Transmission Planning Engineer

Transmission Planning Engineer

Location: Austin, TX,  United States

Job Description:

 category Transmission, Distribution, & Power

50 USD - 65 USD/hour

Job Title: Transmission Planning Engineer

Job Description

This role focuses on transmission planning and generator interconnection studies within the U.S. power system. You will serve as a subject matter expert for generator interconnection-related analyses, using tools such as PSS/E and PowerWorld to perform load flow, transient stability, and short-circuit studies. The position offers a remote work arrangement and the opportunity to contribute directly to reliable and efficient power system planning.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a subject matter expert for generator interconnection-related studies, providing technical guidance and analysis.
• Perform detailed power system studies, including load flow, transient stability, and short-circuit analyses.
• Lead and support transmission planning activities, ensuring reliable and efficient operation of transmission and distribution systems.
• Conduct interconnection studies utilizing PSS/E as the primary software package, interpreting results and preparing recommendations.
• Use PowerWorld and other power system analysis tools to model, simulate, and evaluate transmission and distribution networks.
• Prepare clear, high-quality technical reports and documentation that summarize study methodologies, assumptions, results, and conclusions.
• Communicate study findings and technical concepts effectively in written and verbal form to internal and external stakeholders.
• Maintain a strong focus on accuracy and attention to detail in all analyses and deliverables.
• Organize and manage multiple projects and tasks, meeting deadlines and maintaining high standards for work output.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams involved in transmission planning, distribution planning, and interconnection processes.
• Apply knowledge of regional power systems, including areas such as ERCOT, in planning and interconnection evaluations.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor of Science or higher degree in Electrical Engineering with an emphasis in power systems.
• 2–5 years of experience in a power systems role, depending on the level of position applied for.
• At least 2 years of transmission planning experience.
• At least 2 years of experience performing interconnection studies.
• Minimum of 2 years of hands-on experience with PSS/E, with at least 1 year of daily use as the primary analysis software.
• Experience performing interconnection studies specifically utilizing PSS/E.
• Proficiency with power system analysis tools such as PSS/E and PowerWorld.
• Strong technical capabilities in power system engineering, including transmission and distribution planning.
• Demonstrated organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and projects effectively.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for conveying technical information clearly.
• High attention to detail and commitment to producing accurate, high-quality reports and work products.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience in interconnection and interconnection studies for generator projects.
• Experience in transmission planning and distribution planning.
• Familiarity with ERCOT or similar regional transmission organizations and their planning processes.
• Experience with PowerWorld software for transmission and distribution system modeling.
• Ability to work independently in a remote environment while maintaining strong collaboration with team members.
• Interest in contributing to long-term power system reliability and grid modernization initiatives.
• Capability to adapt to evolving industry standards, tools, and regulatory requirements in power system planning.

Work Environment

This is a remote role with a standard weekly hour commitment, allowing you to perform all transmission planning and interconnection study activities from a home office or suitable remote workspace. You will work primarily with power system analysis software such as PSS/E and PowerWorld, collaborating virtually with engineering and planning teams. The position offers paid time off and holiday benefits, and supports a professional environment focused on high-quality technical work, clear communication, and strong organizational practices.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Austin, TX.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $50.00 - $65.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully remote position.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.