage.

Benefits:

At Tenaska we care about the wellbeing of our employees and their families. That’s why we offer our employees a comprehensive benefit package. Benefits included below:

Health, dental, vison, disability, and life insurance
Excellent 401(k) plan
Incentive-based, competitive salary packages
Health/dependent care flex accounts
Tuition assistance
Long-term disability coverage
Adoption benefits
Employee assistance program
Paid vacations and holidays
Charitable giving program
Paid maternity/paternity leave
Wellness programs

Tenaska is an equal opportunity employer.