Job Summary:
Midwest Energy is seeking an individual that is ready to plan the transmission system of the future in central and western Kansas. This position offers professional growth potential as a key member of the Engineering group. Midwest has seen significant growth in its transmission assets, particularly at 115kV and 230kV, over the fifteen years, driven in part by new interconnections for wind generation, upgrades to the transmission system, and development of new electric load. This work continues to require significant resources going forward. This position will work closely with Midwest Energy Engineering and System Operations staff to develop plans for both the near-term operations and long-term planning responsibilities of a Transmission Owner/Operator, including:
- Planning, coordinating, directing, and providing engineering support for the development of the high voltage transmission system.
- Planning coordination of system additions with other utilities and Midwest Energy distribution facilities.
- Interconnection studies for new load, transmission facilities, and generation resources in the Midwest Energy zone.
- Representing Midwest Energy in coordinated planning activities of the Southwest Power Pool (SPP), including working group and committee participation.
- Developing system load flow, stability, and short circuit models for use in internal assessments, North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) Compliance studies and the SPP Integrated Transmission Plan.
- Developing mitigation plans and/or upgrade strategies to address reliability concerns.
- Supporting the development and execution of internal transmission planning procedures as required by the SPP, NERC and other regional reliability councils as applicable.
- Developing, maintaining, and communicating Transmission Facility rating information for all Midwest transmission assets in accordance with SPP requirements and NERC Reliability Standards.
- Assisting in the development of internal operating standards related to transmission systems as required by the SPP, NERC and other regional reliability councils as applicable.
- Developing operating-horizon planning models and executing short-term transmission planning as required to support operation of the Midwest transmission system.
- Analyzing transmission switching and contingency mitigation planning to support System Operators.
Education & Experience: Bachelor's degree required. Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Engineering Technology from an ABET-accredited university preferred. Will consider entry level candidates with Engineering or Engineering Technology degree. Experience with an emphasis in electrical systems and/or transmission system operations is preferred and may be a substitute for educational requirements. Additional consideration given for experience in distribution system planning, system stability and short circuit evaluations. Prior experience with coordinated regional planning with an RTO and direct experience with the Southwest Power Pool is beneficial but not required.
Key Competencies:
- Must have, or obtain within a mutually agreeable time period, a working knowledge of electrical engineering theory and practices, as applied in the planning and analysis of electric transmission systems.
- Must have, or obtain within a mutually agreeable time period, familiarity with the transmission planning and operating standards and criteria of the SPP.
- Knowledge of the reliability and standards of NERC and SPP, or the ability and desire to obtain an expert level of knowledge in these areas.
- Proficiency in interpreting compliance regulations and effectively implementing and maintaining processes and procedures to meet audit standards.
- Proficiency in effectively dealing with people and getting results, including inter-departmental and cross-functional work processes.
- Proficiency in organizing, planning, and directing multiple processes and activities.
- Proficiency in establishing and achieving company goals through procedures and projects to ensure compliance and favorable audit results.
- Ability to provide quality customer service and establish effective working relationships with consultants, vendors, contractors, SPP, NERC, Reliability Entity staff, and other utility companies.
- Proficiency in verbal and written communications
- Analytical skills and intermediate-level proficiency in the Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Microsoft Excel.
