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Power System Planning Engineer Jobs in Oak Ridge, TN

SPECTRA TECH, Inc.

Electrical Engineer

Oak Ridge, TN · On-site

... system, power system, power distribution, and lighting protection system for the facility ... QUALIFICATIONS Degree in Electrical Engineering PE License preferred (but not required) At least 10 ...

SPECTRA TECH INC

Electrical Engineer

Oak Ridge, TN

... system, power system, power distribution, and lighting protection system for the facility ... QUALIFICATIONS Degree in Electrical Engineering PE License preferred (but not required) At least 10 ...

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All JobsPower System Planning Engineer JobsPower System Planning Engineer Jobs in Oak Ridge, TN

Power System Planning Engineer information

See Oak Ridge, TN salary details

$51.1K

$121.6K

$159.7K

How much do power system planning engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for power system planning engineer in Oak Ridge, TN is $121,623.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $93,700.00 and $150,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a power system planning engineer?

Power System Planning Engineers are professionals who design, analyze, and plan the development of electrical power systems. Their work ensures that power generation, transmission, and distribution networks can meet current and future energy demands reliably and efficiently. They use specialized software and modeling techniques to assess system capabilities, forecast growth, and recommend upgrades or new infrastructure. These engineers also consider factors like renewable integration, regulatory standards, reliability, and cost-effectiveness in their planning process.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a power system planning engineer?

To thrive as a Power System Planning Engineer, you need a solid background in electrical engineering, power systems analysis, and typically a bachelor's or master's degree in electrical engineering. Familiarity with specialized software such as PSS®E, ETAP, or PowerWorld, as well as knowledge of relevant industry standards and regulatory requirements, is essential. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills help you collaborate with stakeholders and present technical findings clearly. These skills are crucial for ensuring reliable, efficient, and future-ready electrical grids that meet growing energy demands.

What are some common challenges faced by power system planning engineers when integrating renewable energy sources into the grid?

Power System Planning Engineers often encounter challenges such as maintaining grid stability, managing variability in power generation, and ensuring adequate transmission capacity when integrating renewable energy sources. Balancing supply and demand becomes more complex due to the intermittent nature of renewables like wind and solar. Additionally, engineers must coordinate with multiple stakeholders—including utility companies, regulatory bodies, and equipment manufacturers—to develop solutions that meet technical, economic, and regulatory requirements.

What is the difference between Power System Planning Engineer vs Power System Operations Engineer?

AspectPower System Planning EngineerPower System Operations Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Electrical Engineering, relevant certificationsBachelor's in Electrical Engineering, operational certifications
Work EnvironmentDesigning and analyzing future power system expansions, planning grid reliabilityMonitoring and controlling current power system operations, real-time decision making
Industry UsageUtility companies, energy consultancies, grid operatorsUtility companies, grid control centers, energy providers

Power System Planning Engineers focus on designing and planning future power grid infrastructure, while Power System Operations Engineers manage real-time system performance. Both roles require electrical engineering expertise but differ in their daily tasks and objectives.

What are popular job titles related to Power System Planning Engineer jobs in Oak Ridge, TN?

For Power System Planning Engineer jobs in Oak Ridge, TN, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Power System Planning Engineer jobs in Oak Ridge, TN look for?

The top searched job categories for Power System Planning Engineer jobs in Oak Ridge, TN are:

What cities near Oak Ridge, TN are hiring for Power System Planning Engineer jobs?

Cities near Oak Ridge, TN with the most Power System Planning Engineer job openings:

Power System Planning Engineer jobs near you

Power Systems Researcher

Oak Ridge National Laboratory

Oak Ridge, TN • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 19 days ago

Oak Ridge National Laboratory rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 16 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

14th of 120 rated laboratories

Job description

Company Description

Oak Ridge National Laboratory is the US Department of Energy's largest multi-program science and energy laboratory, with scientific and technical capabilities spanning the continuum from basic to applied research. Located in the city of Oak Ridge, ORNL is in the eastern part of Tennessee in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains.

Job Description

Purpose

The Power and Energy Systems Group at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is seeking an internationally recognized researcher to conduct projects, expand research and manage R&D in the development of projects to support the Power Systems Research Program in the areas of power system cyber-physical security, communication, control and protection.

 

Major Duties / Responsibilities

The selected candidate will:

- Conduct R&D projects and lead the expansion of R&D in PSR to take advantage of our multidisciplinary capabilities, multimodal strengths, and unique tools and capabilities;

- Develop new research programs with state and national agencies as well as with utilities and system operators (ISOs, RTOs);

- Lead and manage large technical projects related to power system cyber-physical security;

- Guide work of and mentor junior staff members;

- Network and develop collaborative R&D with other groups and divisions internally and with DOE, industry, and utilities;

- Interact with existing DOE sponsors in pursuit of new research funding;

- Prepare new proposals to the internal and external funding agencies;

- Prepare and present research results to sponsors, peer reviewers, and others and at technical meetings such as IEEE societies' conferences. The current sponsors include DOE, DHS, NRC, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and California Energy Commission (CEC).

Qualifications

The position requires:

A Ph.D. plus a minimum of 5 years of experience or Master's degree plus a minimum of 10-15 years of experience in electrical engineering, with experience in SCADA/EMS systems, power system communication, control and protection.

Thorough understanding of power system operation is required. Extensive knowledge is desired in areas of: electrical power system practices, principles and methods; restructured market practices and methods; IEEE and NERC standards, and issues related to power system integration and reliability.

Power systems engineering experience as an employee of a major public utility or equipment vendor is desired, in particular experience in research.

Experience and participation in standards and codes development committees is also desired.

Excellent oral and written communication skills to support regular interactions with sponsors, peer reviewers, and others and to prepare reports, proposals, publications and journal articles is required.

Strong interpersonal and communication skills to support team building, partnering, and leadership are required.

Knowledge of relevant public and private stakeholders is required.

The demonstrated ability to manage project schedules, scopes, and budgets is required.

Demonstrated ability to be a motivating force in a technical team including the ability to provide coaching and mentoring to junior members of technical staff as well as thought leadership to senior/prestigious researchers is required.

A history of leadership in program development is also desired.

Frequent travel (often weekly trips and possibly international travel) is expected in this position.

Additional Information

ORNL is a multi-program research facility managed by UT-Battelle for the Department of Energy. ORNL is an equal opportunity employer and committed to building and sustaining a culturally diverse workplace.

 

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