Electrical Engineer; Power System Time

Summary

As an Electrical Engineer (Power System Real Time), you will be responsible for predictive studies for the reliable operation of the Bulk Electric System. These activities include real time reliability studies and mitigation strategies for transmission operations in the respective region.
* This is not a remote position. The selectee must report to one of the duty locations identified in this announcement.*

As an Electrical Engineer (Power System Real Time) at the full performance level, you will:
Conduct real-time, current-day, and next-day transmission studies for the Bulk Electric System (BES) and impacted facilities owned by, operated by, or interconnected to the Western Area Power Administration Upper Great Plains Region transmission system. Real-time and immediate operations horizon power system applications include (but are not limited to) event analysis, contingency planning, outage coordination, and performing operational technical studies including the usage of real-time state estimation software.

Provide technical assistance to real-time operating personnel about the effects proposed switching and operating procedures have on the power system and the individual elements, within the real-time study horizon. Carry primary responsibility for conducting or coordinating studies and mitigation plans required by NERC Standards, Regional Entity Standards and the Reliability Coordinator for a range of expected operating conditions. Conduct analysis, problem solving, development, implementation, and reporting of technical findings related to the Western Area Power Administration Upper Great Plains Region transmission system for normal and emergency operating conditions are of primary importance.

Must be a U.S. Citizen or National. This employer participates in the e-Verify program. Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered for Selective Service. Suitable for Federal employment, as determined by a background investigation. May be required to successfully complete a probationary/trial period. Employees serving on a probationary or trial period may be terminated at any time during the probationary or trial period for performance, conduct, or business-related reasons in the interest of Federal service.

In accordance with Executive Order 14170, applicants are encouraged to respond to the four short, free-response, essay questions in the questionnaire. Answers to these questions are not scored or rated. Your answers will be reviewed by the hiring manager and agency leadership if you are referred for selection consideration. Limit your resume to no more than two (2) pages. If more than two pages are submitted, only the first two pages will be reviewed to determine your eligibility and qualifications.

Position is subject to random drug testing. You must pass pre-employment drug testing. Security clearance and associated requirements- high risk/tier
4. Overtime may be required on short notice to include nights, holidays and weekends in support of related mission requirements. This position requires irregular work schedules and/or shift work. The incumbent may be required to work rotating shifts, nights, weekends, and/or holidays. Must be NERC Certified to qualify at the AD-04 level. If selected at a lower level, promotion to AD-04 is contingent upon obtaining NERC Certification.

If selected at AD-01, AD-02, or AD-03, NERC Certification is required within 2 years, or prior to being able to sit at the Real Time Engineer desk alone. Applicants completing degree requirements within 120 days of 09/11/2026 may apply. Unofficial transcripts must be uploaded at time of application and official transcripts are required prior to entrance on duty.

Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement. In order to be qualified for this position, you must meet the basic requirement AND minimum qualification requirements for the grade level(s) in which you apply. Basic Requirement:
You must meet one of the following:

A. Degree:
Engineering. To be acceptable, the program must: (1) lead to a bachelor's degree in a…