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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Electrical Analyst

💰 $85,000 - $130,000

EngineeringData AnalysisEnergyUtilitiesRenewable Energy

🎯 Role Definition

The Electrical Analyst serves as the analytical backbone of our engineering and operations teams. You will be responsible for translating raw grid data into actionable intelligence, using sophisticated modeling and simulation tools to forecast system behavior, assess risks, and support strategic planning. Your work will directly influence critical decisions related to grid modernization, renewable energy integration, and maintaining compliance with industry standards. This position is perfect for an engineer who is not only technically proficient but also a strategic thinker, capable of seeing the bigger picture and communicating complex findings to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Junior Electrical Engineer
  • Data Analyst (Energy/Utility Focus)
  • Electrical Engineering Graduate / Intern
  • Grid Control Operator

Advancement To:

  • Senior Electrical Analyst
  • Lead Power Systems Engineer
  • Energy Market Strategist
  • Project Manager (Grid Modernization)
  • Principal Engineer

Lateral Moves:

  • Reliability Engineer
  • Protection & Control Engineer
  • Substation Engineer
  • Data Scientist (Energy Sector)

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Perform detailed power flow, short circuit, and dynamic stability analyses on the bulk electric system using industry-standard software (e.g., PSS/E, PSLF, PowerWorld).
  • Develop, maintain, and validate accurate power system models for transmission and distribution networks to support long-range planning and operational studies.
  • Evaluate the grid stability and reliability impacts of new generation interconnections, including renewable resources like solar, wind, and battery energy storage systems (BESS).
  • Conduct comprehensive contingency analysis (N-1, N-1-1) to identify potential system vulnerabilities and recommend effective mitigation strategies.
  • Analyze real-time and historical grid data from SCADA, synchrophasors (PMUs), and advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) systems to identify trends, anomalies, and performance issues.
  • Prepare and submit technical reports and compliance documentation for regulatory bodies such as NERC, FERC, and regional reliability coordinators.
  • Model and assess the effectiveness of Remedial Action Schemes (RAS) and Special Protection Systems (SPS) designed to protect grid integrity during major disturbances.
  • Perform root cause analysis on system disturbances, transmission outages, and equipment failures, providing detailed reports and actionable recommendations for prevention.
  • Develop and automate data analysis workflows and custom reports using Python, SQL, or other programming languages to improve efficiency and analytical capabilities.
  • Support the development of long-range transmission expansion plans by providing analytical insights into future load growth, generation patterns, and system needs.
  • Conduct voltage stability (PV/QV) and transient stability analysis to ensure the system can withstand major disturbances and maintain operational limits.
  • Analyze and interpret energy market data, including Locational Marginal Prices (LMPs) and congestion patterns, to inform operational decisions and market strategies.
  • Collaborate closely with planning engineers, protection engineers, and system operators to ensure study assumptions are accurate and results are practical for implementation.
  • Create compelling data visualizations, dashboards, and presentations to communicate complex analytical findings to management and non-technical stakeholders.
  • Evaluate the technical feasibility and system impact of Non-Wires Alternatives (NWAs), such as energy storage and demand response, compared to traditional infrastructure upgrades.
  • Monitor and analyze equipment health and performance data from sources like Dissolved Gas Analysis (DGA) to support asset management and predictive maintenance programs.
  • Perform harmonic analysis and power quality studies to diagnose and resolve issues affecting industrial, commercial, and residential customers.
  • Support real-time system operations by providing on-call analytical support during critical system conditions, forced outages, or emergencies.
  • Develop and maintain internal tools, databases, and documentation related to power system models, study criteria, and analytical procedures.
  • Assess transfer capability limits (TTC) across key transmission interfaces and identify the factors that constrain the economic and reliable flow of power.
  • Participate in industry working groups and technical committees (e.g., IEEE, NERC) to stay abreast of emerging technologies, standards, and best practices.
  • Review and provide technical feedback on facility studies, system impact studies, and interconnection agreements performed by third parties or interconnecting customers.

Secondary Functions

  • Support ad-hoc data requests and exploratory data analysis from various business units.
  • Contribute to the organization's data strategy, data governance, and data quality initiatives.
  • Collaborate with business units to translate their needs into technical requirements for engineering and data teams.
  • Participate in sprint planning, daily stand-ups, and other agile ceremonies within the engineering team.
  • Mentor junior analysts and interns, providing guidance on technical analysis and the use of specialized software tools.
  • Prepare and deliver training materials on analytical tools and methodologies to internal teams.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Proficiency in power system simulation software (e.g., Siemens PSS/E, GE PSLF, PowerWorld Simulator).
  • Strong scripting and programming skills, particularly in Python (with libraries like Pandas, NumPy) and SQL for data manipulation and automation.
  • Experience with large-scale data systems and historians such as OSIsoft PI System, SCADA, or similar operational data platforms.
  • In-depth knowledge of power system theory, including AC/DC fundamentals, three-phase power, and symmetrical components.
  • Strong familiarity with NERC Reliability Standards and FERC regulations governing the bulk electric system.
  • Demonstrated ability to perform power flow, short circuit, and dynamic/transient stability analysis.
  • Experience with data visualization tools like Tableau, Power BI, or Python libraries (Matplotlib, Seaborn).
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, especially advanced functions in Excel and VBA for data analysis and reporting.
  • Knowledge of energy market operations, principles, and economic dispatch.
  • Experience with electromagnetic transient (EMT) simulation software (e.g., PSCAD, EMTP-RV) is a strong plus.
  • Familiarity with GIS (Geographic Information System) software and its application in power system planning.

Soft Skills

  • Exceptional analytical and quantitative problem-solving skills.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain complex technical concepts to diverse audiences.
  • High level of attention to detail and accuracy in performing calculations and generating reports.
  • Proven ability to work collaboratively and effectively in a team-oriented environment.
  • Excellent time management and organizational skills to manage multiple projects simultaneously with competing deadlines.
  • A proactive and inquisitive mindset with a strong desire for continuous learning and professional development.
  • Adaptability to changing priorities, new technologies, and evolving industry regulations.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering or a closely related technical field.

Preferred Education:

  • Master of Science or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering with a specialization in Power Systems.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Electrical Engineering (Power Systems focus)
  • Computer Engineering
  • Data Science (with engineering application)

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 2-7 years of relevant experience in power system analysis, planning, or operations.

Preferred: Direct experience working for an electric utility, Independent System Operator (ISO/RTO), or an engineering consulting firm serving the energy sector. Engineer-in-Training (EIT) or Professional Engineer (PE) license is highly desirable.

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