Application Guide

How to Apply for Power Systems Engineer II

at Electric Power Engineers

๐Ÿข About Electric Power Engineers

Electric Power Engineers (EPE) is a leading consulting firm dedicated to enhancing grid reliability and resiliency for a sustainable energy future. With a focus on renewable integration and NERC compliance, EPE offers a collaborative remote environment where engineers directly impact the modernization of the power grid. Their commitment to innovation and technical excellence makes them an attractive employer for power systems professionals.

About This Role

As a Power Systems Engineer II, you will perform critical grid interconnection studies for renewable and storage projects, including steady-state, short-circuit, and dynamic stability analysis. You'll ensure compliance with NERC standards like TPL-001-4 and conduct specialized SSR and VRT studies. This role directly supports the clean energy transition by enabling safe and reliable integration of new generation sources.

๐Ÿ’ก A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve running PSS/E simulations for a generator interconnection study, analyzing results for steady-state and dynamic stability, and drafting a report for the client. You'll also attend a team meeting to discuss NERC compliance deadlines and spend time writing Python scripts to automate data processing from multiple study cases. Collaboration with senior engineers and project managers is frequent to ensure study accuracy and client satisfaction.

๐ŸŽฏ Who Electric Power Engineers Is Looking For

  • An engineer with 2-3 years of hands-on experience in power system impact studies, particularly for renewable or storage projects.
  • Proficient in PSS/E, PSCAD, Aspen, and TARA, with a strong ability to model and analyze complex grid scenarios.
  • Skilled in Python automation to streamline study workflows, such as batch simulations or data processing.
  • Detail-oriented and knowledgeable about NERC compliance requirements, especially TPL-001-4 planning assessments.

๐Ÿ“ Tips for Applying to Electric Power Engineers

1

Tailor your resume to highlight specific experience with generator interconnection studies (e.g., steady-state, SSR, VRT) and NERC TPL compliance.

2

In your cover letter, mention specific software you've used (PSS/E, PSCAD, etc.) and describe a project where you applied them.

3

Showcase your Python automation skills by listing a concrete example, like automating PSS/E simulations or post-processing results.

4

Since the role is remote, emphasize your ability to work independently and communicate effectively across distributed teams.

5

Research EPE's recent projects or blog posts about grid modernization to demonstrate genuine interest in their mission.

โœ‰๏ธ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Your experience with power system impact studies for renewable/storage projects and how they align with EPE's focus on sustainable energy.", 'Proficiency in PSS/E, PSCAD, Aspen, and TARA, with specific examples of using these tools for NERC compliance or interconnection studies.', 'Python automation capabilities that improve efficiency in study workflows, such as scripting for batch simulations or data analysis.', "Understanding of NERC TPL-001-4 and how you've applied it in previous roles to ensure grid reliability."]

Generate Cover Letter โ†’

๐Ÿ” Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • โ†’ Review EPE's website for case studies on renewable interconnection and NERC compliance projects.
  • โ†’ Look into EPE's involvement in industry groups like IEEE or WECC to understand their technical focus.
  • โ†’ Read recent publications or white papers by EPE engineers on topics like SSR or inverter-based resources.
  • โ†’ Check EPE's LinkedIn page for employee insights or posts about company culture and remote work practices.

๐Ÿ’ฌ Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Describe a time you performed a steady-state or dynamic stability study for a generator interconnection. What challenges did you face?
2 How have you used PSS/E or PSCAD to model Sub-Synchronous Resonance (SSR) and what mitigation strategies did you recommend?
3 Explain your approach to a NERC TPL-001-4 Annual Planning Assessment, including data collection and scenario analysis.
4 Can you walk us through a Python script you wrote to automate a power system analysis task? What was the outcome?
5 How do you ensure accuracy in voltage ride-through (VRT) studies for renewable projects, and what standards do you reference?
Practice Interview Questions โ†’

โš ๏ธ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Underestimating the importance of NERC compliance knowledgeโ€”be sure to explicitly mention TPL-001-4 and other relevant standards.
  • Focusing only on steady-state studies without demonstrating experience in dynamic stability or SSR analysis.
  • Not providing concrete examples of Python automationโ€”avoid vague claims like 'proficient in Python' without a specific use case.

๐Ÿ“… Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

โœ“

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Electric Power Engineers!