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Backbone Power Systems Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Why you should join our team At VELCO, you'll do more than fill a role-you'll help build the digital backbone of Vermont's electric grid. If you're excited about combining power systems expertise ...

Why you should join our team At VELCO, you'll do more than fill a role-you'll help build the digital backbone of Vermont's electric grid. If you're excited about combining power systems expertise ...

Electrical Engineer - Distribution

Chicago, IL · On-site

$110K - $144K/yr

... backbone of a premier healthcare institution. You will be the primary technical authority ... Direct the design of specialized healthcare electrical needs, such as isolated power systems (IPS ...

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Backbone Power Systems information

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$61K

$108.8K

$175.5K

How much do backbone power systems jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for backbone power systems in the United States is $108,776.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $84,000.00 and $126,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in Backbone Power Systems, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in Backbone Power Systems often face challenges such as ensuring grid reliability, integrating renewable energy sources, and managing system upgrades with minimal disruptions. Navigating regulatory requirements and coordinating with multiple stakeholders, like utility companies and government agencies, can also be complex. Staying updated with the latest technologies and industry standards, as well as fostering strong communication within cross-functional teams, helps address these challenges effectively.

What is the difference between Backbone Power Systems vs Power Systems Technician?

AspectBackbone Power SystemsPower Systems Technician
CertificationsTypically requires certifications like NABCEP or manufacturer-specific trainingOften holds certifications such as NABCEP PV or electrical licenses
Work EnvironmentDesign, install, and maintain power systems in various settingsInstall, troubleshoot, and repair electrical power systems and equipment
Industry UsageUsed across renewable energy, electrical utilities, and industrial sectorsCommonly employed in electrical utilities, manufacturing, and renewable energy sectors

Backbone Power Systems and Power Systems Technicians share overlapping skills in electrical work and certifications. However, Backbone Power Systems often focuses on designing and maintaining large-scale power solutions, while Power Systems Technicians primarily handle installation and troubleshooting of electrical systems. Both roles are vital in the energy and utility industries, with similar credentials and work environments, but differ in scope and responsibilities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Backbone Power Systems Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Backbone Power Systems Engineer, you need expertise in electrical engineering principles, power transmission, and grid infrastructure, typically supported by a degree in electrical engineering or a related field. Familiarity with power system analysis tools like ETAP or PSS/E, and relevant certifications such as Professional Engineer (PE) licensure, are commonly required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are essential soft skills for collaborating on complex projects and addressing technical challenges. These skills and qualifications are crucial for ensuring reliable, efficient, and safe operation of large-scale power transmission systems.

What are Backbone Power Systems?

Backbone Power Systems refer to the primary infrastructure used for the generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity over large areas. These systems include high-voltage transmission lines, substations, and related equipment that form the core network delivering power from energy sources to regional distribution networks. They are designed to ensure the reliable and efficient transfer of large amounts of electricity across vast distances, supporting the stability and resilience of the overall power grid. Backbone Power Systems are critical for meeting national energy demands and integrating renewable energy sources.
Infographic showing various Backbone Power Systems job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 71% Full Time, and 29% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $108,776 per year, or $52.3 per hour.

Power Systems Modeling Engineer

VELCO

Rutland, VT

Full-time

PTO

Posted 11 days ago


Job description

As the nation's first statewide, "transmission only" company, VELCO manages the safe, reliable, cost-effective transmission of electric power throughout Vermont and as a part of the integrated New England regional network.

 

Why you should join our team

At VELCO, you'll do more than fill a role-you'll help build the digital backbone of Vermont's electric grid. If you're excited about combining power systems expertise with data and innovation, we encourage you to apply.

This is a unique opportunity to design and build VELCO's first enterprise-wide Common Information Model (CIM)-creating a unified, trusted data foundation that supports real-time operations, planning, and engineering across the organization.

You won't just maintain a system-you'll help create it from the ground up, becoming a key expert in a critical and rapidly evolving space at the intersection of power systems, data, and grid modernization.

How you will make an impact

This role offers the opportunity to build from the ground up by helping create VELCO's first enterprise-wide CIM model, making a meaningful impact on the reliability and operation of Vermont's power grid.

You'll have the chance to take ownership of your domain, becoming the go-to expert in a highly specialized and valuable field. Along the way, you'll work across disciplines, collaborating with teams in engineering, IT, OT, operations, and planning. Beyond day-to-day contributions, you'll also play a key role in shaping the future by influencing how data is structured, shared, and used across the organization.

