Electrical Engineer

Western Area Power Administration

Loveland, CO

JobSummary

This position is part of the WAPA-RMR-Rocky Mountain Region. As an Electrical Engineer, you will be responsible for conducting professional engineering studies related to power systems operations and/or transmission planning. ***This is not a remote position. You are required to physically report to the Loveland, CO office.***

LowGrade

HighGrade

PromotionPotential

SubAgencyName

Rocky Mountain Region, Power System Operations, Operations Engineering (J4200)

OrganizationCodes

DN/DNWP

Relocation

False

HiringPath

fed-transition
mspouse
public
vet

MCOTags

TotalOpenings

AgencyMarketingStatement

Join the Western Area Power Administration (WAPA) Team - Discover Your Next Professional Adventure! At WAPA, we do more than keep the lights on. As part of the Department of Energy, we are a collective of compassionate innovators and problem-solvers dedicated to delivering clean, renewable, and reliable federal hydroelectric power. Why WAPA? We provide reliable and cost-effective hydropower and transmission services, operating across 15 states with over 17,000 miles of transmission lines. Our mission is to ensure that 40 million people have access to power. We lead in renewable resources, energy efficiency, and advanced technology with our strategic plan, Power Forward 2030. Our priority is your career growth and development, with comprehensive training and professional opportunities in a supportive environment. Enjoy competitive salaries, a robust retirement plan, health benefits, flexible schedules, and a work-life balance that values your well-being. Power Your Career with WAPA Ready to be part of our dynamic team? Apply to our current openings and take the first step towards a rewarding career that empowers both the West and your future. Your skills. Our legacy. A shared Future. Are you in? Learn more about WAPA Learn more about WAPA careers Read our Strategic Plan - Power Forward 2030

TravelCode

ApplyOnlineUrl

https://apply.usastaffing.gov/Application/Apply

DetailStatusUrl

https://apply.usastaffing.gov/Application/ApplicationStatus

MajorDuties

An Electrical Engineer, at the full performance level (GS13): Directs, prepares, coordinates, and reviews operational planning studies (current day to one year) and reports on power system additions and modifications. Assimilates and reviews relevant data related to system disturbances. Investigates and provides electrical engineering oversight and expertise in developing operating procedures for constrained path or transmission management. Provides technical assistance to real-time operating personnel groups. Prepares detailed reports and is an expert technical advisor regarding analyses of power system operations, Balancing Authority (BA) operations, Transmission Operator (TOP) operations associated with Regional facilities operation. Applies mathematical theories and engineering concepts using available information from PI data, digital recording relays, metering, and data from other utilities. Determines the adequacy of operating resources based on needs as identified by applicable FERC, NERC, or Regional Entity documents. Reviews switching and emergency operating procedures as required. Responsible for the documentation, organization, mitigation, and coordination of applicable compliance requirements. Coordinates issues with compliance personnel to maintain, implement, and/or improve compliance and/or reporting processes regarding regulatory agencies such as FERC, NERC, and Regional Entity. Recommends procedures to eliminate or prevent sanctions for non-performance or non-compliance. Trains and mentors peers, lower graded engineers, and other applicable parties in the areas of compliance, real time state estimator, and operations support. Articulates and communicates to the staff the specific project parameters, problems to be solved, and milestones and deadlines for completion. Monitors and reports on status of studies, checking on work in progress and reviewing completed work to see that work priorities, deadlines, and quality standards have been met. Provides technical assistance to real-time operating personnel about the effects proposed switching and operating procedures may have on the power system and the individual elements.

