Job Title: Electrical Engineer 2 (Transmission Reliability Planning)Job Description
This contract Electrical Engineer role supports Transmission Reliability Planning within a large regional power utility. You will provide professional engineering expertise to project managers and other engineering personnel, helping develop complex transmission projects and related engineering activities. The position focuses on analyzing and developing electrical Plans of Service, performing advanced power system studies, and supporting the planning and expansion of a major transmission system in a dynamic and rapidly evolving energy landscape.
Responsibilities
Support the preparation of power system models for reliability analysis, including analyzing historical SCADA data and modifying generation, transmission, and load model components to represent appropriate study scenarios.
Update one-line diagrams, contingency definitions, and simulation setup files for PowerWorld Simulator to ensure accurate and reliable system studies.
Develop, validate, and implement power system models in transmission system studies, including computer models for loads, generators, the Pacific Direct Current Intertie (PDCI), Static VAR Compensators (SVC), and other control devices.
Perform power system simulations, including power flow, voltage stability, and transient stability studies on large-scale power systems, and analyze and interpret results to identify problems and potential solutions.
Develop plans for modification and expansion of the transmission system to reinforce flowgates, interties, and load service areas, addressing load growth, existing transmission service obligations, generator and load interconnection requests, and long-term firm transmission service requests.
Assess transmission system performance against NERC, WECC, and internal reliability standards and criteria, identifying near-term and long-term system problems and developing plans to mitigate issues and strengthen the system.
Confer with engineers, internal customers, and other stakeholders to discuss existing or potential engineering projects, products, and solutions.
Draft electrical drawings, reports, and calculations that support selected engineering solutions for electrical systems.
Facilitate significant project components such as drafting Project Requirement Diagrams (PRDs) and completing Project Initiation Documents (PIDs) for large projects.
Compose concise and clear technical reports and present complex technical information to both technical and non-technical audiences, including reviewing technical reports from other utilities.
Develop project requirements diagrams (PRDs), obtain estimates, and prepare business case documents for Main Grid, Intertie, Area Service, resource integration, system reactive, and miscellaneous capital additions.
Conduct economic studies and risk assessments to evaluate and compare project alternatives.
Determine appropriate sizes and ratings for high-voltage equipment, including transformers, transmission lines, shunt and series capacitors, shunt reactors, breakers, and switches for a variety of projects such as Main Grid, Intertie, Area Service, resource addition, and reactive addition or replacement projects.
Coordinate expansion projects with regional and sub-regional organizations and follow the planning process outlined in Attachment K under FERC Order 890.
Support asset management strategies and goals and contribute to the development of the organization's asset plan for transmission expansion.
Serve as a technical expert by providing consultation and training to teammates and sharing specialized knowledge.
Effectively manage multiple work assignments and changing priorities in a deadline-driven environment while maintaining high-quality engineering deliverables.
Communicate clearly in both oral and written form to meet stakeholder, customer, and team requirements.
Essential Skills
Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or a closely related engineering field from an ABET-accredited college or university.
5+ years of electrical engineering experience, preferably in transmission or power systems.
Knowledge of engineering concepts, principles, and practices applicable to components and facilities found on a regional transmission system.
Understanding of performance characteristics of power transmission equipment and accurate representation of power system networks for analyzing transmission system performance.
Experience creating and interpreting project requirements diagrams (PRDs) for transmission projects.
Proficiency in developing and analyzing models of transformers, transmission lines, switches, power circuit breakers, reactive support devices, generators, communications equipment, and relaying equipment.
Ability to perform power flow, voltage stability, and transient stability studies on large-scale power systems.
Experience preparing and updating power system models for reliability analysis, including SCADA data analysis and model adjustments.
Strong skills in drafting technical reports, electrical drawings, and engineering calculations.
Effective oral and written communication skills for presenting complex technical information to technical and non-technical audiences.
Ability to work effectively in a project team environment while managing multiple assignments and changing priorities.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills for identifying system issues and developing practical engineering solutions.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Familiarity with PowerWorld Simulator or similar power system simulation tools.
Experience with NERC and WECC reliability standards and criteria and their application to transmission planning.
Experience with planning processes under FERC Order 890, including Attachment K procedures.
Knowledge of asset management principles and experience supporting transmission asset planning.
Proficiency with Microsoft Excel for data analysis and reporting.
Experience with information technology and system administration concepts.
Familiarity with System Center Operations Manager and System Center Configuration Manager.
Experience with Windows Server administration.
Ability to conduct economic studies and risk assessments to evaluate project alternatives.
Experience reviewing and collaborating on technical reports from external utilities or organizations.
Interest in mentoring or training teammates and contributing as a technical resource within the team.
Work Environment
The role is based in a Transmission Reliability Planning group that operates within a collaborative matrix organization alongside other transmission planning and development teams. The culture emphasizes teamwork, knowledge sharing, independent and creative problem solving, and ongoing professional development. Work is performed primarily in a slower-paced office environment with a very independent work style and limited day-to-day supervision, while still being driven by project deadlines and coordination needs. Hours offer some flexibility depending on the department, such as the option for earlier start times. The position involves frequent coordination with internal planning, asset management, and regional partners, and often requires waiting on approvals, signatures, and paperwork from various stakeholders. Business casual attire is standard. The team uses advanced power system modeling and simulation tools, office productivity software, and enterprise IT systems to support planning studies and project development. Benefits include paid federal holidays, vacation and sick time, health benefits with HSA contributions, and potential signing incentives, supporting a stable and supportive work environment.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract position based out of Vancouver, WA.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $47.00 - $52.00/hr.
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 onsite position in Vancouver,WA.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Apr 30, 2026.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
At Actalent, diversity and inclusion are a bridge towards the equity and success of our people. DE&I is embedded into our culture through:
Hiring diverse talent
Maintaining an inclusive environment through persistent self-reflection
Building a culture of care, engagement, and recognition with clear outcomes
Ensuring growth opportunities for our people
Actalent is an equal opportunity employer.
About Actalent
Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services. For more than 40 years, we've helped visionary companies advance their goals. Headquartered in the United States, our teams span 150 offices across North America, EMEA, and APAC-with four delivery centers in India led by 1,000+ extraordinary employees who connect their passion with purpose every day.
Our Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai delivery centers are hubs of engineering expertise, with core capabilities in mechanical and electrical engineering, systems and software, and manufacturing engineering. Our teams deliver work across multiple industries including transportation, consumer and industrial products, and life sciences. We serve more than 4,500 clients, including many Fortune 500 brands. Learn more about how we can work together at actalentservices.com.
