Operations Planning and Analytics Engineer IV-VI

This role is responsible for ensuring reliable near- to mid-term grid operations planning (1-18 months) through system studies, outage coordination, and compliance with regulatory and contractual obligations. The position requires expertise in portfolio modeling (deterministic and stochastic) to optimize economic dispatch, manage congestion, and integrate renewables across Georgia's 38-member cooperative system. Machine learning and AI capabilities are also desirable skills that may become integral to the role as these technologies evolve within the organization. The role demands comprehensive data science and management skills, including coding for data analysis, modeling, and automation of operational processes. The position collaborates with OPC, GTC and other regional entities, bridging traditional utility operations with digital technologies and data-driven decision making, while performing power system modeling, developing transmission solutions, preparing technical reports, and representing GSOC in industry committees.

This role is responsible for:

- The performance of power system modeling and analysis in assigned areas using industry standard software.

- The development and coordination of transmission solutions that promote system reliability and resiliency.

- The development of technical reports, capital project scopes and justifications, and other procedural documentation.

- Participation in industry committees and transmission planning collaboratives with other electric entities as assigned.

Individuals in this role will experience comprehensive exposure to and gain a broad understanding of electric power system analysis, transmission system modeling, generation impacts, interregional power flows, and industry coordination practices.

JOB DUTIES/ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

- Develop and maintain models for grid optimization including solar production forecasting, N-1 contingency analysis using full network power flow models, transmission congestion prediction, and pumped storage dispatch optimization

- Coordinate with OPC to integrate generation assets with member-owned resources in dispatch optimization models

- Create real-time visibility platforms for grid operations, member load patterns, production costs, and system economic performance

- Develop automated reporting systems tracking operational KPIs, member cost allocation, and economic optimization results

- Implement data visualization tools supporting both technical operations and executive decision making

- Develop and maintain production cost modeling systems with post-analysis capabilities to evaluate dispatch efficiency and fuel cost optimization

- Create automated single system dispatch optimization integrating fuel prices, generation and transmission constraints, and resource portfolios

- Design process improvement methodologies enhancing operational efficiency while ensuring capacity and energy adequacy

- Support DER integration through advanced analytics

- Create modeling frameworks accommodating renewable penetration and large datacenter load growth

- Develop capacity and energy adequacy assessment tools incorporating LOLE and ELCC calculations

- Collaborate with operations planning, transmission planning, and member services teams

- Participating in industry working groups and technology committees

- Develop data management systems, APIs, and integration platforms

- Support regulatory compliance and create technical documentation

- Perform technical activities including operational model development/validation, steady-state load flow, stability, power quality, and other power system studies, as required, applicable to the operational planning horizon. Analysis will include the evaluation of scheduled transmission and generation outages, short-term transmission service, and seasonal transmission variations in support of reliable transmission system operations.

- Develop presentations that support the Corporation regarding transmission interests for use with Senior Management and other utilities.

- Assist in the development of goals and milestones for the GSOC Operations Planning Department.

- Attend required training classes. Become familiar with the corporation's policies and procedures.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education: B.S. in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Data Science, or related technical field with emphasis in power systems, machine learning, or AI.

Experience:

- E-IV: Six years (four years with P.E. License) in Power Systems with at least three years in operational planning/utility operations/energy markets along with one year of data science/AI project work.

- E-V: Eight Years (six years with P.E. License) in Power Systems with at least four years in operational planning/utility operations/energy markets including two years in data science/AI project work.

- E-VI: Ten Years (eight years with P.E. License) in Power Systems with at least six years in operational planning/utility operations/energy markets including two years in data science/AI project work along with demonstrated leadership experience.

Equivalent Education & Experience: Master's degree in electrical engineering or related technical field and:

- E-IV: Five years (three years with P.E. License) in Power Systems with at least three years in operational planning/utility operations/energy markets along with one year of data science/AI project work

- E-V: Seven Years (four years with P.E. License) in Power Systems with at least four years in operational planning/utility operations/energy markets including two years in data science/AI project work.

- E-VI: Nine Years (seven years with P.E. License) in Power Systems with at least six years in operational planning/utility operations/energy markets including two years in data science/AI project work along with demonstrated leadership experience.

Licenses, Certifications and/or Registrations: EIT, PE, & PMP are applicable but not required.

Special Skills:

Power Systems Knowledge

- Understanding electric utility operations, power flow analysis, N-1 contingency analysis.

- Experience with load forecasting, generation dispatch, resource adequacy planning.

- Familiarity with utility data systems (SCADA, EMS, DMS) and power flow software (PSS/E, PSS/O, PowerWorld, or TARA).

- Knowledge of capacity planning concepts (LOLE, ELCC) and coordination with generation organizations.

Technical Programming & Data Science

- Proficiency in Python, SQL, machine learning frameworks (TensorFlow, PyTorch, scikit-learn).

- Experience with Databricks platform and PowerBI for business intelligence.

- Knowledge of cloud platforms and big data technologies.

Machine Learning & AI

- Experience developing predictive models, time series forecasting, optimization algorithms.

