Lead Engineer in Transmission System Planning provides focused subject matter expertise and oversight of power system studies and system solutions development by coordinating team assignments associated with the modeling and analysis of Eversource’s electric transmission system. The role requires extensive experience associated with the modeling, analyses, and planning level designs of transmission lines, substation facilities, and other applicable assets or resources comprising of New England’s electric power system. Typical studies include analyses of power flow, transient stability, short circuit, and electromagnetic transient (EMT). The position assists in leading the development and improvements of standard procedures or processes, methodologies and any other necessary documentation supporting the studies and any resulting system improvements. This position entails representing the Company on regional and national transmission committees regarding transmission planning matters for New England Power Pool (NEPOOL), North American Electric Reliability Council (NERC), New England Power Coordination Council (NPCC), and Independent System Operators of New England (ISO-NE) as needed.

Essential Functions: 

Serve as the System Planning team lead for direct report engineers by ensuring responsible assignments are performed satisfactorily where sound technical mitigation measures or upgrade solutions are recommended. Serve as point of contact for internal and external stakeholders on transmission system reliability studiesLeads the development and maintenance of the system power flow model.  This includes:Collection and review of the forecast loads to be included in the modelCollection, modification, and review of a variety of electric system parameters including: equipment ratings, impedances, contingency sets, protection and control parameters, as well as system topologyCollection, modification, and review of modeling for steady state, stability, short circuit, and EMT analysesLeads the strategic needs assessment and analysis of proposed solutions associated with Eversource service territory, especially EMA and NH.  This includes:Determining required level of analysis, study assumptions, and study scopesApplication of corporate planning standards in conjunction with any other applicable NERC, NPCC, and ISO-NE reliability standards and criteriaDetermining transmission system area needs through performing transmission system studiesVerification of technical feasibility or soundness of proposed plans utilizing industry accepted techniquesInterfacing with various ISO-NE staff, DER and Distribution System Planning, Advanced Forecasting, line and substation engineering, Asset Management, siting, environmental and permitting, operations, etc. for the determination of system impacts and proposed solutionsDeveloping design solutions and possible alternatives to mitigate identified assessment criteria violations with consideration of other potential near term and long term needs in the study areaProviding study updates and presenting study results to internal and external stakeholders as neededLeads the Annual System assessments and develops potential alternatives to reliability objectives by identifying key technical issues and developing proposed and alternative solutions.  This includes:Application of corporate planning standards in conjunction with any other Federal, State or Local regulatory requirementsPlans, develops and collaborates in the implementation and management of the life cycle planning for transmission assetsContributes to the development of the Transmission capital budget through development of cost-effective programs and projects to meet customer and system needsLeads the analysis of system interconnections.  This task includes:Review and provide assessment support for applications in the applicable interconnection queueManaging the impact analysis of interconnections on the Eversource electric systemServes as a company expert witness advocating the Company’s position at various regulatory and/or siting proceedings on issues dealing with Company’s plans for Transmission improvements.Conducts performance evaluations for System Planning staff and creates performances goals, development plans and growth opportunities for all direct reports.Other supporting tasks include:Represents the department and the company on various industry related committees.Participates with other utilities and the planning staff of the Independent System Operator (ISO) in the preparation of regional transmission expansion studies.Coordinates and works in close collaboration with various internal departments such as Engineering, System Operations, Protection & Control, Communications, Project Management, Regulatory Policy, Compliance, Siting & Outreach, Real Estate, Investment Planning and Finance as well as any other internal or external groups as necessaryClearly and effectively communicates the results of analyses and action plans both verbally and in writingTrains junior staff in technical analyses and proceduresPerforms an emergent storm assignment as needed during times of inclement weather or adverse system conditions

Technical Knowledge/Skill/Education/Licenses/Certifications:

Technical Knowledge/Skill:

Eight or more years performing Power Systems Engineering and Analysis or as a Power System Planner in an electric utility with Transmission system planning focused experience.Effective communication and writing skills with the ability to communicate complicated technical issues in a succinct manner.Very familiar with NERC, NPCC and ISO-NE transmission planning reliability standards. Understanding of ISO-NE Transmission Planning Process and Procedures.Experience with power system transmission analysis tools such as PSSE, TARA, EMS, ASPEN, PROMOD, PowerWorld, PSCAD or other similar analysis software.Ability to interface effectively and collaborate with clients, peers, project personnel, and all levels of management enterprise-wide to develop solutions and ensure stakeholder buy-in.Strong understanding of electrical engineering concepts such as reliability, load flow, stability, short circuit, voltage regulation, transients, power factor, losses, etc.Strong technical understanding of the parameters and functions used in the operation of the power delivery system as well as power industry fundamentals, practices, and standardsThorough understanding of engineering economics

Education:

Requires a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Power Systems or related.

Advanced Degree in Power Systems Engineering is preferred

Experience:   

A minimum of 8 years of Power Systems Analysis or Planning experience

Working Conditions:

Must be available to work emergency restoration assignment as required.Must be available to travel between MA/CT/NH as necessary.

Leadership Behaviors/Competencies:

Set and Communicate Direction and Priorities

Communicate priorities and goals (company, department, team)Show how employee’s work fits inProvide business updates, newsCommunicate, communicate, communicate

Build Trusting Relationships

Role model honesty/integrity in communication and actionBalance “getting results” with concern for individual needsHave honest dialogue with employees; get to know them

Manage and Develop People

Set realistic performance objectives and expectationsGive ongoing, honest feedback; coach for successRecognize good performanceVisit crews in the fieldRemove obstacles to day-to-day performanceProvide tools, information, training

Foster Teamwork and Cross-functional Collaboration

Encourage cooperation/remove obstacles between work groups/departmentsEncourage collaboration/peers helping peers

Create a Diverse, Inclusive Workforce

Ask for employee input on work process/practice improvements and before implementing change that will affect themEncourage ideas

Lead Change

Deliver effective, positive communications about change to your teamExhibit a “can-do” attitude to successfully implement changes in priorities and work processesRespond positively to new demands or circumstances

Focus on the Customer

Ensure that everyone on the team understands our customer promise and provides superior customer serviceBe a role model for the team on delivering superior customer service

Worker Type:

Regular

Number of Openings:

1

EEO Statement

Eversource Energy is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, religion, disability status, or protected veteran status.

VEVRRA Federal Contractor

Emergency Response:

Responding to emergency situations to meet customers’ needs is part of every employee’s role. If employed, you will be given an Emergency Restoration assignment.  This means you may be called to assist during an emergency outside of your normal responsibilities, work hours and location.