Power Systems Planning Engineer

Power Systems Planning Engineer

Application due date: February 14, 2025

Location: Maple Grove, MN (Eligible for hybrid schedule)

Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. without restriction. Visa sponsorship is not available.

We are the people we power. As Minnesota’s not-for-profit electric cooperative, our member-owners and their members impact every decision we make. Because their needs are our needs, and their dreams are our dreams.

Summary:

We are currently looking for a Power Systems Planning Engineer who will be responsible for developing non-wire alternatives (NWA) to traditional transmission expansion solutions and conducting interconnection studies for integrating distributed energy resources (DER). Responsibilities in the NWA role include detailed analysis of distribution automation, load management, energy storage and new technology to improve reliability and support cost-effective long-term load growth. The DER interconnection studies role focuses on ensuring that DER interconnection requests are studied and coordinated on time according to established interconnection and coordination procedures. Other duties involve staying updated on national discussions on space weather events and ensuring compliance with NERC GMD requirements, representing GRE at EPRI, organizing MEG meetings and leading subgroup discussion, supporting engineers with transmission planning, conducting EMTP and performing short-circuit analysis.

Total Rewards:

A typical starting range for this position is $83,000 - $114,000 + annually. We offer market competitive base pay and adjust our offer accordingly based upon the value of the candidate’s knowledge, skills and experience. In addition, our Total Rewards strategy focuses on recognizing individual performance and rewarding business results. Our robust Total Rewards package includes exceptional benefits and retirement, a focus on continuous engagement, recognition, personal and professional development, and an emphasis on work-life effectiveness.

Responsibilities: Job responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

· Develop non-wire alternatives (NWA) to traditional transmission expansion solutions.

· Conduct interconnection studies for integrating distributed energy resources (DER).

· Perform detailed analysis of distribution automation, load management, energy storage, and new technologies to improve reliability and support cost-effective long-term load growth.

· Ensure timely study and coordination of DER interconnection requests according to established procedures.

· Stay updated on national discussions on space weather events and ensure compliance with NERC GMD requirements.

· Represent GRE at EPRI meetings and participate in programs that GRE is a subscriber to.

· Support engineers with transmission planning studies, such as large load interconnection studies.

· Conduct electromagnetic transient program (EMTP) and short-circuit analysis.

· Organize and oversee MEG meetings while leading subgroup discussions.

Qualifications:

· Bachelor’s Degree (or advanced) in electrical engineering required or education required to qualify for the written Professional Engineering Examination as required by the State Board of Engineering

AND

· 1-4 years of experience in the utility industry including knowledge of renewables, storage, microgrid, and other new technologies.

· Experience with transmission planning in the utility industry is strongly preferred.

· Knowledge of PSSE steady-state and stability or equivalent program. Prior experience with PSSE or equivalent program is strongly preferred.

· Knowledge of EMTP or equivalent is required. Experience with EMTP strongly preferred.

· Fundamentals of Engineering certification is preferred.

· Ability to research, analyze, and make recommendations related to engineering decisions.

· Demonstrated experience in utilizing problem solving skills to address primarily technical nature issues.

· Project management skills. Ability to plan, organize, and prioritize time/workload to accomplish tasks and meet deadlines.

· Strong verbal and written communication skills. Ability to successfully communicate with technical, non-technical, and leadership audiences.

· Ability to build and maintain effective work relationships, both internal and external, and establish credibility quickly.

· Ability to work within a team environment and independently.

Apply: Qualified candidates please apply at www.greatriverenergy.com (under the Careers tab) by February 14, 2025 . GRE values diversity, equity and inclusion and we are an equal employment opportunity employer.