Power Station Planning Engineer

Entry-Level Power Station Planning Engineer

Location: Manteno, IL
Department: Power Generation / Planning
Employment Type: Full-Time
Level: Entry Level (0–2 years experience)

About the Role

The Entry-Level Power Station Planning Engineer supports the planning, analysis, and development of power generation facilities, including natural gas, renewable, hydro, and other utility-scale energy projects. This role assists in evaluating plant performance, conducting power system studies, and supporting long-term capacity planning to ensure reliable, efficient energy delivery.

You will work closely with senior engineers, project managers, and grid/utility partners to model system performance, assess infrastructure needs, and develop recommendations for power plant upgrades, expansions, and new generation assets.

Key Responsibilities

Assist in conducting power system planning studies, including load flow, short circuit, transient stability, and generation capacity analysis.

Support planning of new or upgraded power generation units, equipment, and systems.

Analyze plant performance data, efficiency trends, and operational constraints.

Prepare engineering calculations, models, and technical reports.

Support grid interconnection studies and coordinate with utilities, ISOs, and transmission operators.

Assist with feasibility studies for future power plant construction or modernization.

Evaluate environmental, regulatory, and safety requirements impacting plant planning.

Participate in the development of long-term system plans, asset strategies, and reliability improvements.

Collaborate with cross-functional teams including mechanical, electrical, civil, and environmental engineers.

Maintain accurate documentation, drawings, and engineering records.

Qualifications

Education (Required)

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering (power systems focus preferred),
OR

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Energy Engineering, Power Engineering, or related discipline.

Preferred Coursework

Power systems analysis

Power generation / energy conversion

High voltage engineering

Electric machines

Thermodynamics & heat transfer

Renewable energy systems

Technical Skills

Familiarity with modeling tools such as MATLAB/Simulink, ETAP, PSS®E, PowerWorld, PSCAD, or similar.

Proficiency with Excel and engineering calculation tools.

Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, one-line diagrams, and schematics.

Understanding of electrical or mechanical equipment used in power stations (generators, turbines, transformers, switchgear).

Soft Skills

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

Effective communication and technical writing abilities.

Ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team.

Eagerness to learn and grow in a highly technical environment.