Senior Transmission Planner

Are you ready to be part of a company that’s not just talking about the future, but actively shaping it? Join The AES Corporation (NYSE: AES), a Fortune 500 company that’s leading the charge in the global energy revolution. With operations spanning 14 countries, AES is committed to shaping a future through innovation and collaboration. Our dedication to innovation has earned us recognition as one of the Top Ten Best Workplaces for Innovators by Fast Company in 2022. And with our certification as a Great Place to Work, you can be confident that you’re joining a company that values its people just as much as its groundbreaking ideas.

AES is proudly ranked #1 globally in renewable energy sales to corporations, and with $12.7B in revenues in 2023, we have the resources and expertise to make a significant impact as we provide electricity to 25 million customers worldwide. As the world moves towards a net-zero future, AES is committed to meeting the Paris Agreement’s goals by 2050. Our innovative solutions, such as 24/7 carbon-free energy for data centers, are setting the pace for rapid, global decarbonization.

If you’re ready to be part of a company that’s not just adapting to change, but driving it, AES is the place for you. We’re not just building a cleaner, more sustainable future – we’re powering it. Apply now and energize your career with a true leader in the global energy transformation.

AES Clean Energy is recruiting for the position of Senior Transmission Planning Engineer within the Transmission Strategy department. The department is responsible for performing transmission system analysis to steer AES Clean Energy greenfield prospecting efforts and support the interconnection for our large utility-scale project portfolio. This is an outstanding opportunity for an individual who is passionate about renewable energy and seeking a high-growth work environment. This department actively tracks and analyzes transmission systems not just as they exist today, but how they will exist in the future. The department is instrumental in the strategic siting efforts of the entire development platform. In this position you will learn to run a variety of innovative, automated power flow studies using established power flow and coding software, and groundbreaking internally developed tools. As a member of a team of internal power flow study experts, this role will work with internal Strategic Development and Interconnection regional leads, and external entities including ISO/RTO and other Transmission Owners to review, analyze and replicate generator interconnection study results.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities:

This position will support AES Clean Energys goals of becoming a leader in clean energy by providing expert technical support to both prospective and active renewable energy projects.

• Perform power flow analysis such as First Contingency Incremental Transfer Capability (FCITC), injection analysis (ERIS & NRIS), and replicating key market and region deliverability studies.
• Design and support automated power flow analysis using Python, or other scripting languages to expedite the analysis process.
• Perform injection studies to identify the optimal interconnection locations for the placement of renewable generation resources across the targeted study/focus region.
• Perform network upgrade cost estimate allocation for the proposed projects, based upon applicable tariff.
• Verify and challenge study results. Perform multiple scenario sensitivity analysis based on future queue projections and retirements.
• Obtain, update, and maintain regional power flow base cases with changes in resource mix and transmission topology based on MISO, SPP, and ERCOT regional plans.
• Participate in regions Transmission Planning Processes, and support internal groups who advocate for AES clean energys objectives in clean energy expansion.
• Remain up to date on all relevant new and upcoming technologies (GETs) and knowledge to model them as per regions generator interconnection study criteria.
• Understand and gain proficiency in Transmission Providers tariff, business practices, interconnection standards, interconnection study practices, cost allocation methodologies, transmission planning standards, and transmission system performance evaluation criteria. Possess an understanding of regional transmission plans and operational practices.

Minimum Qualifications:

• BS in Electrical Engineering or related field.
• 3-5 years of working experience in renewable or traditional energy development, or transmission planning.
• Experience with HV and EHV transmission system planning, especially yearly regional transmission expansion planning processes.
• Experience with Python, R, or other automation and data analysis tools.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to lead technical discussions among internal and external collaborators.
• Basic understanding of grid integration requirements for renewables in MISO, SPP, or ERCOT is a plus.

Desired Skills and Expertise:

• Experience with steady state power flow analysis tools, including PSSE, TARA, and PSLF.
• Experience automating the above tools, and an automation attitude, are essential to this role as AES develops exciting, innovative tools to improve the generator interconnection process.
• Familiarity with transmission systems and expansion plans, and generator interconnection study methodologies in MISO, SPP, and ERCOT.

AES is an Equal Opportunity Employer who is committed to building strength and delivering long-term sustainability through diversity and inclusion. Respecting all backgrounds, differences and perspectives enables us to improve the lives of our people, customers, suppliers, contractors, and the communities in which we live and work. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity and/or expression, race, national origin, ethnicity, age, religion, marital status, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical condition, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law. E-Verify Notice: AES will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) with information from each new employee’s I-9 to confirm work authorization.

The expected salary for this position, at commencement of employment, is between $115.000 and $144.500/Annual; however, base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. The total compensation package for this position may also include other elements such as annual bonus, in addition to a full range of medical, dental, vision, life, financial, and/or other benefits (including 401(k) eligibility and various paid time off benefits, such as vacation, sick time, and parental leave), dependent on the position offered. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if a candidate receives an offer of employment. If hired, employee will be in an at-will position and the Company reserves the right to modify base salary (as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, Company or individual department/team performance, and market factors.