The Transmission Lines Project Development Engineer is the single point of accountability for applying technical expertise during development of LG&E and KU Electric Transmission Lines projects. The position is responsible for applying value engineering principles while developing a scope of work that resolves the problem while evaluating opportunities for long-term system improvements.

This position applies PPL transmission line design standards, line siting, and line sectionalizing strategy. , Provides oversight of internal and external engineering resources, and establishes the budget, schedule, and deliverables for assigned work.

This position regularly interfaces with asset management, project managers, project controls analysts, engineers, and contractors, and educates project managers in support of their assigned programs. This Engineer must be capable of coordinating and influencing a wide range of functional organizational leads and subject matter experts throughout electric transmission.

• Reviews requests from Asset Management to validate scoping requirements and evaluates for technically correct and cost-effective designs. Provides recommendations that improve system resiliency, reliability, load capacity, or simplify project execution. Understands electric transmission line engineering responsibilities, for transmission voltages, 69kV to 500kV.
• Provides engineering expertise and technical support during the planning phases of large, complex transmission line design projects, and assists with constructability reviews and outage sequencing preparation.
• Completes initial PLS model evaluation and PPL Standard reviews/implementation to update scope documentation.
• Provides support for line siting, overseeing the implementation of the EPRI line routing methodology during all contracted siting studies.
• Provides technical expertise on the design of Overhead and Underground transmission lines including associated structural components and equipment such as steel poles, guying, foundations, insulators, conductors, transmission line switches and reclosers, underground cables and duct banks.
• Works with the Central Engineering organization to develop engineering requirements across multiple disciplines and work groups, including but not limited to Standards, SCADA, Substations, Protection, Civil, and Design Engineering.
• Builds relationships that will facilitate knowledge transfer, cross functional knowledge of related work groups, and ability to present work products effectively.
• Identifies all project requirements through collaboration with functional groups across the organization. Works with all project stakeholders to establish an executable project plan, meeting all project requirements and opportunities for improved design recommendations for the assigned project and associated scope of work.
• Assists with a variety of initiatives, including: developing innovative procedures, improving design recommendations, and recommending new or better equipment purchases.
• Provides technical review of financial authorization documentation, including Investment Proposals.
• Ensures that the contractor services and deliverables for all functional groups and project requirements are of the proper quality and obtained in a timely manner to support the required in-service dates.
• Ensures project documents are complete, current, and stored appropriately.
• Educates the business and technical community on Project Development processes. This includes mentoring Project Managers who support substation investment initiatives.
• May be assigned an emergency and storm role. This is a special assignment that comes into play during storms and other emergencies when the company needs to restore power or respond to other issues affecting customer service.
• This role may necessitate the need to work after-hours, outside of your normal schedule.
• The company reserves the right to determine if this position will be assigned to work on-site, remotely, or a combination of both. Assigned work location may change. In the case of remote work, physical presence in the office/on-site may be required to engage in face-to-face interaction and coordination of work among direct reports and co-workers.
• All other duties and projects as assigned.

Required Qualifications

Education

Bachelor’s degree in electrical, mechanical, or civil engineering from an ABET accredited college or university.

Experience

Engineer I: Must be a self-starter, goal-oriented, action-focused, and pragmatic.

Engineer II: A minimum of two years’ of engineering experience.

Engineer III: A minimum of five years’ engineering experience.

Principal Engineer: A minimum of ten years’ related experience and a working knowledge of the electric utility industry and regulations. Prior experience with engineering in an electric utility. Must be a self-starter, goal

Preferred Qualifications

Professional Engineer License or Engineer in Training Certificate.

Proficiency in computer-aided design (CAD) software and engineering analysis tools such as PLS-CADD, etc.

At least one year experience in distribution/transmission line design.

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