Education

This position has a positive education requirement. If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements: Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Foreign education must be reviewed by an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For special instructions pertaining to foreign education and a list of organizations that can evaluate foreign education, see the Department of Education website. DO NOT email or mail in any of your application documents. Documents will not be accepted outside of the online application system. ***Applicants completing degree requirements within 120 days of 4-May-2026 may apply. Unofficial transcripts must be uploaded at time of application and official transcripts are required prior to entrance on duty.*** Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

Requirements

Must be a U.S. Citizen or National. This employer participates in the e-Verify program. Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered for Selective Service. Suitable for Federal employment, as determined by a background investigation. May be required to successfully complete a probationary/trial period. Employees serving on a probationary or trial period may be terminated at any time during the probationary or trial period for performance, conduct, or business-related reasons in the interest of Federal service. In accordance with Executive Order 14170, applicants are encouraged to respond to the four short, free-response, essay questions in the questionnaire. Answers to these questions are not scored or rated. Your answers will be reviewed by the hiring manager and agency leadership if you are referred for selection consideration. Limit your resume to no more than two (2) pages. If more than two pages are submitted, only the first two pages will be reviewed to determine your eligibility and qualifications. Security clearance and associated requirements - Moderate. This position requires the ability to operate a Government vehicle. The incumbent must be at least 18 years of age, able to obtain and maintain Defensive Drivers certification and have a valid state driver's license. Defensive Driver's Training will be completed upon employment; this is a Condition of Employment for a GS-11, GS-12 and at the full performance level of the position, GS-13. The incumbent may be required to come into the office/field site outside of normal duty hours; this is a Condition of Employment for a GS-11, GS-12 and at the full performance level of the position, GS-13. This two-grade interval position provides qualifying work experience for the employee to progressively assume the duties at the full performance level (FPL) as described in the attached position description. Limit your resume to no more than two (2) pages.

Evaluations

Once the application process is complete, the first two pages of your resume and supporting documentation will be used to determine whether you meet the job qualifications. Minimum Qualifications: Once the application process is complete, the Human Resources Office will review the first two pages of your resume and supporting documentation to determine whether you meet the minimum job qualifications. Structured Resume Review: Subject matter experts (SMEs) will review your resume to determine your technical qualifications for this position based on the required competencies. SMEs will review ONLY the first two (2) pages of your resume. SMEs will not review additional information beyond your resume (e.g., cover letter, links embedded in your resume). Rule of Many Rating Procedure: You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above. Once the application process is complete, your resume, supporting documentation, and questionnaire/assessment responses will be used to determine whether you meet the job qualifications. If you are minimally qualified for this job, your responses to the SME resume review rating assessment(s) will be scored. You will be ranked in score order plus any Veterans' preference points. All candidates who score above a pre-defined cut score will be referred to the hiring manager for consideration. All applicants tied at the cut line will be referred. If additional candidates are needed, groups of three per vacancy will be referred. Application of Veterans' Preference: If you are a preference eligible candidate, you will be listed ahead of non-preference eligibles with the same score. Preference eligibles with a compensable service-connected disability of 10 percent or more are listed at the top of the certificate in the order of their ratings unless the job is scientific or professional at the GS-9 grade level or above (or equivalent). Simultaneous Listing: Candidates may be referred simultaneously on multiple certificates for which they are interested, eligible, and within reach. If your resume is incomplete or does not support the responses you provided in your online questionnaire, or if you fail to submit all required documentation before the vacancy closes, you may be rated 'ineligible', 'not qualified', or your score may be adjusted accordingly Your qualifications will be evaluated on the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities and other characteristics): Compliance Electrical Engineering Modeling and Simulation Technical Competence Career Transition Assistance Programs: To receive selection priority for this position, you must: 1) meet the eligibility criteria; and 2) be rated "well-qualified". You must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date (05/11/2026) of this announcement. To preview the Assessment Questionnaire, click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12946900.