Responsibilities

Build & Lead a Foundational Platform

  • Support the development of VELCO's enterprise-wide CIM network model, establishing a single source of truth for system data

  • Help design and implement the Vermont Exchange (VX) platform, enabling data integration across business units

  • Contribute to the long-term vision, scalability, and sustainability of the CIM and VX ecosystem

Own Data Quality & Model Integrity

  • Ensure the network model accurately reflects real-world system conditions and changes

  • Develop and maintain processes for model creation, validation, updates, and governance

  • Perform model validation through power flow testing and quality checks

  • Optimize data storage, retrieval, and performance across the platform

Collaborate Across the Organization

  • Partner with engineering, operations, planning, IT, and OT teams to align data and modeling needs

  • Gather requirements and deliver high-quality model exports that meet CIM and internal standards

  • Act as a liaison across business units, resolving discrepancies and improving data alignment

Drive Continuous Improvement & Innovation

  • Advance the adoption and integration of CIM standards across VELCO systems

  • Provide input into future integrations with operational technology (OT) and enterprise systems

  • Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues related to model data and system interfaces

Enable Others Through Knowledge Sharing

  • Develop clear documentation for model processes and procedures

  • Provide training and ongoing support to users and stakeholders

  • Serve as VELCO's subject matter expert for CIM and enterprise modeling

Who you are

We will be filling this role at the Mid-career or Senior level.

Mid-Career (Experienced) Engineer level- This individual will have a strong understanding of power system modeling and data standards, including the Common Information Model (CIM). Proficiency with one or more tools such as PSSE, Aspen OneLiner, or Emerson/AspenTech/OSI preferred. Knowledge of data modeling tools and data management principles required as well as the ability to validate models using power flow analysis. Execute assignments thoroughly, demonstrating required expertise.

BS degree in Electrical Engineering, Engineering Technology, Computer Science, Data Science or related field required. (Experience can be substituted for education requirement)

Minimum of 8 years' experience in the electric utility or power systems industry.

Senior Engineer level- This level recognizes the talent and skills of a practicing CIM engineer capable of making competent engineering recommendations and decisions, managing technical projects with minimum level of oversight, and mentoring less experienced engineers.

Knowledge/Skills

  • Understanding of power system modeling and data standards

  • Familiarity with Common Information Model (CIM) (preferred)

  • Experience with tools such as PSSE, Aspen OneLiner, or Emerson/AspenTech/OSI (preferred)

  • Knowledge of data modeling tools and data management principles

  • Ability to validate models using power flow analysis

Professional Skills

  • Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting abilities

  • Effective communication and collaboration across technical and non-technical teams

  • Ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment

  • High attention to detail with a proactive, self-starter mindset

Work Environment

  • Collaborative, cross-functional team environment

  • Open office setting

  • Opportunity to work closely with engineering, IT, and operations

  • Mission-driven organization supporting critical energy infrastructure

Physical/Mental Demands

Prolonged periods of working on a computer. Must be able to maintain a fast pace while completing complex, analytical work, in potentially stressful situations, with competing priorities, within tight timelines, and with frequent interruptions. Must be able to work additional hours when necessary. Periodic travel and overnight stays will be required when attending industry workshops, training, and working from the head office etc.

 

Compensation Range:

$90,916.80 - $109,100.16 - $127,283.52/salary 

This compensation range represents the minimum, midpoint and maximum pay for this position. Individual offers will be based on various factors including, but not limited to, qualifications, education, skills, competencies, and experience. Please note that most offers for new employees fall under the midpoint of the range, allowing room for continued salary growth. Base pay is just one component of our total compensation package, which may also include comprehensive benefits, generous paid time off and incentive compensation (bonus) potential.

Important Considerations

  • Visit Velco.com for additional information on VELCO culture, benefits, and the recruiting process.

  • We are an equal opportunity employer, and ALL qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Eligible applicants must be authorized to work in the United States.

  • VELCO is handling all aspects of talent acquisition internally and will not engage the services of third-party staffing agencies, recruiters, or headhunters. We kindly request that these entities refrain from contacting us.

  • Any offer of employment will be contingent upon successful reference check, background check (including social media check), physical examination, drug screening.


If you need an accommodation as part of the application or interview process, please send a request to careers@velco.com