Application Guide

How to Apply for Principal Power System Engineer - Interconnection

at Electric Power Engineers

🏢 About Electric Power Engineers

Electric Power Engineers (EPE) is a consulting firm dedicated to enhancing grid reliability and resiliency for a sustainable energy future. They focus on technical excellence in power system studies and interconnection processes, offering a collaborative remote environment with exposure to major ISOs like MISO and SPP.

About This Role

As a Principal Power System Engineer - Interconnection, you will lead complex interconnection studies (load flow, short circuit, transient stability) for clients across the Eastern Interconnect, particularly MISO, SPP, and SERC. Your work directly impacts the integration of renewable energy and grid modernization, making you a key player in the energy transition.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might start with reviewing ISO study results for a client's generation project, then running load flow and short circuit simulations using PSSE or TARA. You'll collaborate with the team to identify alternative mitigations, prepare reports, and advise clients on interconnection strategies, all while staying updated on regulatory changes in the Eastern Interconnect.

🎯 Who Electric Power Engineers Is Looking For

  • Has 6+ years in the electric energy industry, with a strong focus on interconnection studies and transmission planning.
  • Expert in at least one simulation tool (PSSE, TARA, PSLF, PowerWorld, ASPEN, or PSCAD) and experienced with IBR modeling.
  • Deeply understands FERC, NERC, and ISO interconnection requirements, especially in MISO, SPP, and SERC.
  • Can independently review and replicate ISO interconnection study results, identify errors, and propose alternative mitigations.

📝 Tips for Applying to Electric Power Engineers

1

Tailor your resume to highlight specific experience with interconnection studies in MISO, SPP, or SERC, including tools used and types of studies (load flow, short circuit, transient stability).

2

In your cover letter, mention a specific project where you identified and corrected an error in an ISO interconnection study or proposed a mitigation that reduced network upgrade costs.

3

Quantify your impact: e.g., 'Led interconnection studies for 10+ renewable projects totaling 500 MW, resulting in $2M in savings through alternative mitigations.'

4

Showcase your knowledge of recent regulatory changes, such as FERC Order 2023 or NERC TPL-001-5, and how they affect interconnection studies.

5

If you have experience with IBR modeling (e.g., PSCAD for inverter-based resources), emphasize it explicitly, as it's a key requirement.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Highlight your deep expertise in MISO, SPP, and/or SERC interconnection processes, including specific study types you've performed.", 'Demonstrate your ability to replicate and challenge ISO study results, with a concrete example of finding an error or proposing an alternative.', 'Emphasize your proficiency in simulation tools (e.g., PSSE or PSCAD) and your experience with IBR modeling.', "Express enthusiasm for contributing to grid reliability and the energy transition, aligning with EPE's mission."]

Generate Cover Letter →

🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • Review EPE's website and LinkedIn to understand their project portfolio, especially recent interconnection studies for renewable energy clients.
  • Look into their thought leadership: check if they've published white papers or articles on interconnection challenges in MISO/SPP.
  • Research the specific ISOs (MISO, SPP, SERC) to understand their interconnection queue status, recent reforms, and common issues.
  • Familiarize yourself with FERC Order 2023 and its impact on interconnection study processes, as this is highly relevant to the role.

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Walk me through how you would approach a generator interconnection study in MISO, including key steps and potential pitfalls.
2 Describe a time you found an error in an ISO's interconnection study results. How did you handle it?
3 How do you stay current with FERC and NERC interconnection requirements? Can you discuss a recent change?
4 Explain your experience with IBR modeling. What challenges have you faced with inverter-based resources in stability studies?
5 Why do you want to work at Electric Power Engineers specifically? What do you know about our projects and clients?
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Don't submit a generic resume or cover letter; failing to mention specific ISOs (MISO, SPP, SERC) or tools (PSSE, PSCAD) will make you seem unprepared.
  • Avoid claiming expertise in all listed tools if you're only proficient in one; honesty is better, and focus on depth in your primary tool.
  • Don't overlook the IBR modeling requirement; if you lack experience, acknowledge it and explain how you plan to upskill (e.g., training or past related work).

📅 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

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Electric Power Engineers!