Sr Electrical Engineer, Transmission Planning (OH, PA, NJ, WV)

Transmission Planning Engineer

This is an open position with FirstEnergy Service Co., a subsidiary of FirstEnergy Corp.

The Transmission Planning Engineer position is responsible for transmission planning functions across FirstEnergy's transmission and subtransmission systems in the FirstEnergy area. The primary focus is on studying and planning the safe and reliable operation of transmission and subtransmission lines and substations. In addition, the position is responsible for performing studies related to generation and load interconnections attaching to the system within the assigned planning areas. The engineer will perform transmission planning activities with input from the operating companies, other utilities, generator owners, the Regional Transmission Organization, and Regional Reliability Organizations. The position has the responsibility to initiate, recommend, and assist in the development of the capital portfolio for reliability related projects within the planning area of responsibility. The position works closely with the Operations Center to provide support during storms, heavy loading periods, and abnormal system events.

Important - This role can be located in Akron, OH, Greensburg, PA, Reading, PA, or Fairmont, WV.

Responsibilities include:

• Providing technical support and studies to develop transmission and subtransmission infrastructure projects, plans, and capital budgets to maintain the reliability and integrity of the FE system.
• Performing timely completion of bulk and area transmission systems studies ensuring compliance with NERC, PJM and FE planning criteria.
• Proposing and economically justifying recommended mitigation projects to any planning criteria deficiencies identified through system studies. If capital projects cannot be implemented in the needed timeframe, a detailed operating solution is prepared and presented to Operations for review and implementation.
• Performing development of annual capital budgets by requesting cost estimates and preparing presentations associated with the capital portfolio process.
• Performing studies associated with the connection of new loads, generators and merchant transmission projects.
• Providing support to the Operations Centers when required, such as during severe weather, heavy loading or abnormal system events. Frequently this support requires rapid turn-around of an evaluation of whether the system can accommodate an outage and remain in a secure condition should the next contingency occur. It could also involve operational recommendations to alleviate abnormal system conditions, abnormal voltages, or equipment overloads.
• Working with various industry groups to meet requirements / obligations that FE has within the industry, and actively promote FE ideas/ methods/ procedures that the industry should be using as it moves forward. Formal industry groups include NERC, RFC and PJM.
• Preparing responses to state and federal commission requests for information
• Providing technical testimony for regulatory and legal inquiries as assigned
• Supporting efforts to prepare submittals for compliance related to various planning related activities.
• Participating in the annual maintenance of the department's planning philosophy, facility connection document, and other procedures and documents.
• Preparing work products to meet requirements of various governmental agencies, such as public utility commissions, other state agencies, FERC, and other federal agencies, by providing input to filings as required.
• May be required to travel throughout the FE system and to other industry related activities.

Qualifications include:

Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering (BSEE) from an ABET accredited institution is required. Acceptable alternatives are: (1) a Professional Engineer's (PE) License (2) a Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or technical field of study (non-ABET) plus an advanced degree in Electrical Engineering from a university with an ABET accredited Bachelor's program.

Eight (8) years of engineering experience and three (3) years of engineering experience at the Engineer IV level or equivalent work experience.

A PE License or an advanced degree is strongly encouraged for consideration as an Engineer V. Strong consideration will be given to those with previous experience in transmission planning and protection, transmission operations, distribution planning and protection, distribution operations, power system analysis, or substation engineering.

Performs in accordance with the FirstEnergy Core Values & Behaviors, leads by example, and demonstrates how these values and behaviors align with the Company's mission, priorities, objectives, and interests.

Generally considered as a Subject Matter Expert in one or more subjects and sought out internally for consultation.

Expert knowledge of section-level, department-level, and business unit information, as well as how decisions impact the Company; Ability to influence decisions made by business unit leadership, as well as leaders from other business units.

Proficient in the use of power system analysis software such as PSLF, PSS/E,TARA, and other related planning software.

Proficient with Python, Visual Basic, or other programming language preferred.

Proficient in the use of various FirstEnergy applications such as OPPM, EDOA, EMS, PI, GISView, TAMI, TLL, and other applications is preferred.

Demonstrate familiarity with PJM, RFC and NERC practices, procedures and requirements in the areas of transmission planning criteria and principles.

Demonstrated abilities of effective analytical and reasoning capabilities, refined oral and written communication skills, including ability to effectively structure and confidently present information to peers, TPP management and executive leadership of FE.

Ability to work independently or as part of a team effort on assignments that may be broad in nature involving the compilation, preparation, and analysis of various statistical/analytical data, reports, statements, studies, or projects.

Must adhere to FirstEnergy's Standards of Conduct and FERC compliance obligations.

Must live within a 45 minute commute to the FirstEnergy service territory