Lead Engineer, Transmission System Planning (hybrid) - Eversource

Lead Engineer in Transmission System Planning provides focused subject matter expertise and oversight of power system studies and system solutions development by coordinating team assignments associated with the modeling and analysis of Eversource’s electric transmission system. The role requires extensive experience associated with the modeling, analyses, and planning level designs of transmission lines, substation facilities, and other applicable assets or resources comprising of New England’s electric power system. Typical studies include analyses of power flow, transient stability, short circuit, and electromagnetic transient (EMT). The position assists in leading the development and improvements of standard procedures or processes, methodologies and any other necessary documentation supporting the studies and any resulting system improvements. This position entails representing the Company on regional and national transmission committees regarding transmission planning matters for New England Power Pool (NEPOOL), North American Electric Reliability Council (NERC), New England Power Coordination Council (NPCC), and Independent System Operators of New England (ISO-NE) as needed.

Essential Functions: 

• Serve as the System Planning team lead for direct report engineers by ensuring responsible assignments are performed satisfactorily where sound technical mitigation measures or upgrade solutions are recommended. Serve as point of contact for internal and external stakeholders on transmission system reliability studies
• Leads the development and maintenance of the system power flow model.  This includes:
  • Collection and review of the forecast loads to be included in the model
  • Collection, modification, and review of a variety of electric system parameters including: equipment ratings, impedances, contingency sets, protection and control parameters, as well as system topology
  • Collection, modification, and review of modeling for steady state, stability, short circuit, and EMT analyses
• Leads the strategic needs assessment and analysis of proposed solutions associated with Eversource service territory, especially EMA and NH.  This includes:
  • Determining required level of analysis, study assumptions, and study scopes
  • Application of corporate planning standards in conjunction with any other applicable NERC, NPCC, and ISO-NE reliability standards and criteria
  • Determining transmission system area needs through performing transmission system studies
  • Verification of technical feasibility or soundness of proposed plans utilizing industry accepted techniques
• Interfacing with various ISO-NE staff, DER and Distribution System Planning, Advanced Forecasting, line and substation engineering, Asset Management, siting, environmental and permitting, operations, etc. for the determination of system impacts and proposed solutions
• Developing design solutions and possible alternatives to mitigate identified assessment criteria violations with consideration of other potential near term and long term needs in the study area
• Providing study updates and presenting study results to internal and external stakeholders as needed
• Leads the Annual System assessments and develops potential alternatives to reliability objectives by identifying key technical issues and developing proposed and alternative solutions.  This includes:
  • Application of corporate planning standards in conjunction with any other Federal, State or Local regulatory requirements
  • Plans, develops and collaborates in the implementation and management of the life cycle planning for transmission assets
  • Contributes to the development of the Transmission capital budget through development of cost-effective programs and projects to meet customer and system needs
• Leads the analysis of system interconnections.  This task includes:
  • Review and provide assessment support for applications in the applicable interconnection queue
  • Managing the impact analysis of interconnections on the Eversource electric system
• Serves as a company expert witness advocating the Company’s position at various regulatory and/or siting proceedings on issues dealing with Company’s plans for Transmission improvements.
• Conducts performance evaluations for System Planning staff and creates performances goals, development plans and growth opportunities for all direct reports.
• Other supporting tasks include:
  • Represents the department and the company on various industry related committees.
  • Participates with other utilities and the planning staff of the Independent System Operator (ISO) in the preparation of regional transmission expansion studies.
  • Coordinates and works in close collaboration with various internal departments such as Engineering, System Operations, Protection & Control, Communications, Project Management, Regulatory Policy, Compliance, Siting & Outreach, Real Estate, Investment Planning and Finance as well as any other internal or external groups as necessary
  • Clearly and effectively communicates the results of analyses and action plans both verbally and in writing
  • Trains junior staff in technical analyses and procedures
  • Performs an emergent storm assignment as needed during times of inclement weather or adverse system conditions

Technical Knowledge/Skill/Education/Licenses/Certifications:

Technical Knowledge/Skill: 

• Eight or more years performing Power Systems Engineering and Analysis or as a Power System Planner in an electric utility with Transmission system planning focused experience.
• Effective communication and writing skills with the ability to communicate complicated technical issues in a succinct manner.
• Very familiar with NERC, NPCC and ISO-NE transmission planning reliability standards. Understanding of ISO-NE Transmission Planning Process and Procedures.
• Experience with power system transmission analysis tools such as PSSE, TARA, EMS, ASPEN, PROMOD, PowerWorld, PSCAD or other similar analysis software.
• Ability to interface effectively and collaborate with clients, peers, project personnel, and all levels of management enterprise-wide to develop solutions and ensure stakeholder buy-in.
• Strong understanding of electrical engineering concepts such as reliability, load flow, stability, short circuit, voltage regulation, transients, power factor, losses, etc.
• Strong technical understanding of the parameters and functions used in the operation of the power delivery system as well as power industry fundamentals, practices, and standards
• Thorough understanding of engineering economics

Education:    

• Requires a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Power Systems or related.

  Advanced Degree in Power Systems Engineering is preferred

Experience:   

• A minimum of 8 years of Power Systems Analysis or Planning experience

Working Conditions:

• Must be available to work emergency restoration assignment as required.
• Must be available to travel between MA/CT/NH as necessary.

Leadership Behaviors/Competencies:

Set and Communicate Direction and Priorities

• Communicate priorities and goals (company, department, team)
• Show how employee’s work fits in
• Provide business updates, news
• Communicate, communicate, communicate

Build Trusting Relationships

• Role model honesty/integrity in communication and action
• Balance “getting results” with concern for individual needs
• Have honest dialogue with employees; get to know them

Manage and Develop People

• Set realistic performance objectives and expectations
• Give ongoing, honest feedback; coach for success
• Recognize good performance
• Visit crews in the field
• Remove obstacles to day-to-day performance
• Provide tools, information, training

Foster Teamwork and Cross-functional Collaboration

• Encourage cooperation/remove obstacles between work groups/departments
• Encourage collaboration/peers helping peers

Create a Diverse, Inclusive Workforce

• Ask for employee input on work process/practice improvements and before implementing change that will affect them
• Encourage ideas

Lead Change

• Deliver effective, positive communications about change to your team
• Exhibit a “can-do” attitude to successfully implement changes in priorities and work processes
• Respond positively to new demands or circumstances

Focus on the Customer

• Ensure that everyone on the team understands our customer promise and provides superior customer service
• Be a role model for the team on delivering superior customer service

Worker Type:

Regular

Number of Openings:

1

EEO Statement

Eversource Energy is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, religion, disability status, or protected veteran status.

VEVRRA Federal Contractor

Emergency Response:

Responding to emergency situations to meet customers’ needs is part of every employee’s role. If employed, you will be given an Emergency Restoration assignment.  This means you may be called to assist during an emergency outside of your normal responsibilities, work hours and location.