Lead Engineer - Power System Modeler

Southwest Power Pool (SPP) is about more than power. We’re about the power of relationships. Our employees have the opportunity to work together to ensure electricity is delivered reliably and affordably to the millions of people living in our service territory. We have been voted one of Arkansas’ Best Places to work by Arkansas Business and we are looking for a member of our team who is passionate about our mission to keep the lights on!

We have a core ideology here at SPP that we stand by: Do the right thing, for the right reason, in the right way.

We believe in supporting our employees through a fantastic benefits package:

• Competitive and transparent pay with bonus opportunities
• Excellent insurance package including three great medical plans to choose from, employer-paid short-term disability, long-term disability, and life insurance
• Relocation bonus (if applicable)
• Hybrid working environment for positions that are eligible
• Fantastic contributions to your retirement through a 401(k) savings plan with employer-match benefits and a pension (defined benefit plan) fully funded by SPP
  
  

Compensation Information

The salary range(s) represents our good faith estimate for the role at this time. While we strive to provide competitive and transparent compensation, there may be circumstances where an offer is above or outside of the listed range. We are open to discussing salary expectations with qualified candidates considering factors such as the candidate's qualifications, skills, competencies, experience and geographic location will all be considered during the hiring process.

Lead Engineer range - $135,000 - $158,625

Come join our team as a Lead Engineer - Power System Modeler

The Lead Engineer - Power System Modeler is responsible for systems, applications, data exchanges, displays, and models used by and in support of SPP’s Markets Service Offering (See SPP.org for more information). The Engineer ensures that correct input data and accurate results are present in the Energy Management Systems (EMS) used to accomplish these services. The Engineer will represent SPP in industry in both regulatory and technical settings, coordinate with the SPP customers on key issues, and lead teams to deliver SPP’s Strategic Plan.

Model Integrity

• Oversee maintenance and accuracy of the Markets Network Model, EMS model, and associated data for key operational systems.
• Ensure high data quality across EMS applications, including State Estimator, RTCA, Outage Scheduler, Load Forecast, and AGC.
• Lead cross-functional efforts to validate modeling work and uphold data integrity standards.
  
  

Controls & Compliance

• Develop and maintain SSAE16 control activities to ensure model accuracy and timely updates.
• Train team members, support audits, and respond to data requests from NERC, FERC, and Regional Entities.
• Continuously assess and improve EMS data processes and system controls.
  
  

System Development & Testing

• Support and enhance EMS and modeling applications; design and test both vendor and in-house software.
• Define system requirements, create test plans, and manage implementations.
• Maintain and improve tools critical to system modeling and real-time analysis.
  
  

Communication & Coordination

• Coordinate model changes and data sharing across SPP departments, members, and external stakeholders.
• Document internal methods, respond to reported issues, and support cross-system model alignment.
• Estimate effort and cost for team-related projects; ensure alignment with organizational goals.
  
  

Leadership & Representation

• Facilitate SPP stakeholder groups and represent SPP in NERC/SPP working groups and task forces.
• Support budget planning and engage with vendors, consultants, and members.
• Demonstrate leadership, engineering judgment, and uphold SPP Core Values and Culture.
  
  

To be successful as the Lead Engineer - Power System Modeler, we're looking for:

• Bachelor of Science in Engineering, this degree should:
• Be from a university that meets the requirements to sit for the Professional Engineering exam (in Arkansas, that is most typically a degree from an ABET accredited university or a graduate degree from a college that has an ABET accreditation),
• Degree should be in a calculus-based engineering field and preferred degree programs are Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Systems Engineering
• 12 years’ of relevant Engineering experience; OR
• 11 years’ of relevant Engineering experience with a Master’s Degree in Electrical, Computer, Industrial, Mechanical or Systems Engineering OR
• 10 years’ of relevant Engineering experience with a Doctoral degree in Electrical, Computer, Industrial, Mechanical, or Systems Engineering
• A Professional Engineer license is required for this role; however, 12 years’ relevant experience may be considered in lieu of a Professional Engineer License
• Advanced knowledge of EMS and ICCP modeling and support
• Working knowledge of SPP’s footprint, Operating Criteria, SPP Reliability Data Specification, SPP Business Practices, SPP Marketplace Protocols, and SPP Regional Tariff
• Working knowledge of NERC Reliability Standards
• Strong inter-personal and team work skills
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Motivation to take appropriate expedited action when required
• Initiative to stay abreast of industry developments
• Excellent customer service skills and the demonstrated ability to build and maintain strong relationships
• Flexibility and the ability to function with constantly changing and multiple priorities
  

Work Environment

This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines.

Position Type And Expected Hours Of Work

This is a full-time position. Days and hours of workweek are Monday through Friday; 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Working extended hours may be required.

Travel Requirement

• This position requires moderate travel (approximately 20%)
  
  

SPP is an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer of individuals with disabilities and protected veterans and is committed to excellence. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please contact us at HR@spp.org and let us know the nature of your request. We will only respond to messages left that involve a request for a reasonable accommodation in the application process. We will accommodate the needs of any qualified candidate who requests a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

At SPP we believe in a culture of belonging. Learn more here: Culture of Belonging - Southwest Power Pool .

Full job descriptions will be made available to those selected for an interview.