Transmission Planning Engineer Senior, Lead or Principal

Job Description

Job Specifications

This position will have assignments designed to expand the areas of transmission planning expertise, enhance professional skills and develop a general knowledge of other areas within the utilities. Work generally requires a broad range of knowledge and skills within the area of transmission planning, with development of expertise in specific areas of work assignments.

SALARY RANGE: Determined by the knowledge, skills and abilities of the applicant.

• Senior Level:  $90,250 - $148,750 
• Lead Level:  $98,200 - $162,000 
• Principal Level:  $108,200 - $178,650 

REPORTING RELATIONSHIP:   Supervisor of Transmission Planning

LOCATION:   Rapid City, SD

• A comprehensive relocation package is offered for this position! Details about this package will be shared during the interview and offer process.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Under limited supervision, provide advanced transmission planning support to Black Hills Energy’s electric utilities in support of various business initiatives.  
• Provide initial engineering plans for new projects.  Support the Project Origination process.  Provide engineering support for internal BHE customer representatives.  May provide work direction to others.  Actively contribute to department/project work.  Demonstrate progressive project management skills to support and/or lead projects as assigned.
• Perform all aspects of computer-based load flow (steady state and dynamics) and short circuit studies required to evaluate the electric transmission system.  Evaluate system performance and recommend engineering solutions to address system risks, reliability and load growth over a one, five and ten-year planning horizon.  Perform transfer capability analysis on established transfer paths.  Perform technical writing in support of study efforts.
• Participate in discussions with customers as requested by BHE customer representatives.  Provide transmission planning recommendations and support to assist in the creation of the capital project portfolio.  Lead and review studies associated with the interconnection of new load, generation or transmission facilities.  Verify the validity of transmission, generation and load data used for power flow software models
• Support full compliance with all applicable state, local, FERC, NERC and WECC Reliability Standard requirements as a technical subject matter expert.  Support internal legal and regulatory groups as a subject matter expert for PUC hearings, comment sessions, tariff creations or edits or related regulatory filings.  Provide technical testimony for regulatory and legal inquiries as assigned.
• Represent BHE’s interests in national, regional and local committees, task forces and working groups.  Act as BHE subject matter expert during local and/or regional transmission planning stakeholder meetings.
• Develop solutions and implement actions. Adapt and contribute to department plans and priorities to address business and operational challenges.
• Lead the implementation of process improvements. Participate on continuous improvement teams and lead projects as assigned. Provide innovative work ideas. 
• Apply advanced project management skills to lead projects as assigned with minimal supervision.

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Prioritize workflow, establish schedule and monitor accomplishments.  Consider multi-functional effect of priorities 
• Participate in formal training programs for the improvement of job knowledge and technical skills when made available.  Attend industry training to maintain proficiency in areas of responsibility in order to develop sound recommendations
• Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering required. 
• Senior Level:  Minimum of four (4) years of relevant engineering experience required.
• Lead Level:  Minimum of seven (7) years of relevant engineering experience required.
• Principal Level:  Minimum of twelve (12) years of relevant engineering experience required.
• Experience with software applications typically used in transmission planning including PSS/E, Power World, PSLF and Aspen required.
• Electric utility or electrical consultant experience required.

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES:

• Advanced working knowledge of utility electrical system design philosophy and equipment operation. Proficiency in reading electrical one-lines, control drawings and schematics.
• Understanding of electrical circuits, drawings and engineering analysis. Solid understanding of applicable technical and regulatory compliance standards.
• Ability to work independently as well as in cross-functional teams. Diligent with a focus on documentation and organization.  
• Self-motivated with ability to drive projects to completion with minimal direction.  
• Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to effectively connect with staff at all levels within the organization.  Be able to convey technical information to non-technical personnel.   
• Ability to learn and maintain proficiency with use, programming, and automation of new systems and software as technology evolves.
• Strong project management skills, ability to prioritize and complete multiple tasks in a timely manner with minimal direction and accurately record time spent on projects.
• Ability to apply basic advanced concepts, practices and procedures of transmission planning.
• Ability to work concurrently on multiple projects independently or as part of a team.

This description is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of responsibilities, duties, and requirements for employees in this position. Job descriptions may and do change periodically. Where positions are covered by a collective bargaining unit agreement, the terms and conditions of the agreement will apply.

About our Company: We are a customer, growth and safety focused utility company that is dedicated to our communities. We improve life with energy as an energy partner of choice. Our diverse culture fuels unique perspectives, opening doors to new insights and possibilities. Based in Rapid City, South Dakota, we have over 3000 employees and serve 1.3 million natural gas and electric utility customers across eight states (South Dakota, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, and Arkansas).

Enjoy our Comprehensive Benefits Package!  Annual discretionary bonuses, 401(k) (6% company match and up to 9% company retirement contribution), tuition reimbursement, generous paid time off benefits, including paid holidays and parental leave, company paid life insurance and disability benefits (short and long term), an employee assistance program and well-being benefits, and competitive medical, dental and vision insurance.

Candidates must successfully pass a pre-employment drug screen and background check. 

Black Hills Energy does not sponsor applicants for work visas. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the US.

We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or status as a protected veteran.  If you require reasonable accommodation, please visit  careers.blackhillsenergy.com for more information.