Principal

PPL Corporation•Allentown, PA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

As one of the largest investor-owned utility companies in the United States, PPL Corporation (NYSE: PPL), is committed to creating long-term, sustainable value for our 3.5 million customers, our shareowners and the communities we serve. Our high-performing regulated utilities — PPL Electric Utilities, Louisville Gas and Electric, Kentucky Utilities and Rhode Island Energy — provide an outstanding experience for our customers, consistently ranking among the best utilities in the nation. PPL’s companies are also addressing challenges head-on by investing in new infrastructure and technology that is creating a smarter, more reliable and resilient energy grid. We are committed to doing our part to advance a cleaner energy future and drive innovation that enables us to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 while maintaining energy reliability and affordability for the customers and communities we serve. PPL is a positive force in the cities and towns where we do business, providing support for programs and organizations that empower the success of future generations by helping to build and maintain strong, diverse communities today. Overview Application Support Engineering supports the real-time operational tools that ensure the safe, reliable operation of PPL’s Transmission and Distribution grids in Pennsylvania and Rhode Island. The team maintains continuous model updates so control‑room applications accurately reflect field equipment and system configurations. They also provide technical support for mission‑critical applications, ensuring the stability, accuracy, and performance of key operational tools and calculations. In addition, the team leads initiatives that enhance efficiency, automation, and overall effectiveness of control‑room operations. This position is responsible for performing, under supervision, challenging engineering work but with limited direct responsibility. Specific job positions may include planning, designing, and/or overseeing construction, installation, operation and maintenance of components, systems and facilities used in the transmission, distribution, and utilization of electrical energy.

Requirements

ABET Accredited bachelor’s degree in engineering or engineering technology
Level II 2+ years in engineering. Utility system operator experience will be counted as engineering experience for this position.
Level III 5+ years in engineering or a master’s degree in engineering plus 3 years of engineering experience, or a PhD in Engineering plus 2 years of engineering experience. Utility system operator experience will also be counted as engineering experience.
Principal Level 10+ years in engineering or a master’s degree in engineering plus 8 years of engineering experience, or a PhD in Engineering plus 7 years of engineering experience. Utility system operator experience will be counted as engineering experience.

Nice To Haves

Experience with GE AEMS or ADMS
Comprehensive knowledge of department programs, policies, procedures and business plans
Knowledge of relevant NERC CIP, IRO, COM, EOP and TOP standards

Responsibilities

Assists in the work on smaller engineering projects or well-defined areas of larger projects. Uses existing procedures to investigate, evaluate and assist in producing technically correct and cost-effective designs or recommendations that solve ongoing problems.
Translate operational needs of control centers into technical requirements for supported applications
Optimizes operation of EMS and associated computer systems through continuous monitoring of performance characteristics, performing or coordinating database updates, and identifying and correcting areas of deteriorating application performance.
Keeps current with all technical aspects of the transmission and distribution systems and their technological advancements, including those supporting computerized data associated with the EMS through constant study, personal development, and vendor engagement.
Review, revise and communicate procedures in support of administrative and technical improvement initiatives. Responsible for the application of organizational policies.
Maintain positive working relationships with control room staff and leadership as well as external oversight/regulating entities such as PJM, ISO-NE, RF, NPCC, etc. that will facilitate knowledge transfer, cross functional knowledge of related work groups, and ability to present work products effectively.
Lead initiatives that enhance efficiency, automation, and overall effectiveness of control‑room operations.
Assist in investigations related to operational incidents and system failures/deficiencies.
Works under supervision in the office in a variety of functions and challenging but structured work that develops competencies in the function/discipline.
Identifies opportunities for improvement and/or suggests improved methods.
Performs assignments in which evaluation, originality, ingenuity, decision-making, and authority.
Supports operational applications with engineering-based problem troubleshooting, identification, analysis, and resolution.
Regularly review assignments to assure optimum efficiency and cost effectiveness.
Performs other duties as assigned
Complies with all policies and standards