How to apply for Principal Power System Engineer

About Electric Power Engineers

Electric Power Engineers (EPE) is a specialized consulting firm that helps clients navigate the complex interconnection and transmission planning landscape, with a focus on enhancing grid reliability and resiliency for a sustainable energy future. Unlike larger utilities, EPE offers a remote-first, agile work environment where engineers directly influence renewable integration across WECC. Working here means being at the forefront of the energy transition, solving diverse problems for multiple ISOs and utilities.

About the role

As a Principal Power System Engineer, you will lead complex interconnection studies—load flow, short circuit, and transient stability—across multiple ISOs and utilities in WECC. You'll also review and replicate ISO/utility study results, identify errors, and propose alternative mitigations that could save clients millions in network upgrades. This role is impactful because you'll directly support generation, large load, and merchant transmission developers in bringing new projects online, shaping the future of the Western grid.

A typical day

A typical day might involve running load flow and transient stability studies in PSLF for a solar+storage project in CAISO, then reviewing a utility's interconnection study to identify potential errors. You'll collaborate with a remote team of engineers, attend a call with a developer client to explain findings, and stay updated on the latest FERC orders affecting WECC. The work is dynamic, with multiple projects and ISOs keeping each day varied.

Who Electric Power Engineers is looking for

• Minimum 6 years of electric energy industry experience, with a strong focus on interconnection studies, transmission planning, or IBR modeling.
• Proven expertise in at least two of the following software packages: PSLF, PowerWorld, PSSE, PSCAD, TARA, or ASPEN; experience with WECC-specific tools is a plus.
• Deep understanding of FERC, NERC, and ISO interconnection requirements and standards, particularly in the WECC region.
• Demonstrated ability to independently review and replicate complex study results, identify discrepancies, and develop alternative mitigation strategies.

Tips for this application

• Highlight your experience with WECC-specific interconnection processes and any direct work with ISOs like CAISO, PacifiCorp, or NV Energy.
• Quantify your impact: e.g., 'Reviewed 20+ interconnection studies, identifying errors that saved clients $X million in network upgrades.'
• List all relevant software proficiencies in a dedicated 'Technical Skills' section, prioritizing PSLF, PowerWorld, PSSE, PSCAD, TARA, and ASPEN.
• Emphasize your ability to work remotely and manage multiple projects across different ISOs—EPE values self-starters who can navigate ambiguity.
• Mention any experience with IBR modeling or renewable integration, as this aligns with EPE's sustainable energy focus.

What to cover in your cover letter

In your cover letter, emphasize: (1) your hands-on experience with WECC interconnection studies and specific software tools; (2) a concrete example of when you identified errors in an ISO/utility study and proposed a mitigation that saved time or money; (3) your familiarity with FERC/NERC/ISO standards and how you stay updated on regulatory changes; and (4) your motivation to work remotely for a consulting firm that serves multiple clients, showcasing your adaptability and client-facing skills.

Research before applying

• Review EPE's recent projects and case studies on their website, especially any WECC-related interconnection work.
• Research the current state of interconnection queues in WECC ISOs (e.g., CAISO, PacifiCorp) and common challenges developers face.
• Familiarize yourself with EPE's company culture and remote work practices by checking their LinkedIn page and employee reviews.
• Understand the key differences between WECC and other interconnections (e.g., ERCOT, Eastern Interconnection) and why they matter for this role.

Likely interview topics

Based on the job description, expect questions about:

• Walk us through a complex interconnection study you led in WECC—what were the key challenges and how did you overcome them?
• How do you approach replicating an ISO's study results and identifying potential errors or alternative mitigations?
• Describe your experience with IBR modeling and how it impacts transient stability analysis.
• What are the latest FERC/NERC regulatory changes affecting interconnection in WECC, and how have you adapted your work?
• Give an example of a time you had to explain complex technical findings to a non-technical client or stakeholder.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Avoid generic cover letters that don't mention WECC or specific ISOs—EPE needs someone who knows the region.
• Don't list software without demonstrating proficiency; be prepared to discuss specific projects where you used PSLF, PSSE, etc.
• Avoid downplaying client-facing skills; this role involves supporting developers and navigating complex processes, so communication is key.