Systems Operations Engineer

Description This role is a Systems Operations Engineer supporting the real‑time and near real‑time reliability of the Bulk Electric System. The engineer performs daily, weekly, and seasonal operating studies and reliability assessments to ensure secure system operations and compliance with applicable NERC Reliability Standards and Operating and Interconnection Agreements. The position provides operational engineering support to the Energy Control Center and interfaces regularly with both internal and external engineering and reliability stakeholders to maintain reliable and compliant system performance. Position Summary The Systems Operations Engineer supports real time and near real time reliability of the Bulk Electric System. This position performs daily, weekly, and seasonal operating studies and reliability assessments to ensure secure system operations and compliance with applicable NERC Reliability Standards and Operating and Interconnection Agreements. This role provides operational engineering support to the Energy Control Center and interfaces regularly with both internal and external engineering and reliability stakeholders to maintain reliable and compliant system performance. Key Responsibilities Perform next day and short‑term operational studies, including power flow, contingency analysis, voltage and transient stability, transfer capability assessments, and Real Time Contingency Analysis (RTCA). Conduct pre and post operating assessments to evaluate system performance, validate contingency results, and identify emerging reliability risks that could impact SOL or IROL compliance. Ensure compliance with applicable NERC Reliability Standards, including TOP, IRO, FAC, TPL, PRC, and MOD. Support and maintain the Energy Management System (EMS), including State Estimator and contingency analysis applications. Develop real time operational solutions to mitigate RTCA identified violations, including transmission reconfiguration, generation redispatch, and implementation of operating procedures. Provide technical guidance to Energy Control Center operators during normal and emergency conditions, including support for IROL exceedances, emergency mitigation plans, and system restoration activities. Provide engineering support for CAISO market interface and outage coordination processes. Coordinate model development, validation, and data exchange with CAISO and WECC. Collaborate with internal teams and external stakeholders to resolve operating issues. Mentor junior engineers and promote technical development in EMS applications, RTCA processes, and SOL and IROL methodologies. Work Location Onsite in Phoenix, AZ. Minimum Qualifications Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from an accredited institution. Minimum six years of experience in power system operations engineering, transmission planning, or reliability coordination within the Western Interconnection. Proficiency with power system analysis tools such as PSS E, PSLF, TARA, PowerWorld, or equivalent. Proficiency with short circuit analysis tools such as APA or Aspen Oneliner. Working knowledge of NERC Reliability Standards and WECC regional criteria. Experience supporting real time operations within an Energy Control Center environment. Preferred Qualifications Strong knowledge of power system engineering principles and their application in system analysis and operations. Demonstrated ability to analyze technical issues, evaluate alternatives, and develop well supported engineering recommendations. Effective written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present technical findings to diverse stakeholders. Professional Engineer license preferred. In depth knowledge of WECC Bulk Electric System characteristics and CAISO operating procedures, including direct experience supporting outage coordination and market interface processes. Experience with Energy Management System applications, including State Estimator and network modeling tools. Pay Range $87,100.00 – $157,450.00 Pay and Benefits Employment benefits include competitive compensation, Health and Wellness programs, Income Protection, Paid Leave and Retirement. For more details, visit Commitment to Non-Discrimination All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, ethnicity, age, national origin, citizenship, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, family structure, marital status, ancestry, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran or military status, or any other basis prohibited by law. Leidos will also consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with relevant laws. #J-18808-Ljbffr