Senior/Principal Power Systems Engineer

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in United States.

📋 Description

• In this role, you will report to the Director of Power Systems Modeling and act as the key Subject Matter Expert (SME) for transmission planning and generation interconnection.

• This position is a critical technical role where your extensive knowledge of power systems will not only guide intricate study work but also serve as the foundational framework for our software development team.

• You will bridge the gap between traditional electrical engineering practices and modern digital transformation initiatives.

• Engage with Stakeholders: Cultivate and sustain robust relationships with both internal and external stakeholders, including utilities, RTOs, project developers, and regulatory bodies, to promote and advance Simple Thread’s projects.

• Support Business Growth: Partner with the leadership team to create and implement strategies aimed at expanding our consulting services, identifying emerging needs, and exploring new market opportunities and service offerings.

• Innovate and Improve: Spearhead the development of cutting-edge methodologies and tools that enhance power systems analysis and streamline processes for both internal and client applications.

• Execute Complex Power System Studies: Lead and conduct advanced transmission planning and generation interconnection studies (System Impact, Feasibility, and Deliverability) across various North American markets (WECC, PJM, MISO, ERCOT, SPP, SERC, etc.).

• Technical Authority on Interconnection: Serve as the lead expert for large-scale generation (including IBR) and significant load interconnection requests, adeptly navigating the specific tariff and reliability requirements of diverse RTOs/ISOs.

• Product Strategy & SME Support: Work closely with our software engineers to convert intricate engineering workflows into automated tools. You will define the logic, educate the software team on engineering nuances, and validate the outputs of our internal automation frameworks.

• Advanced Modeling: Construct, refine, and validate high-quality power system models for steady-state, short circuit, transient stability, and EMT analyses using industry-standard tools.

• Automation Mindset: Although we have dedicated software developers, you are expected to utilize Python and SQL to automate your workflows and prototype new ideas that can be scaled into production-level software.

• Mentor and Lead: Provide guidance and instruction to team members leveraging a strong technical understanding of generation (including IBR), transmission, interconnection, customer and load, and modeling principles.

• Regulatory Compliance: Ensure that all study work and automated processes comply fully with NERC and regional reliability standards.

⛳️ Requirements

• A Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering with a focus on Power Systems is required; a Master’s or PhD degree is highly desirable.

• A minimum of 8 years of experience in transmission planning, interconnection studies, and EMT analyses, typically acquired within a utility, RTO, or specialized consulting firm.

• Demonstrated experience navigating the study processes and TARA/PSSE/PSCAD modules across multiple regions (e.g., ERCOT MQT, PJM GD, MISO RIST, CAISO GD, etc.).

• Expert-level proficiency in PSSE, TARA, PSLF, PSCAD, EMTP, and PowerWorld.

• Proficiency in Python is essential for workflow automation. While you do not need to be a full-stack developer, you should be comfortable reading and writing scripts and be eager to work in a software-centric environment.

• Extensive knowledge of both traditional generation and the distinct challenges presented by Inverter-Based Resources (IBR) and the integration of large industrial loads and data centers.

• The capability to translate highly technical engineering concepts into clear requirements for software developers and actionable insights for clients.

• Experience with PowerGEM TARA’s automation API.

• Familiarity with Git or other version control systems.

• Experience with EM/ES interferences, grounding (GPR, step & touch) analysis using CDEGS, and familiarity with arc flash analysis using ETAP.

🏝️ Benefits

• A Great Team – Our team is the highlight of working here. We only recruit individuals who are exceptional teammates – not only competent and intelligent but also humble, positive, and generous.

• Great Clients – We primarily collaborate with small and medium-sized clients, for whom our projects make a significant impact. We prioritize working with clients who are pleasant and align with our values of transparency and empathy.

• Work From Home – We operate as a distributed company, allowing everyone to work from home.

• Flexible Work Schedule – While we require some overlap with the rest of the team, we can accommodate predictable schedules, such as finishing at 3:30 every day or being out every Friday morning.

• Good Work Life Balance (really) – We ask our team to work 40 hours a week*. That’s it: a productive 40 hours, after which we strive to respect your time off. We do this because it aligns with how we want to live and ensures our team is recharged and ready to perform at their best. *If you need to work fewer than 40 hours, that may be possible too; let’s discuss.

• Competitive Compensation – We provide highly competitive salaries and benefits, including generous time off, a pension plan (401k or RRSP), FSA, medical and dental insurance, and support for continuous growth and professional development.