Grid Interconnection Studies Engineer
Associate Principal Engineer
About the PositionAs a Senior Power Systems Engineer - Interconnection & Grid Studies in the
Utility Studies group, you will be responsible for projects that involve power systems modelling, analysis, interconnections and other related engineering services for utility and other electrical infrastructure clients.
Salary Range: $150,000 - 200,000 / yearThe salary range above is based upon the Denver, Colorado labor market.
This opportunity is available to both
local / in-office (Lakewood, CO) and
full-time remote candidates.
Essential Responsibilities - Develop PSCAD, PSSe, PSLF and TSAT models for both generation and load projects in accordance with various interconnection processes and requirements.
- Lead generation and large-load interconnection studies from initial application and model development through utility review, model acceptance, and commissioning support.
- Develop, validate, tune, and maintain power-flow, dynamic, short-circuit, and EMT models for solar, wind, battery energy storage, conventional generation, and large-load projects.
- Perform load-flow, contingency, short-circuit, transient-stability, voltage-performance, reactive-power, and electromagnetic-transient studies using tools such as PSS E, PSLF, PSCAD, TSAT, TARA, or PowerWorld.
- Perform RMS/EMT model benchmarking, model quality testing, and grid-code compliance assessments in accordance with applicable ISO/RTO and utility requirements.
- Develop and evaluate models for data centers and other large computational or industrial loads, including dynamic-impact and system-performance assessments.
- Coordinate technical information with clients, utilities, ISO/RTO representatives, inverter manufacturers, power-plant-controller vendors, and EPC contractors.
- Review utility or ISO/RTO study results, reproduce key findings, and identify technical errors, project risks, alternative mitigations, and potential network-upgrade implications.
- Advise clients on interconnection strategy, technical requirements, study results, and project risks.
- Prepare and review study reports, technical memoranda, interconnection documentation, scopes of work, schedules, budgets, and cost estimates.
- Serve as a technical lead on assigned projects, maintaining responsibility for technical quality, schedule, budget, and client communication.
- Develop scripts, templates, and automated study workflows-particularly for model testing, benchmarking, and quality control.
- Perform technical QA/QC reviews and improve study standards, tools, and documentation.
- Mentor junior engineers and support the development of the team's interconnection and modeling capabilities.
- Stay current with relevant NERC standards, FERC directives, IEEE standards, ISO/RTO procedures, utility requirements, and emerging practices for inverter-based resources and large loads.
- Support proposals, client development, and the creation of new study services when appropriate.
Required Qualifications - Education: Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering or Electrical Engineering Technology from an accredited institution, electric power option preferred
- Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering from an accredited institution, with coursework or professional emphasis in electric power systems.
- At least five years of relevant experience in power-system studies, transmission planning, generation interconnection, large-load interconnection, or grid integration.
- Demonstrated experience performing interconnection or transmission-system studies for an ISO/RTO, utility, developer, generation owner, large-load customer, or engineering consultancy.
- Hands-on proficiency with PSCAD and at least one positive-sequence planning platform such as PSS E or PSLF.
- Experience developing or validating dynamic models for inverter-based resources, conventional generation, or large loads.
- Working knowledge of power flow, short circuit, transient stability, reactive-power performance, and EMT analysis.
- Familiarity with applicable NERC standards and ISO/RTO or utility interconnection requirements.
- Ability to independently interpret study results, troubleshoot model behavior, develop technically sound recommendations, and produce high-quality reports.
- Strong written, verbal, and client-facing communication skills.
- Ability to lead technical assignments and mentor less-experienced engineers.
Preferred Qualifications - Master's or doctoral degree in electrical engineering with an emphasis in power systems or power electronics.
- Professional Engineer license or Engineer-in-Training certification.
- Experience with one or more organized-market or utility footprints, such as ERCOT, WECC, CAISO, SPP, MISO, PJM, SERC, ISO-NE, or NYISO.
- Experience with Model Quality Testing, RMS/EMT benchmarking, user-defined models, inverter controls, or power-plant-controller tuning.
- Experience with large-load or data-center interconnection studies and dynamic load modeling.
- Experience coordinating with inverter, turbine, or power-plant-controller manufacturers.
- Experience with TSAT, TARA, PowerWorld, DIgSILENT PowerFactory, ASPEN OneLiner, ETAP, SKM, EasyPower, or similar tools.
- Proficiency with Python or another scripting language used to automate modeling, simulation, data analysis, or reporting.
- Familiarity with IEEE 2800, relevant NERC MOD/TPL/PRC standards, and evolving requirements for inverter-based resources.
- Consulting experience, including project management, proposal development, budgeting, and direct client responsibility.
- Additional experience with harmonic studies, protection coordination, grounding, arc-flash analysis, cable ampacity, or related facility studies.
Why Join - Work directly on technically challenging generation, storage, and large-load interconnection projects.
- Maintain meaningful ownership of technical decisions and client outcomes.
- Help shape internal study methods, automation tools, and new service offerings.
- Work with experienced power-system engineers in a collaborative, flexible environment.
- Receive support for professional licensure, technical training, conference participation, and continued development.
Working Conditions Work Environment: Work is performed in an office setting and some field work may be required
Travel: Typical: 5-15%
Physical Activities: Must be able to lift 25lbs.
About NEI Electric Power EngineeringServing Others. Enriching Environment. Improving Continually. Quality Results. Voted as a top workplace by the Denver Post for seven straight years (2020-2026), our values have been woven into the fabric of who we are since 1982, guiding our decision making throughout the years. As an engineering services firm, NEI's mission is to create a great organization that serves people and solves problems.
Since NEI's founding, we have developed a culture of collaboration and accountability, both across our teams and departments, and externally with our clients across the United States. We believe in two core ideas: hiring great people and celebrating our team members diverse background and unique experiences; bringing in new, unique, and exciting perspectives that can only strengthen NEI as we chart out path into the future.
We are a proud equal opportunity employer and we do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship status, martial status, disability, gender identity, gender expression, veteran status, or genetic information.
Team Member BenefitsWe believe that taking care of our team members is of the utmost importance. We strive to foster a community of belonging, professional development, and industry involvement; providing our team with the benefits, tools, and support systems to excel in their roles. Out comprehensive benefits package includes:
- 100% Employer paid team member premiums for Medical, Dental, Vision, Basic Life Insurance, and Long-Term Disability
- Voluntary Life Insurance
- 401(k) with employer matching; 100% immediate vesting
- Annual & discretionary bonus programs
- Paid time off
- Employer paid licensure (FE/PE), certifications, seminars, & conferences
- Paid parental leave
- Tuition reimbursement
- Eight (8) paid holidays including a floating holiday to use at your discretion
- Annual Team Building
- Hybrid work environment with remote flexibility
- Career development, training, and coaching opportunities
- Pet insurance
NEI Electric Power Engineering participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your completed Form I-9 to confirm your work authorization in the United States.
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