What are the responsibilities and job description for the Transmission Planning Engineer position at Kimley-Horn?
Overview
The Transmission Planning Consultant at Kimley-Horn will leverage their expertise in electrical transmission planning, regulatory knowledge, permitting, environmental experience, and/ or grid technologies to assess grid performance, prepare for future challenges such as renewable integration, and contribute to decision-making backed by business and engineering analysis. This role involves conducting a wide range of transmission and operational studies and providing consulting services to support clients in making informed decisions. As a Transmission Planning Consultant, you will execute technical studies, collaborate with the team to ensure the successful technical execution of projects, and work to expand our energy practice among new and existing clients.
Responsibilities
- Perform diverse studies and consulting services, including transmission planning and operational studies (e.g., power flow, transient stability, transfer capability, short-circuit, voltage analysis, harmonics analysis, electromagnetic, reliability, and economic dispatch).
- Evaluate regulatory conditions and risks, applying NERC, FERC, and Regional requirements, policies, and procedures, as well as generator interconnection principles.
- Independently execute transmission system planning studies using industry software (e.g., PSS/E, PSLF, EMTP/ATP, PSCAD, SKM, ETAP, Promod).
- Analyze life-cycle costs, incorporating technical assumptions for capital and operation costs, performance estimates, and economic assumptions.
- Conduct technical and business-related risk assessments considering regulatory rules and impacts.
- Develop financial analysis using computer-based software.
- Create technical reports, presentations, and engineering reviews summarizing analysis results.
- Participate in business development activities, including proposal development and client relationships.
- Provide support to various business lines as required by clients.
Qualifications
- Bachelor of Science in Engineering, Enviornmental Sciences or related ABET-accredited program; Master's degree in Engineering or Business (substituting for experience) may apply.
- Minimum of 10 years related experience
- Prior experience in electric utility operations, planning, or consulting.
- Strong knowledge of power system planning, operations, regulatory requirements, and industry software.
- Familiarity with NERC, FERC standards, and independent system operators.
- Ability to lead, educate, and train consultants and analysts in transmission planning studies.
- Professional Engineering License (PE) preferred.
- Excellent attention to detail, problem-solving, and communication skills.
- Ability to handle multiple projects concurrently and perform under pressure.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and willingness to travel.
