Senior Engineer Transmission Assessments

The North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) is a not-for-profit international regulatory authority whose mission is to assure the effective and efficient reduction of risks to the reliability and security of the grid. NERC develops and enforces Reliability Standards; annually assesses seasonal and longterm reliability; monitors the bulk power system through system awareness; and educates, trains, and certifies industry personnel. NERC’s area of responsibility spans the continental United States, Canada, and the northern portion of Baja California, Mexico. NERC is the Electric Reliability Organization (ERO) for North America, subject to oversight by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and Provincial authorities in Canada. NERC's jurisdiction includes users, owners, and operators of the bulk power system (BPS), which serves nearly 400 million people.

The vision for the ERO Enterprise, which is comprised of NERC and the six Regional Entities, is a highly reliable and secure North American bulk power system. Our mission is to assure the effective and efficient reduction of risks to the reliability and security of the grid. The mission of the E-ISAC is to reduce cyber and physical security risk to the North American electricity industry by providing unique insights, leadership, and collaboration.

The Senior Engineer supports and conducts a broad range of power system engineering studies and collaborates with a team of engineering and analysis experts responsible for independently assessing and reporting on transmission reliability. The Senior Engineer will provide technical support for the Transmission Assessment program that supports NERC Reliability Assessments. This team is responsible for independently assessing and reporting on overall BPS reliability by conducting objective technical studies and assessments. These studies use state-of-the-art power system simulation methods and advanced data analytics to understand the extent of possible emerging BPS reliability risks and to explore potential risk mitigation strategies. This role coordinates with ERO Enterprise staff, building collaborative teams and providing technical studies and analytics. This position reports to the Manager of Transmission Assessment.

• Review, study, assess, and report on transmission reliability (adequacy and operating reliability) of the interconnected BPS, both existing and as planned, through the use of scenario and future studies.
  • Perform load flow, short circuit, voltage stability and dynamic studies of system behavior for identification of potential challenges and transfer limitations.
  • Lead or participate in wide-area powerflow and dynamic analyses of the bulk power system.
  • Coordinate exchange and sharing of powerflow and dynamics study techniques between various study and modeling groups to foster improved modeling and excellence in technical studies.
• Collaborate with transmission reliability experts to periodically identify and study possible emerging BPS reliability risks, both existing and as planned, in support of NERC’s Long-Term Reliability Assessment.
• Conduct transmission reliability studies, including load flow analysis, contingency analysis, voltage stability assessment, and transmission capability evaluations.
• Support all aspects of transmission assessment studies, including project management, tool selection, stakeholder coordination, status updates, presentation, and communication of results.
• Inform ERO Enterprise leadership and industry stakeholders of key findings and recommendations based on the objective and independent studies conducted.
• Drive improvements in study and analytics capabilities across the ERO Enterprise, working collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders.
• Establish and maintain relationships with industry, regulatory, and governmental organizations involved with inter-regional transmission planning and reliability study groups (e.g., WECC, ERAG).
• Support and drive enhanced coordination and collaboration across the ERO Enterprise such as Reliability Risk Management, Compliance Assurance, the E-ISAC, Standards, and other engineering and analytics groups across the ERO Enterprise.
• Establish and maintain relationships with industry stakeholders involved with BPS reliability issues (e.g., DOE, FERC, national laboratories, registered entities, trade organizations, etc.).
• Support senior leadership and executive management activities with technical studies and analyses in coordination with appropriate regulatory agencies.
• Provide technical input to the executive management team, Board of Trustees, and other stakeholder groups, as requested.
• Be familiar with and adhere to Information Technology Security Policies and procedures.
• Other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

• BS degree in engineering (BSEE/Power preferred).
• Seven to 10 years of experience in power system transmission planning, resource planning and/or other system analysis.
• Deep and broad base of knowledge regarding electric transmission systems and transmission system planning processes
• Extensive knowledge in performing loadflow studies to identify transmission adequacy needs, voltage stability and transfer capability constraints.
• Ability to facilitate groups of industry technical experts and to work effectively and closely with peers in a teamwork environment.
• Self-starter with solid integrity and ability to provide leadership and vision.
• Excellent writing and speaking skills. Exceptional communication skills are required.
• Experience with power system analysis with common industry accepted tools such as PSS/E, PSLF, TARA, VSAT, PowerWorld, MARS
• Experience with power system dynamic technical studies such as voltage stability, transient stability, frequency stability.
• Experience with production and power system modeling, energy policy analysis, climatology and demand forecast modeling, transmission planning and expansion studies
• Strong statistical, analytical, critical thinking, and organizational skills.

• A Bachelor’s Degree or advanced degree from an accredited four-year college or university with a specialization in electrical engineering and power systems.
• Leadership experience within the electric power industry, particularly within registered entities.

• Strong expertise and experience conducting BPS reliability studies and assessments.
• Experience with advanced analytics and statistical analysis for assessing BPS reliability.

• Strong understanding of ERO Enterprise activities and its role within the electricity ecosystem.
• A wide breadth of power system engineering expertise, particularly for BPS activities.
• Strong understanding of NERC Standards.

• Knowledge of numerous regions across North America, such as PJM, MISO, NEISO, SPP, CAISO, WECC, SERC, ERCOT, and NYISO and their planning processes.

• Proficiency with project management skills and software.

• Final level and title will be determined through the interview and evaluation process.
• Background check will be conducted prior to employment.
• In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire.
• Travel necessary: passport required for North American travel.
• This position has been classified as exempt.
• Remote/virtual working arrangements will be considered; some travel may be expected.

• Everyone at NERC is a
• We are accountable personally and organizationally to deliver on
• We develop ourselves and people in the organization to ensure that NERC realizes its strategic objectives.
• We are resilient and adaptable to the challenges and needs of the business/people.
• We exude a growth mindset and empower teams to take
• Build collaborative relationships within NERC, the ERO, and the stakeholders of
• We exemplify NERC cultural behaviors:
  • Reward, high-quality, creative, and innovative work
  • Attract, engage, and retain top talent
  • Value and respect diverse perspectives
  • Provide a safe, inclusive, and collaborative work environment
  • Form strong relationships within the company, and with the ERO Enterprise
  • We demonstrate curiosity in a wide variety of areas and are open to exploring new situations, knowledge and opportunities for growth and development
  • We demonstrate an anticipatory mindset; preventing problems, and building contingencies where appropriate
  • We are champions for diversity and inclusion. Seeks out and values diverse perspectives.