HowToApply

Please read the entire announcement and all the instructions before you begin an application. To apply for this position, you must complete the initial online application, to include submission of the required documentation specified in the Required Documents section. A complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on the announcement closing date to receive consideration. The application process is as follows: You must have a login.gov account to sign into USAJOBS: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/account/. To begin the application process in USAJOBS, click the Apply Online button. Answer the questions presented in the application and attach all required and supporting documentation. You must click the Submit Application button prior to 11:59 pm (ET) on the announcement closing date. You may update your application, including supporting documentation, at any time during the announcement open period by returning to your USAJOBS account, select Update Application: https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login. This option will no longer be available once the announcement has closed. To verify the status of your application, during and after the announcement open period, log into your USAJOBS account; applications will appear on the Welcome screen. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each application status means, visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/. If you need help with login.gov or USAJOBS (e.g., account access, Resume Builder) visit the USAJOBS Help Center: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/ If you experience difficulty applying on USAJOBS, after clicking the Apply Online button, or you are experiencing a significant hardship hindering your ability to apply online, the Agency Contact listed in the announcement can assist you during normal business hours. If you receive any system error messages, take screenshots if possible, to aid technical support.

WhatToExpectNext

Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. The status of your application will be updated in USAJOBS as it is evaluated. You can check the status by logging into USAJOBS. You may also sign up to receive automatic emails anytime the status of your application changes by logging into your USAJobs Account and editing the Notification Settings. You will be contacted directly if an interview is required.

RequiredDocuments

To apply for this position, you MUST provide a complete application package which includes: Your two (2) page RESUME showing all relevant work experience (paid and unpaid) including: duties performed; full name and address of the each employer; start and end dates (month/day/year); work schedule (part-time, full-time, number of hours if intermittent); salary; and any completed education and training (program title, subject area, number of hours completed, and completion date). Transcripts, if specific educational requirements are indicated in this job announcement. Unofficial transcripts or any report listing institution, course title, credits earned (semester or quarter hour) and final grade is acceptable. It is your responsibility to provide adequate proof that you meet the educational requirements. If applicable: Veterans' Preference documentation, if applicable, DD-214 Member Copy 4 showing type of discharge/character of service; current active duty members- certification of expected discharge or release from active duty under honorable conditions dated within 120 days; SF-15 Form and related documentation; VA letter. For more information visit the USAJOBS Help Center & OPM CHCOC website for VOW information. Career Transition Assistance Program/Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program documentation, if applicable (e.g., Certification of Expected Separation, Reduction-In-Force Separation Notice, or Notice of Proposed Removal; SF-50 that documents the RIF separation action; and most recent performance appraisal.) For more information see the OPM Guide to Career Transition. Failure to submit any of the above mentioned required documents may result in loss of consideration due to an incomplete application package. It is your responsibility to ensure all required documents have been submitted.

Benefits

OtherInformation

This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional similar vacancies across DOE. For general information on government-wide Telework polices visit: www.telework.gov. Applicants may request Reasonable Accommodation (RA) when applying or competing for a job due to a medical condition or to exercise religious beliefs. If you need reasonable accommodation in the application or selection process, please contact the Agency Contact listed on this vacancy announcement. If selection is made at a lower grade, promotion up to the full performance level may be made without further competition. However, promotion(s) will depend on the performance of the incumbent and are not guaranteed. This two-grade interval position provides qualifying work experience for the employee to progressively assume the duties at the full performance level (FPL) as described in the position description. Promotion Potential: This position's full performance level is GS13. The selectee for this position may be eligible to receive a recruitment or relocation incentive. You will need to sign an employment agreement to be eligible for this incentive. Permanent Change of Station (PCS) costs are not authorized. This position may be eligible for creditable service towards annual leave. Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. DOE may offer newly-appointed Federal employee's credit for their job-related non-federal experience or active duty uniformed military service. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed. Salary negotiation may be available for those candidates who are new to Federal service. Physical Demands: The work is sedentary. Work Environment: The work is normally performed in an office setting.

KeyRequirements

WithinArea

False

CommuteDistance

ServiceType

AnnouncementClosingType

AgencyContactEmail

PMACareers@wapa.gov

SecurityClearance

Not Required

DrugTestRequired

False