Manager of Transmission Planning Engineering

Arizona is one of the fastest growing states and APS is at the heart of this growth as Arizona’s largest energy provider serving 11 of 15 counties. APS is seeing new data centers, large transmission projects, and new generation resources. To support this growth, APS is excited to hire the Manager of Transmission Planning Engineering .

The Manager of Transmission Planning Engineering directs professional engineering work for various operations of the transmission and distribution (T&D) system. Directs engineering studies, planning, designs, budgeting, scheduling, and economic evaluations to ensure efficient performance of the power grid. Recommend and oversee the study of new technologies and methodologies to enhance and improve overall power grid performance. Leads and develops individuals and teams by using people management, processes, and tools that involve staffing, training, supervising, coaching, and performance management to achieve optimal performance.

The Manager of Transmission Planning Engineering leads multiple teams responsible for forecasting, modeling, analyzing, and optimizing transmission systems to ensure reliability, efficiency, and compliance with industry standards. This role involves strategic planning, stakeholder collaboration, and technical oversight of transmission projects for utility infrastructure 69kV through 500kV. Transmission Planning Engineering proposes and ranks capital projects to ensure operational flexibility, reliability, safety, and compliance. This includes general project scope, budget cost estimates and project timelines. The team is also responsible for identifying new technology and methodologies to assist with innovative solutions to complex problems.

The Manager of Transmission Planning Engineering is responsible for ensuring compliance with FERC and NERC requirements. Teams reporting to this manager are responsible for the analysis of FERC interconnection requests, wires-to-wires, transmission service, and deliverability studies. This role will interface with Strategic Transmission and Resource Acquisition to ensure the reliability and stability of the APS system for years to come. This role interfaces with other utilities to ensure partnerships both internally and externally.

The Manager of Transmission Planning Engineering is responsible for transmission line siting efforts and community outreach for new sub-transmission and transmission line construction complying with local, state, and federal regulations. Knowledge and understanding of these requirements is preferred.

Minimum Requirements

A four-year Bachelors degree in engineering or related applied science discipline (see approved list) from an ABET accredited institution, an International Engineering Alliance (IEA) recognized institution or an ABET Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) plus eight (8) years of experience in engineering positions.

Three (3) years' experience in a supervisory role involving the planning, organizing, directing and evaluating the work and performance of subordinates.

Approved Engineering degrees :

Materials Science / Metallurgy, Physics, Chemistry, Nuclear, Electrical, Mechanical, Civil, Electronics, Computer Science, Environmental, Chemical, Architectural, Structural.

A four-year bachelor of Engineering Technology degree is not considered an automatic equivalent for a B.S. degree in Engineering.

A review of the degree program curriculum must be completed by the Engineering Career Path Review Board to determine equivalency level.

Preferred Special Skills, Knowledge or Qualifications : Professional Engineer registration. Detailed technical knowledge of transmission, distribution, and / or generation engineering, operations, and / or maintenance especially in design engineering. Working knowledge of environmental requirements, OSHA, information technology, and labor regulatory / contract requirements relative to the operation of a T&D system. Effective communication demonstrated through written communications and presentations skills. Strong process improvement and business focus. Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook and Internet. Preferred experience includes use of and oversight of contract and / or service provider resources. Knowledge of capital project planning, design, and stage-gate processes is desired.

Role specific preferred experience includes use of and oversight of contract and / or service provider resources. Knowledge of capital project planning, design, and stage-gate processes is desired. Knowledge of NERC standards, FERC interconnection requirements, recent FERC orders, and the OATT is highly desired. Knowledge of western markets and flowgate is a plus.

Major Accountabilities

1) Optimizes transmission and distribution (T&D) engineering functions by directing engineering and professional support staff to provide high-quality, consistent engineering deliverables including engineering service provider resources.

2) Directs department administration, budgeting and contracting functions; integrates with company / plant engineering, accounting, regulatory agencies and corporate relations.

3) Maintains a high awareness and understanding of business improvement opportunities and technology trends.

4) Selects and develops a high performing, highly skilled team through effective coaching, performance feedback, recognition, training and developmental opportunities.

5) Identifies and responds to operational problems and issues and provide engineering and project management support to identify research, develop, and implement solutions, and provide support and advice to management.

6) Prepares, recommends and oversees development of operating and capital budgets. Monitors spending for adherence to budget; plans, develops and recommends plans to address variances.

7) Plans and manages capital programs and budgets; integrates with company budget targets and goals; ensures reliable communication with company management through effective cost and schedule control.