Application Guide

How to Apply for Transmission Planning Software Engineer

at Electric Power Engineers

๐Ÿข About Electric Power Engineers

Electric Power Engineers (EPE) is a consultancy focused on enhancing grid reliability and resiliency for a sustainable energy future. They work at the intersection of power systems engineering and software development, offering a unique opportunity to shape the tools that drive utility-scale renewable energy integration. EPE's remote-first culture and focus on innovation make it an attractive place for engineers who want to directly impact the energy transition.

About This Role

This role involves designing and testing software solutions that automate and improve transmission planning studies for utility-scale generation development. You'll collaborate with transmission planners and developers to build Python-based tools, conduct technical demos for clients, and integrate software with power system analysis platforms like PSS/E. Your work will directly enable faster, more efficient renewable energy interconnection and grid modernization.

๐Ÿ’ก A Day in the Life

A typical day might start with a standup with the software team to discuss progress on a new automation tool for load flow studies. You might then spend a few hours coding a Python script to parse PSS/E output files, followed by a virtual demo for a client where you showcase a new feature. After lunch, you could collaborate with a transmission planner to refine requirements for a tool that streamlines generator interconnection analysis.

๐ŸŽฏ Who Electric Power Engineers Is Looking For

  • An electrical engineer with 4+ years of power systems experience, specifically in transmission planning or renewable energy development, who understands the nuances of ISO/RTO interconnection processes.
  • A Python expert comfortable building automation scripts and tools for power system studies (e.g., load flow, stability), with hands-on experience using PSS/E or PSLF APIs.
  • Someone who can bridge the gap between engineering and software, able to communicate technical concepts to both transmission planners and software developers.
  • A proactive problem-solver who enjoys creating efficient workflows and can demonstrate software tools to clients in a clear, engaging manner.

๐Ÿ“ Tips for Applying to Electric Power Engineers

1

Highlight specific Python projects where you automated transmission studies (e.g., batch load flow runs, contingency analysis) and quantify efficiency gains.

2

Mention any experience with PSS/E Python API or similar scripting in PSLFโ€”this is a key technical requirement.

3

Tailor your resume to show both deep power systems knowledge (e.g., NERC standards, FERC Orders) and software engineering skills (e.g., version control, testing).

4

Include a brief cover letter or note that explains why you're excited about EPE's mission of enhancing grid resiliency for sustainable energy.

5

If you have experience giving technical demos or training, emphasize thatโ€”this role involves client-facing demonstrations.

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

['Your passion for combining power systems engineering with software development to accelerate renewable energy interconnection.', "Specific examples of Python tools you've built for transmission planning (e.g., automated data processing, study automation).", 'Your familiarity with US transmission networks and ISO/RTO market structures, and how that informs your software design.', 'Your ability to collaborate cross-functionally with both engineers and developers, and your interest in client-facing technical demos.']

Generate Cover Letter โ†’

๐Ÿ” Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • โ†’ Review EPE's website and recent press releases to understand their key projects in renewable energy integration and grid modernization.
  • โ†’ Look up EPE's involvement with specific ISOs (e.g., ERCOT, PJM, CAISO) to tailor your examples during interviews.
  • โ†’ Check their LinkedIn for employee backgroundsโ€”note the mix of power engineers and software developers.
  • โ†’ Read about the latest challenges in transmission planning (e.g., interconnection queue backlogs, FERC Order 2023) to show industry awareness.

๐Ÿ’ฌ Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Describe a time you automated a transmission planning study using Python. What was the outcome?
2 How would you design a tool to streamline generator interconnection queue analysis?
3 Explain the differences between PSS/E and PSLF scripting capabilities. Which do you prefer and why?
4 How do you ensure your software solutions align with NERC reliability standards?
5 Walk me through how you would conduct a technical demo of a new software tool to a skeptical transmission planner.
Practice Interview Questions โ†’

โš ๏ธ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Submitting a generic resume that doesn't highlight both power systems and software skillsโ€”this role requires a hybrid profile.
  • Ignoring the client-facing aspect: failing to mention any experience with demos, training, or presentations.
  • Overlooking the need for US transmission network knowledgeโ€”avoid focusing only on distribution or generation without transmission context.

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!