Senior Transmission Planning Engineer

Senior Transmission Planning Engineer

In support of our reliable planning and clean energy goals, SMUD is seeking a highly engaged and experienced Senior Transmission Planning Engineer for supporting the transmission planning and generation interconnection studies. Under the direction of the Manager of Transmission Planning, this position has the responsibility for reliable planning for the current and future needs of the Bulk Electric System (BES) of SMUD and Balancing Authority of Northern California (BANC).

This position provides technical expertise and leadership in transmission planning and generation interconnection studies, compliance support with FERC/NERC/WECC Reliability Standards and Criteria, as well as mentoring and oversight for lower level engineers, to support the reliable and cost-effective planning of the BES generation and transmission assets for SMUD and BANC.

To perform specialized professional technical and analytical functions in a variety of planning areas, including generation, transmission and contractual resources, including transmission planning studies and related engineering analyses and activities. Provide project management and SMUD representation to other utilities and external agencies to ensure SMUD's power requirements are met, and power resource assets are managed to maximize benefits to SMUD within legal and established SMUD policy constraints, and to ensure the reliable operation of the transmission/generation system for SMUD and the SMUD Control Area.

The nature and scope of this position serves as a team lead and/or advanced journey level resource providing expertise in one or more areas of a professional discipline and assumes responsibility for resolving complex problems and overseeing complex projects. May also guide, instruct, and coordinate the work of others on assigned projects.

Duties and responsibilities include providing technical support to co-workers, other departments and SMUD management by conducting studies and technical and economic evaluations, preparing written summaries, reports and recommendations for planning studies and SMUD projects, and responding to verbally or in writing to routine and time-critical inquiries from SMUD's Board, regulatory bodies, other utilities, public agencies and other SMUD departments on transmission projects.

Collects, verifies, organizes and maintains SMUD's data, in electronic format, on transmission lines and major electrical equipment to enable the transmission planning group and other SMUD departments to perform timely, accurate short circuit, load flow and stability studies by organizing the work group to enter, audit and maintain accurate data, using computer expertise to facilitate selection, application and maintenance of appropriate software programs, and coordinating data capture, entry and retrieval/exchange of information.

Plans, coordinates, prioritizes, monitors, guides, reviews, and conducts work activities associated with department internal/external projects in accordance with established task objectives and schedule as outlined in the project plan/contract. Conducts technical review of assessments, calculations, reports and recommendations prepared by less-experienced staff members and outside contractors/consultants and provides direction, guidance, suggestions and/or hands-on training to support improvements and quality standards.

Provides technical support and guidance/consultation to Energy Trading and Contracts, Resource Planning, Power Generation Project Development, Grid Asset and Distribution Planning and Operation, etc. by evaluating projects and proposals, preparing reports, making recommendations on transmission system losses, system reliability, voltage profiles, and other related issues. Represents SMUD's positions, priorities and interests on multi-utility projects and to WECC subcommittees and regulatory bodies by leading SMUD and multi-utility work groups, leading or participating in review committees, and presenting or participating in project reviews by regulatory bodies and other agencies.

Reviews and directs the work done by contract consultants on selected projects. Contributes to the development of technical expertise in transmission planning by preparing and/or arranging professional quality technical seminars and presentations to train less-experienced engineers in their areas of responsibility; develops new models and modeling capability for transmission planning; and develops advanced evaluation techniques and criteria to address and apply to new and unique issues in transmission planning.

Plans, coordinates, prioritizes, monitors, and guides work activities with work-unit employees to meet established task objectives and deadlines by following established policies and precedents, communicating with team members and incorporating their input to processes and techniques, providing staff training, promoting staff safety and a safe work environment, assisting in selecting and…