GRID OPERATIONS TRANSMISSION ENGINEER

At PGE, our work involves dreaming about, planning for, and realizing a smarter, cleaner, more enduring Oregon neighborhood. Its core to our DNA and we haven’t stopped since we started in 1888. We energize lives, strengthen communities and drive advancements in energy that promote social, economic and environmental progress. We’re always on the lookout for people passionate about leading and being a part of teams that are advancing innovative clean energy solutions that are also affordable and accessible to all.

Summary

PGE Grid Operations ensures the delivery of safe and reliable power to our customers while enabling the integration of renewable resources, distributed energy resources, and the expansion of distribution automation.

• Transmission Operations Coordinates with crews and other operations personnel to operate the electric power transmission system to meet power supply demands with adequate distribution of electricity.
• Grid Operation Transmission Engineer performs power system analysis of the interconnected grid, supports, and develop electric network model in the Energy Management System, and provides real time engineering support to PGE’s Transmission and Balancing Authority Operation while ensuring reliable operation of the interconnected transmission system. They additionally provide support to field operations during switching, outage restoration and system planning and key stakeholder groups

This position works in a 6 week, rotational day shift schedule requiring time in the office and the opportunity to work occasionally from home in 4x10 and 5x8 hour days.  This position does have an emergency response responsibility that could involve infrequent 12 hour day/night shift rotational coverage or on call requirements.

*We are hiring for 1 position open to either an Associate/p1 or Intermediate/p2 level.  The level will be determined based on the successful applicant’s qualifications, experience and demonstrated skills during the interview process.

Career Level Summary

Associate Operations Transmission Engineer/p1   :

• Requires theoretical and application-based knowledge of power system analysis principles and concepts
• Ability to acquire higher-level knowledge and skills as applicable to Balancing Authority and Transmission Grid Operations, NERC and FERC standards, and performing real time power system analysis
• Solves recurring problems by applying advanced knowledge
• Operates independently while receiving ongoing guidance and direction from others

Operations Transmission Engineer/p2:

• Requires expanded professional-level knowledge and experience in own area; incumbents continue to acquire higher-level knowledge and skills
• Solves a range of complex problems using real time data and analyzes possible solutions in collaboration with multiple stakeholders
• Understands the NERC and FERC standards as applicable to Balancing Authority and Transmission Grid Operations, and uses utility best practices to improve processes and services
• Analyzes possible solutions using advanced knowledge and applying protocols
• Operates independently and receives only a moderate level of guidance and direction

Key Responsibilities

Associate Operations Transmission Engineer/p1:

• Engineering Standards
  • Applies engineering education and training in advancing professional knowledge of engineering processes and standards as applicable to power system and interconnected transmission grid operations.
  • Applies technical expertise to assure compliance with applicable NERC/WECC reliability standards for transmission operations, prepares documentation in support of the WECC audit process of the NERC reliability standards and interfaces with other PGE workgroups to assist in compliance efforts as needed.
• Engineering Production
  • Prepares engineering deliverables as a member of engineering support/project.
  • Completes engineering analyses for operation of the transmission system (current day, next day and seasonal system studies); Contributes to engineering analyses for operation of the transmission system; responds to unplanned outages and system emergencies; updates Energy Management System (EMS) databases to reflect current equipment and facility modifications and limits.
• Project Coordination
  • Coordinates with internal/external team members on assigned projects; shares information and professional opinions/guidance in executing project tasks.
  • Coordinates and interfaces with the Reliability Coordinator and neighboring utilities like Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) and PacifiCorp West (PACW) to coordinate study results, real time operating limits and path flow ratings.
• Knowledge Sharing
  • Expands and shares professional knowledge of latest technology and processes.
  • Provides simulation training support as required by the NERC PER Standards.

 Operations Transmission Engineer/p2:

• Engineering Standards
  • Maintains currency in state-of-the art engineering practices and independently applies professional knowledge of engineering processes and standards to assignments/projects. 
  • Applies technical expertise to assure compliance with applicable NERC/WECC reliability standards for transmission operations; prepares documentation in support of the WECC audit process of the NERC reliability standards; interfaces with other PGE workgroups to assist in their compliance efforts as needed.
• Engineering Production
  • Prepares a variety of moderately complex engineering deliverables; leads smaller production teams.
  • Completes engineering analyses for operation of the transmission system (current day, next day and seasonal system studies); anticipates and responds to unplanned outages and system emergencies by identifying actions needed to promptly restore service and alleviate emergency conditions; updates Energy Management System (EMS) databases to reflect current equipment and facility modifications and limits; fulfills data-exchange requirements to Western Electricity Coordinating Council (WECC) and neighboring utilities for real time system and facility changes.
• Project Coordination
  • Assigns tasks and coordinates with other internal/external team members on assigned projects; shares information and provides professional guidance in executing project tasks.
  • Coordinates and interfaces with the Reliability Coordinator and neighboring utilities like Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) and PacifiCorp West (PACW) to coordinate study results, real time operating limits and path flow ratings.
  • Coordinates outage scheduling and constructing/maintenance plans affecting the transmission system in the one-year horizon while providing analysis for transmission switching plans to support capital projects and maintenance activities.
• Knowledge Sharing
  • Shares current knowledge of latest technology and processes; may assist with mentoring, recognition and any corrective actions required.
  • Provides simulation training support as required by the NERC PER Standards.