- Knowledge of deep learning, reinforcement learning, ensemble methods.

- LLM prompt engineering and AI-assisted coding practices.

Communication & Project Management

- Strong written and verbal communication skills for technical and non-technical audiences.

- Ability to manage multiple concurrent projects and coordinate cross-functional teams.

- Experience translating complex analytical results into actionable business insights.

- The performance of power system modeling and analysis in assigned areas using industry standard software.

- The development and coordination of transmission solutions that promote system reliability and resiliency.

- The development of technical reports, capital project scopes and justifications, and other procedural documentation.

- Participation in industry committees and transmission planning collaboratives with other electric entities as assigned.

Individuals in this role will experience a comprehensive exposure to and gain a broad understanding of electric power system analysis, transmission system modeling, generation impacts, interregional power flows, and industry coordination practices.

JOB DUTIES/ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

- Develop and maintain AI/ML models for grid optimization including solar production forecasting, N-1 contingency analysis using full network power flow models, transmission congestion prediction, and pumped storage dispatch optimization.

- Design machine learning solutions integrating weather data, historical patterns, real-time measurements, and market signals for the operational time horizon.

- Coordinate with OPC to integrate generation assets with member-owned resources in dispatch optimization models.

- Create real-time visibility platforms for grid operations, member load patterns, production costs, and system economic performance.

- Develop automated reporting systems tracking operational KPIs, member cost allocation, and economic optimization results.

- Implement data visualization tools supporting both technical operations and executive decision making.

- Develop and maintain production cost modeling systems with post-analysis capabilities to evaluate dispatch efficiency and fuel cost optimization.

- Create automated single system dispatch optimization integrating fuel prices, generation and transmission constraints, and resource portfolios.

- Design process improvement methodologies enhancing operational efficiency while ensuring capacity and energy adequacy.

- Support DER integration through advanced analytics.

- Create modeling frameworks accommodating renewable penetration and large datacenter load growth.

- Develop capacity and energy adequacy assessment tools incorporating LOLE and ELCC calculations.

- Collaborate with operations planning, transmission planning, and member services teams.

- Participate in industry working groups and technology committees.

- Develop data management systems, APIs, and integration platforms.

- Support regulatory compliance and create technical documentation.

- Perform technical activities including operational model development/validation, steady-state load flow, stability, power quality, and other power system studies, as required, applicable to the operational planning horizon. Analysis will include the evaluation of scheduled transmission and generation outages, short-term transmission service, and seasonal transmission variations in support of reliable transmission system operations.

- Develop presentations that support the Corporation regarding transmission interests for use with Senior Management, the ITS, and other utilities.

- Assist in the development of goals and milestones for the GSOC Operations Planning Department.

- Attend required training classes. Become familiar with the corporation's policies and procedures.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education: B.S. in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Data Science, or related technical field with emphasis in power systems, machine learning, or AI.

Experience:

- E-IV: Six years (four years with P.E. License) in Power Systems with at least three years in operational planning/utility operations/energy markets along with one year of data science/AI project work.

- E-V: Eight Years (six years with P.E. License) in Power Systems with at least four years in operational planning/utility operations/energy markets including two years in data science/AI project work.

- E-VI: Ten Years (eight years with P.E. License) in Power Systems with at least six years in operational planning/utility operations/energy markets including two years in data science/AI project work along with demonstrated leadership experience.

Equivalent Education & Experience: Master's degree in electrical engineering or related technical field and:

- E-IV: Five years (three years with P.E. License) in Power Systems with at least three years in operational planning/utility operations/energy markets along with one year of data science/AI project work.

- E-V: Seven Years (four years with P.E. License) in Power Systems with at least four years in operational planning/utility operations/energy markets including two years in data science/AI project work.

- E-VI: Nine Years (seven years with P.E. License) in Power Systems with at least six years in operational planning/utility operations/energy markets including two years in data science/AI project work along with demonstrated leadership experience.

Licenses, Certifications and/or Registrations: EIT, PE, & PMP are applicable but not required.

Special Skills:

Power Systems Knowledge

- Understanding of electric utility operations, power flow analysis, N-1 contingency analysis.

- Experience with load forecasting, generation dispatch, resource adequacy planning.

- Familiarity with utility data systems (SCADA, EMS, DMS) and power flow software (PSS/E, PSS/O, PowerWorld, or TARA).

- Knowledge of capacity planning concepts (LOLE, ELCC) and coordination with generation organizations.

Technical Programming & Data Science

- Proficiency in Python, SQL, machine learning frameworks (TensorFlow, PyTorch, scikit-learn).

- Experience with Databricks platform and PowerBI for business intelligence.

- Knowledge of cloud platforms and big data technologies.

Machine Learning & AI

- Experience developing predictive models, time series forecasting, optimization algorithms.

- Knowledge of deep learning, reinforcement learning, ensemble methods.

- LLM prompt engineering and AI-assisted coding practices.

Communication & Project Management

- Strong written and verbal communication skills for technical and non-technical audiences.

- Ability to manage multiple concurrent projects and coordinate cross-functional teams.

- Experience translating complex analytical results into actionable business insights.