Transmission Operations Engineer I, II or Senior

Job Specifications

Performs engineering studies and develops electronic tools and procedures that assure the reliable operation of Black Hills Corporation's electric transmission systems.

Pay Range: (Determined by the knowledge, skills and abilities of the applicant.)

* Level I: $69,350 - $104,000
* Level II: $82,550 - $123,800
* Senior Level: $92,500 - $152,450

This posting includes the full pay range for this position. Pay is based on a number of factors and may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and internal equity.

Reporting Relationship: Electric Systems Operations Engineer Supervisor

Location: Rapid City, SD

Relocation Assistance:
Relocation assistance is available based on individual circumstances! Details to be shared during the offer process.

Essential Functions:
* Analyze and perform reliability studies for real-time, current-day and next-day transmission system operations.
* Analyze and perform electrical system studies for planned and emergency switching operations of the electric transmission system.
* Analyze and perform transmission seasonal assessment studies for the upcoming operating season.
* Develop and maintain Energy Management Systems (EMS) applications and associated displays. Applications include Automatic Generation Control, Contingency Analysis, State Estimator, Operator Training Simulator and PSSE.
* Develop and maintain data required for EMS power system applications.
* Maintain necessary documentation on the EMS and associated systems.
* Develop procedures, processes, and applications necessary to provide safe and reliable operations systems that meet reliability regulatory standards.
* Develop and maintain the Operator Training Simulator to ensure all department personnel receive the required training and continuing education hours to remain highly knowledgeable and confident in their job functions.
* Implement and maintain integration between EMS applications.
* Develop computer programs and customized programming scripts necessary for special applications.
* Develop and implement short-term and long-term plans for new software applications and upgrades related to the EMS.
Additional Responsibilities:
* Provide "real-time" support and serve as a knowledge resource for Transmission System Operators and Generation Dispatch / Power Marketing.
* Performs other assignments as required.

What You'll Need:
Level I:
* Bachelor's Degree Engineering
* No experience required.

Level II:
* Minimum of (1) year of electric utility operations or electrical operations engineering experience required.
* Bachelor's degree in engineering required.

Senior Level:
* Minimum of four (4) years of electric utility operations or electrical operations engineering experience required.
* Bachelor's degree in engineering required.

What Is Desired Or Can Be Taught:
* Proficient knowledge of transmission facilities, electric utility operations, and operating personnel.
* Proficient knowledge of EMS, AGC, and SCADA technologies.
* Knowledge of outage coordination requirements.
* Knowledge of relational database management systems.
* Demonstrated working knowledge of any of the following: SQL, Linux, VBA, Python, C.
* Excellent customer service and interpersonal skills.
* Ability to exercise good judgment and make sound decisions.
* Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
* Strong computer skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office software applications.
* Ability to maintain proficiency with new systems and software as technology evolves.

This description is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of responsibilities, duties, and requirements for employees in this position. Job descriptions may and do change periodically. Where positions are covered by a collective bargaining unit agreement, the terms and conditions of the agreement will apply.

About our Company: We are a customer, growth and safety focused utility company that is dedicated to our communities. We improve life with energy as an energy partner of choice. Our diverse culture fuels unique perspectives, opening doors to new insights and possibilities. Based in Rapid City, South Dakota, we have over 3000 employees and serve 1.3 million natural gas and electric utility customers across eight states (South Dakota, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, and Arkansas).

Enjoy our Comprehensive Benefits Package! Annual discretionary bonuses, 401(k) (6% company match and up to 9% company retirement contribution), tuition reimbursement, generous paid time off benefits, including paid holidays and parental leave, company paid life insurance and disability benefits (short and long term), an employee assistance program and well-being benefits, and competitive medical, dental and vision insurance.

Candidates must successfully pass a pre-employment drug screen and background check.

Black Hills Energy does not sponsor applicants for work visas. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the US.

We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or status as a protected veteran. If you require reasonable accommodation, please visit for more information.