Power System Planning Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

At 1898 & Co., we are helping shape the future of transmission systems across North America. Our Transmission Planning and Power Systems Analysis team works with a diverse mix of clients-investor-owned utilities, public power entities, developers, and ISOs/RTOs-to deliver smart, resilient, and future-ready electric grid solutions. As part of Burns & McDonnell, we bring together decades of experience, a deep bench of technical talent, and a spirit of innovation to solve some of the most critical infrastructure challenges of our time.

We are seeking a Transmission Planning Consultant who is passionate about electric grid reliability, renewable integration, and the technical challenges shaping our energy future. This role will contribute directly to project execution by performing advanced transmission system studies and supporting client decision-making with high-quality technical and economic analysis.

What You'll Do

• Perform a broad range of studies and consulting services such as power flow, transient stability, transfer capability, short-circuit, voltage analysis, harmonics analysis, electromagnetic, reliability, and congestion management scenarios.
• Evaluate regulatory conditions and risks by applying NERC, FERC, and regional requirements, production costing, risk assessment, TPL compliance, and generator interconnection principles.
• Independently execute transmission system planning studies using industry-standard software such as PSS/E, PSLF, EMTP/ATP, PSCAD, SKM, ETAP, and Promod.
• Adapt and apply standard engineering techniques for electric transmission system planning procedures and criteria.
• Analyze engineering, financial, and economic data to develop actionable insights for client projects.
• Develop technical assumptions for life-cycle cost analysis including capital, O&M costs, performance estimates, and economic forecasts.
• Conduct risk assessments related to evolving regulatory policies and technical constraints.
• Perform detailed financial analysis using various analytical software tools.
• Develop technical reports and presentations summarizing findings and recommendations.
• Support project managers with client deliverables, proposal development, and business development efforts.
• Participate in client meetings, technical reviews, and planning sessions to support transmission planning engagements.
• Comply with all company policies and quality standards.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or related degree from an ABET-accredited program or related degree and 3 years of related experience required.
• Or master's degree in engineering or business, and 2 years of experience required.
• Or PhD in engineering and 1 year of experience required.
• Prior experience associated with electric utility operations, planning, or consulting.
• Experience with power system planning and operations; transient stability, short circuit, and voltage analysis; NERC, FERC, and Regional requirements, policies and procedures; production costing; risk assessment techniques; TPL compliance; generator interconnection; or harmonics analysis.
• Experience with electric transmission systems and transmission system planning processes.
• Strong computer skills using industry software such as PSS/E, PSLF, EMTP/ATP, PSCAD, SKM, ETAP, and Promod.
• Ability to execute various transmission system planning studies.
• Knowledge of numerous power regions of the country and independent system operators such as: PJM, MISO, NEISO, SPP, CAISO, WECC, SERC, ERCOT, NYISO.
• Knowledge of NERC and FERC standards.
• Ability to provide evaluation, selection, adaptation, and modification of standard engineering techniques for electric transmission system planning procedures and criteria.
• Knowledge in standard engineering, construction, and operation techniques, principles, and procedures associated with power transmission facilities.
• Strong attention to detail, facilitation, team building, collaboration, organization and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work methodically and analytically in a quantitative problem-solving environment.
• Demonstrated leadership skills.
• Proven ability to lead, educate, and train a team of consultants and analysts in regards to transmission planning studies.
• Ability to independently solve difficult problems that require adaptation and modification of standard techniques, procedures, and criteria.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Demonstrated critical thinking skills.
• Ability to perform under pressure and tight deadlines, and to be effective in on-site work environments.
• Ability to manage multiple projects concurrently, including the identification of critical path items to ensure deliverable deadlines are met.
• Ability to focus on the big picture to effectively and efficiently provide services that meet client needs, while also having the ability to identify and analyze details that are critical to project outcomes.
• Willingness to learn new service offerings as client needs and the market require changes to the service offerings provided by our group.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PPT).
• Ability to travel.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license preferred.