11905 - Electrical Engineer 2

Electrical Engineer – Transmission Reliability Planning (TPPA)

Help shape the reliability of the Pacific Northwest power grid.

This Electrical Engineer role sits within BPA’s Transmission Reliability Planning (TPPA) group, where your work directly impacts the resilience, performance, and future growth of a large‑scale transmission system. You’ll collaborate with project managers and senior engineers to plan, model, and analyze complex power system scenarios that support critical infrastructure decisions across the region.

If you thrive on solving challenging system‑level problems, enjoy translating analysis into real‑world projects, and want your work to matter at grid scale—this is a role worth exploring.

What Makes You a Strong Fit

You’re someone who:

• Excels at developing and analyzing complex electrical Plans of Service using modern modeling tools, standards, and best practices
• Works confidently in cross‑functional project teams while juggling multiple priorities
• Communicates clearly—whether you’re discussing technical findings with engineers or presenting to non‑technical stakeholders
• Enjoys seeing analysis turn into projects that strengthen grid reliability and support long‑term growth

Key Responsibilities

With direction and approval from BPA management or authorized federal staff, you will:

• Build and maintain power system models for reliability analysis, including:
  • Analyzing historical SCADA data
  • Updating generation, transmission, and load components
  • Maintaining oneline diagrams, contingency definitions, and simulation files for PowerWorld Simulaton
• Develop, validate, and implement transmission system models, including:
  • Loads, generators, PDCI, SVCs, and other control devices
  • Perform advanced power system studies, including:
• Power flow, voltage stability, and transient stability analyses
  • Interpreting results to identify risks, constraints, and viable mitigation strategies
• Plan transmission system expansions and upgrades to:
  • Reinforce flowgates, interties, and load service areas
  • Support load growth, generator interconnections, and long‑term firm transmission service
• Evaluate system performance against NERC, WECC, and BPA reliability standards, and develop near‑ and long‑term mitigation plans
• Collaborate with engineers, internal customers, and external partners on current and future engineering initiatives
• Prepare technical documentation, including drawings, calculations, PRDs, PIDs, and concise engineering reports
• Present complex technical findings clearly to both technical and non‑technical audiences, including reviews of external utility studies
• Conduct economic and risk‑based studies to compare project alternatives and support business case development
• Define appropriate sizes and ratings for high‑voltage equipment, including:
  • Transformers, transmission lines, breakers, switches, capacitors, and reactors
• Coordinate planning efforts with regional and sub‑regional entities in alignment with FERC Order 890 (Attachment K)
• Support BPA’s Asset Management strategy and contribute to the Transmission Asset Plan
• Serve as a technical resource and mentor, providing consultation and knowledge‑sharing across the team

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree from an ABET‑accredited college or university in Electrical Engineering or a closely related field

Preferred

• 5+ years of professional electrical engineering experience
• Strong knowledge of regional transmission systems, including:
  • Power transmission equipment performance characteristics
  • Accurate modeling of transmission networks for system studies and PRDs
  • Transformers, lines, breakers, switches, reactive devices, generators, communications, and protection systems

Duration: 1-year renewable contracts

This is a Contract position based out of Vancouver, WA.

The pay range for this position is $47.00 - $52.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:
• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a fully onsite position in Vancouver,WA.

This position is anticipated to close on May 8, 2026.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

At Actalent, diversity and inclusion are a bridge towards the equity and success of our people. DE&I is embedded into our culture through:

• Hiring diverse talent
• Maintaining an inclusive environment through persistent self-reflection
• Building a culture of care, engagement, and recognition with clear outcomes
• Ensuring growth opportunities for our people

Actalent is an equal opportunity employer.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services. For more than 40 years, we’ve helped visionary companies advance their goals. Headquartered in the United States, our teams span 150 offices across North America, EMEA, and APAC—with four delivery centers in India led by 1,000+ extraordinary employees who connect their passion with purpose every day.

Our Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai delivery centers are hubs of engineering expertise, with core capabilities in mechanical and electrical engineering, systems and software, and manufacturing engineering. Our teams deliver work across multiple industries including transportation, consumer and industrial products, and life sciences. We serve more than 4,500 clients, including many Fortune 500 brands. Learn more about how we can work together at actalentservices.com.