Qualifications

Education/Experience/Certifications

Associate Operations Transmission Engineer/p1:

• Requires a bachelor’s degree in engineering. ABET accredited engineering program or program accredited by an equivalent agency preferred. Electrical Engineering degree preferred.
• Typically, two or fewer years in engineering.
• Valid Driver’s License.        

Operations Transmission Engineer/p2:

• Requires a bachelor’s degree in engineering. ABET accredited engineering program or program accredited by an equivalent agency preferred. Electrical Engineering degree preferred
• Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam strongly preferred and ability to obtain the NERC Reliability Coordinator Certification.
• Valid Driver’s License.

Preferred qualifications:

• Experience with powerflow analysis software like Powerworld, PSSE, PSLF  preferred

Competencies

Functional Competencies:

• Working/Intermediate knowledge of electrical engineering principles and concepts
• Working/Intermediate knowledge of PGE’s electrical transmission and distribution system
• Working/Intermediate knowledge of real time and off-line power flow software applications and programming languages
• Working/Intermediate knowledge of relay protection schemes for substations and transmission/distribution facilities
• Working/Intermediate knowledge of other engineering disciplines and ability to interpret engineering deliverable content as assigned
• Working/Intermediate knowledge of engineering processes and procedures
• Working/Intermediate knowledge of industry and technology trends
• Working/Intermediate knowledge of company QA/QC process and procedures
• Working/ knowledge of construction feasibility
• Working knowledge of procurement and contract administration
• Working/Intermediate knowledge of process and procedures for project controls and estimates

General Competencies:

• Intermediate accuracy skills
• Working/Intermediate analytical thinking skills
• Basic/Working knowledge of utility industry
• Working/Intermediate organization and prioritization skills
• Working/Intermediate problem-solving skills
• Working/Intermediate decision-making skills
• Working/Intermediate written and oral communication skills
• Working/Intermediate presentation skills

Physical, Schedule/Attendance and Cognitive Demands

Cognitive Level: Intermediate

• Consistent use of relevant principles to solve practical problems and to deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists

Cognitive:

• Ability to adhere to set response times, deadlines, and time-sensitive tasks
• Ability to follow accuracy standards
• Ability to follow through on decision making tasks
• Ability to interact effectively and collaboratively within a team environment
• Ability to communicate and problem solve when under stress
• Ability to accept and demonstrate self-awareness when provided constructive feedback
• Ability to discern feedback and acknowledge ownership or areas of improvement
• Ability to avoid future mistakes by applying reasonable skills to new but similar work situations or tasks
• Ability to successfully collaborate with peers, managers, and others within the organization
• Demonstrates sound memory
• Ability to process new information to be applied consistently to work tasks

Schedule/Attendance:

• Ability to adhere to pre-establish schedule
• Ability to work long hours in exceptional and emergency situations
• Ability to work a variable schedule
• Ability to report to work and perform work during periods of severe inclement weather
• Ability to consistently meet attendance standards for regular, reliable, predictable, full-time attendance
• Ability to work on-call schedule

Physical Capabilities:

• Computer Use
• Driving/Travel/Commute to PGE’s Integrated Operations Center in Tualatin Frequently

PGE supports hybrid flexible work arrangements; and will have a combination of in-the-office and working offsite. However, these arrangements may change due to business needs or changes in responsibility. 

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Compensation Range:

Actual total compensation, including a performance based incentive bonus, is commensurate with experience, skills, qualifications, education, training, and internal equity. While we anticipate the selected candidate for this position will fall towards the middle or entry point of the compensation range, the decision will be made on a case-by-case basis.

PGE believes in rewarding dedicated performance. We provide a total rewards package that is designed to reward your contributions to the company, and, at the same time, support your well-being and professional development, both now and into the future. To find out more, click .

Join us today and power your potential!

Assisting with storms or other Company emergencies is a part of all positions at Portland General Electric.

PGE is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace and is an equal opportunity employer. PGE will not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, religion, disability, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law.

PGE does not discriminate on the basis of disability. We recognize individuals have a variety of abilities to offer and we believe there is much to value and celebrate by incorporating different abilities into the work we do. One very important way we live this out is in our application and interview process. We work hard to support individuals who may need an accommodation to fully participate in these processes. If you feel you may need an accommodation, or would like to request one, please notify the Talent Acquisition Specialist (Recruiter) associated with the job posting. You may also make this request by contacting  or by calling 503-464-7250. The Recruiter will provide information and next steps for the accommodation process.  Our Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) team is also available for support.  You can contact them at .

To be considered for this position, please complete the following employment application by the posting close date.  Posting closes at midnight (Pacific Time) on the closing date below. If no date is listed, job is open until filled.