Principal Reliability Assessments Engineer

Be a Part of Something that Matters

At WECC, we enhance the lives of 90 million people by identifying and mitigating risks to the Bulk Power System (BPS) in the West. The grid is changing quickly as environmental regulations, economics, technology, and customer demands continue to push the power industry to new limits. We are seeking a Principal Reliability Assessments Engineer to help us promote BPS reliability by providing technical expertise, leadership, and support to key programs at WECC.

Working in the Reliability Assessments department, the Principal Reliability Assessments Engineer is a subject matter expert in various system analysis applications and can use them to analyze potential effects on the reliability of the grid. The Principal Reliability Assessments Engineer is fully aware of emerging issues and trends affecting the BPS in the Western Interconnection and works with industry groups to address power system reliability needs.

The Principal Reliability Assessments Engineer works with industry groups to find and use state-of-the-art technology to help ensure reliability and proposes new methods for conducting reliability assessments.

You will—

- Proactively engage with WECC staff, NERC, other ERO regions, and external entities to provide technical direction in topics related to transmission planning and associated reliability risks.

- Act as the resident expert on emerging issues and trends affecting the BPS in the Western Interconnection.

- Provide technical leadership and partnership with industry groups such as national labs; regulators; federal, state, and provincial government organizations; non-governmental organizations; and academia to identify potential reliability risks and mitigation options.

- Provide technical expertise, leadership, and support for other activities and risk treatment efforts at WECC (e.g., models, standards development, oversight, event analysis, situation awareness).

- Identify the need for, and lead the development and implementation of, new software tools and processes to assess data and power system reliability.

- Deliver clear, concise presentations to a variety of technical and non-technical audiences.

- Collaborate with ERO Enterprise colleagues to plan reliability assessments and design study methodologies, identify lessons learned, and apply best practices.

- Coach and mentor other WECC engineers and analysts and serve as a subject matter expert on reliability matters (including study techniques, tool usage, advanced technical analysis, etc.) while working with management to find opportunities for other WECC staff to participate in industry and academic initiatives.

- Identify training support and development opportunities within the Reliability Assessments team and develop strategies to enhance assessments and shift mindsets across WECC and the ERO Enterprise.

- Exercise authority and technical leadership on assignments that are often self-initiated and self-directed.

You will enjoy this role if you—

- Hold a bachelor’s degree in engineering, statistics, economics, or a related technical field, or have an equivalent combination of education and professional work experience. An advanced degree in engineering, statistics, economics, or business administration is preferred.

- Have at least 15 years of experience in transmission planning and related fields.

- Are a leading expert and a recognized authority in topics related to transmission reliability and associated studies and assessments.

- Have expert-level proficiency in performing analyses such as power flow, voltage stability (PV/QV), contingency, transient stability, and others required under TPL standards using power system tools such as: GE PSLF, Siemens PSS/E, PowerWorld, PowerGem TARA.

- Have a proven record of conducting major assessments and developing technical reports with a strong understanding of reliability risks to the Bulk Power System.

- Possess strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work with stakeholder and member groups with differing interests.

- Have proven leadership, decision-making, and problem-solving skills.

- Are known for sharing innovative ideas, providing valuable insights, and influencing others’ thinking.

- Are excited to be a leader and to advocate for reliability in industry groups, bringing back vital information for WECC's strategic decision-making.

- Have excellent spoken and written communication skills.

- Possess high levels of self-motivation, initiative, intellectual curiosity, accountability, and leadership.

- Possess strong computer literacy and proficiency using PCs, including a working knowledge of common applications such as those in the Microsoft Office Suite.

- Understand and adhere to sound principles of cybersecurity, including protecting sensitive information, using secure passwords, and following organizational cybersecurity protocols.

Our Culture and Values

- Our people and our work matter;

- Everyone is invited to be a leader;

- Independence, perspective, and partnership are how we add value;

- Intellectual curiosity, empowerment, and accountability fuel meaningful results;

- Continuous improvement and innovation are essential; and

- We act with intention and focused urgency in everything we do.

Benefits and Compensation

The base salary range for this full-time position is $147,100 –$183,900 + discretionary pay + benefits. Our salary ranges are determined by role and level. The range displayed on each job posting reflects the minimum and mid-point for the position across all locations. Within the range, individual pay is determined by additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. Your recruiter will share more details during the hiring process.

WECC offers an excellent benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, health reimbursement and flexible spending accounts, a 401(k) plan, and generous paid personal time.

Equal Opportunity Employer

We foster an organizational culture that values the visible and invisible qualities that make individuals who they are. When individuals bring their whole selves to work, without apprehension, we, as WECC, will meet our mission now and in the future.

WECC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.

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Be a part of something that matters!