Transmission Planning / Reliability Expert

PowerTek is a power systems engineering and advisory firm focused on the work that matters most to the modern grid: transmission planning, interconnection studies, system reliability, renewable integration, large load analysis, grid modernization, and regulatory technical support. Since 1994, PowerTek has supported utilities, ISOs/RTOs, developers, industrial customers, infrastructure clients, and public-sector stakeholders on complex power sector assignments across North America and global markets. The firm is known for practical engineering judgment, senior technical depth, and the ability to solve problems where grid planning, commercial risk, and regulatory scrutiny intersect. For engineers and power sector experts, PowerTek offers the kind of work that is hard to find elsewhere: technically serious assignments, direct exposure to high-impact energy infrastructure decisions, and the opportunity to help shape how the grid adapts to renewables, battery storage, data centers, large industrial loads, and rising reliability demands. This is a place for people who want their work to matter, who enjoy difficult grid problems, and who want to contribute to projects that influence real investment, reliability, and energy transition outcomes. Role Overview PowerTek is seeking a Transmission Planning / Reliability Expert to support technical review of regional power market and stakeholder matters involving transmission planning, system reliability, interconnection, resource adequacy, grid constraints, and reliability-driven cost impacts. The expert will help assess whether proposed system changes, planning assumptions, reliability criteria, or transmission initiatives are technically justified and how they may affect customers. This role is suited for a power systems engineer, transmission planner, reliability consultant, former utility engineer, regional planning professional, or senior consultant with experience in bulk power system planning. Key Responsibilities Review stakeholder materials related to transmission planning, reliability, interconnection, system constraints, resource adequacy, and grid performance. Assess technical proposals for reasonableness, reliability need, planning basis, and potential customer-cost implications. Support review of transmission planning assumptions, reliability studies, system needs assessments, upgrade requirements, and project justification materials. Analyze the technical basis for proposals involving generation retirements, renewable integration, storage, load growth, interconnection, transmission upgrades, and system reliability. Identify technical questions, risks, and issues that should be raised in stakeholder processes. Prepare concise technical summaries for non-engineering audiences. Work with market and ratepayer-cost experts to connect system planning decisions to potential electricity cost impacts. Support position papers, advocacy memos, and briefing materials related to reliability and transmission matters. Required Qualifications Experience in transmission planning, power system reliability, interconnection studies, utility planning, regional planning, or bulk electric system analysis. Working knowledge of load flow, short circuit, stability, reliability criteria, transmission constraints, and system upgrade evaluation. Familiarity with planning tools such as PSS/E, PSCAD, ASPEN, CAPE, or similar power system analysis platforms. Ability to review technical reports, planning studies, and stakeholder materials and identify the key implications for reliability and cost. Strong written communication skills, with the ability to explain technical matters clearly and without unnecessary complexity. Preferred Qualifications Experience with regional transmission planning, system needs assessments, utility planning, or organized market planning processes. Knowledge of NERC reliability standards, resource adequacy, interconnection study processes, offshore wind integration, storage integration, or inverter-based resource issues. Experience supporting regulatory, public-sector, utility, or independent advisory engagements. Application Question(s): What's your expected hourly rate for this role? How many years of experience do you have in transmission planning, power system reliability, interconnection studies, utility planning, regional planning, or bulk electric system analysis.? Do you have working knowledge of load flow, short circuit, stability, reliability criteria, transmission constraints, and system upgrade evaluation.? Work Location: Remote