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Transmission Planning Engineer at ICF in Reston, VA
Job Description
Transmission Planning Engineer
Location: Reston, VA
Ready to make a difference?
We are a relentlessly client-focused group re-imagining, re-designing, and re-engineering the way electric utilities tackle industry problems. Our transmission planning team delivers technically rigorous power system studies and strategic planning support to utilities, developers, and grid operators navigating one of the most dynamic periods in the history of the electric grid — from large-scale renewable interconnection and large load growth to FERC-driven transmission reform. We are seeking an experienced senior engineer ready to own complex engagements, lead a team, and shape the direction of our practice.
Why you will love working here:
Quality of life: Flexible workplace arrangements, work-life balance
Investment in the community: Donation matching, volunteer opportunities
Investment in you: Tuition reimbursement, access to professional development resources, 401k matching, Employee Stock Purchase Plan
And many, many more (Ask your recruiter for more details!)
The Ideal Candidate
You are a technically deep transmission planning engineer with a track record of leading complex, multi-discipline power system studies from kickoff through final deliverable. You take ownership of your work and your clients. You move fluidly between steady-state contingency analysis, transient stability, interconnection processes, and long-range buildout assessments without losing the thread. You write clearly, communicate confidently with utility decision-makers, and actively develop the engineers around you. You bring solutions, not just analyses, and you are motivated by the challenge of a grid that is changing fast.
What you will be doing:
Daily and weekly responsibilities include but are not limited to:
Serve as technical lead or study manager on transmission planning engagements, owning scope, schedule, quality, and client relationship
Perform steady-state load flow and contingency analysis (PSS/E, PSLF, PowerWorld) for utility transmission planning and interconnection studies
Conduct transient stability and dynamic simulation studies, including modeling of conventional generation and inverter-based resources (IBR)
Lead generation and large load interconnection impact studies, including feasibility, facilities, and cluster/serial study processes across CAISO, MISO, PJM, ERCOT, WECC, and other regional footprints
Develop and assess long-range transmission expansion plans evaluating load growth scenarios, generation retirement, renewable buildout, and infrastructure needs
Support FERC Order 1920 proactive transmission planning and Order 2023 interconnection reform compliance work for utility clients
Perform NERC reliability standards studies and assessments including TPL-001, FAC-001/002, TOP-001, and MOD series standards
Author and QA technical study reports for regulatory filings, client deliverables, and interconnection submissions
Develop Python-based automation and tooling to improve study execution efficiency, model management, and output quality
Mentor junior and mid-level engineers through technical review, guidance, and day-to-day collaboration
Participate in business development through proposal writing, scope development, client presentations, and identification of new opportunities
Monitor evolving FERC policy, regional planning standards, and grid technology trends to inform client strategy and internal capability development
What we need you to have (minimum qualifications):
BS in Electrical Engineering from an ABET-accredited college or university
2+ years of experience in transmission planning, power system studies, or related electrical engineering
What we would like you to have:
Hands-on experience with PSS/E, PSLF, or equivalent transmission planning software
Demonstrated experience leading or managing technical study engagements as primary point of contact
EIT or PE registration, or active pursuit of licensure
Deep familiarity with regional ISOs/RTOs — including CAISO, MISO, PJM, ERCOT, WECC, SERC, NYISO, NEISO, and/or SPP — and their interconnection processes and planning criteria
Experience with IBR and BESS dynamic modeling under NERC MOD-026/027/031/032/033
Familiarity with long-range transmission expansion planning methodologies and scenario-based planning frameworks
Experience with large load interconnection studies for data center, hyperscaler, industrial, or other high-demand customers
Proficiency in Python for power system study automation, model management, and data workflows
Short circuit analysis experience using ASPEN, CAPE, or ETAP
Familiarity with electromagnetic transient software (PSCAD, EMTP) as a supplemental capability
Strong technical report writing skills; ability to communicate complex results clearly to non-engineering audiences and utility executives
Experience contributing to business development proposals and client scoping discussions
To learn more about this team and how our grid engineering solutions help electric utilities balance cutting-edge technology with cost-efficiency and reliability → ICF Power Delivery Services
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Bot and Third-Party Applications
Please note that this application must be submitted directly by the applicant for consideration. Failure to do so may result in the application being excluded for consideration. Applicants needing an accommodation for disability or religious purposes in connection with the application process should contact Candidateaccommodation@icf.com for assistance.
Working at ICF
ICF is a global advisory and technology services provider, but we’re not your typical consultants. We combine unmatched expertise with cutting-edge technology to help clients solve their most complex challenges, navigate change, and shape the future.We can only solve the world's toughest challenges by building a workplace that allows everyone to thrive. We are an equal opportunity employer. Together, our employees are empowered to share their expertise and collaborate with others to achieve personal and professional goals. For more information, please read our EEO policy.
We will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Reasonable Accommodations are available, including, but not limited to, for disabled veterans, individuals with disabilities, and individuals with sincerely held religious beliefs, in all phases of the application and employment process. To request an accommodation, please email Candidateaccommodation@icf.com and we will be happy to assist. All information you provide will be kept confidential and will be used only to the extent required to provide needed reasonable accommodations.
Read more about workplace discrimination rights or our benefit offerings which are included in the Transparency in (Benefits) Coverage Act.
At ICF, we are committed to ensuring a fair interview process for all candidates based on their own skills and knowledge. As part of this commitment, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools to generate or assist with responses during interviews (whether in-person or virtual) is not permitted. This policy is in place to maintain the integrity and authenticity of the interview process.
However, we understand that some candidates may require accommodation that involves the use of AI. If such an accommodation is needed, candidates are instructed to contact us in advance at candidateaccommodation@icf.com. We are dedicated to providing the necessary support to ensure that all candidates have an equal opportunity to succeed.
Pay Range - There are multiple factors that are considered in determining final pay for a position, including, but not limited to, relevant work experience, skills, certifications and competencies that align to the specified role, geographic location, education and certifications as well as contract provisions regarding labor categories that are specific to the position.
The pay range for this position based on full-time employment is:
$81,499.00 - $138,549.00Nationwide Remote Office (US99)