Power Systems Modeling Engineer

at VELCO in Rutland, Vermont, United States

Job Description

Why you should join our team

At VELCO, you’ll do more than fill a role—you’ll help build the digital backbone of Vermont’s electric grid. If you’re excited about combining power systems expertise with data and innovation, we encourage you to apply.

This is a unique opportunity to design and build VELCO’s first enterprise-wide Common Information Model (CIM)—creating a unified, trusted data foundation that supports real-time operations, planning, and engineering across the organization.

You won’t just maintain a system—you’ll help create it from the ground up, becoming a key expert in a critical and rapidly evolving space at the intersection of power systems, data, and grid modernization.

How you will make an impact

This role offers the opportunity to build from the ground up by helping create VELCO’s first enterprise-wide CIM model, making a meaningful impact on the reliability and operation of Vermont’s power grid.

You’ll have the chance to take ownership of your domain, becoming the go-to expert in a highly specialized and valuable field. Along the way, you’ll work across disciplines, collaborating with teams in engineering, IT, OT, operations, and planning. Beyond day-to-day contributions, you’ll also play a key role in shaping the future by influencing how data is structured, shared, and used across the organization.

Build & Lead a Foundational Platform

• Support the development of VELCO’s enterprise-wide CIM network model, establishing a single source of truth for system data

• Help design and implement the Vermont Exchange (VX) platform, enabling data integration across business units

• Contribute to the long-term vision, scalability, and sustainability of the CIM and VX ecosystem

Own Data Quality & Model Integrity

• Ensure the network model accurately reflects real-world system conditions and changes

• Develop and maintain processes for model creation, validation, updates, and governance

• Perform model validation through power flow testing and quality checks

• Optimize data storage, retrieval, and performance across the platform

Collaborate Across the Organization

• Partner with engineering, operations, planning, IT, and OT teams to align data and modeling needs

• Gather requirements and deliver high-quality model exports that meet CIM and internal standards

• Act as a liaison across business units, resolving discrepancies and improving data alignment

Drive Continuous Improvement & Innovation

• Advance the adoption and integration of CIM standards across VELCO systems

• Provide input into future integrations with operational technology (OT) and enterprise systems

• Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues related to model data and system interfaces

Enable Others Through Knowledge Sharing

• Develop clear documentation for model processes and procedures

• Provide training and ongoing support to users and stakeholders

• Serve as VELCO’s subject matter expert for CIM and enterprise modeling

We will be filling this role at the Mid-career or Senior level.

Mid-Career (Experienced) Engineer level-  This individual will have a strong understanding of power system modeling and data standards, including the Common Information Model (CIM).  Proficiency with one or more tools such as PSSE, Aspen OneLiner, or Emerson/AspenTech/OSI preferred.  Knowledge of data modeling tools and data management principles required as well as the ability to validate models using power flow analysis.   Execute assignments thoroughly, demonstrating required expertise.

BS degree in Electrical Engineering, Engineering Technology, Computer Science, Data Science or related field required.  (Experience can be substituted for education requirement)

Minimum of 8 years’ experience in the electric utility or power systems industry.

Senior Engineer level- This level recognizes the talent and skills of a practicing CIM engineer capable of making competent engineering recommendations and decisions, managing technical projects with minimum level of oversight, and mentoring less experienced engineers. 

Knowledge/Skills

• Understanding of power system modeling and data standards

• Familiarity with Common Information Model (CIM) (preferred)

• Experience with tools such as PSSE, Aspen OneLiner, or Emerson/AspenTech/OSI (preferred)

• Knowledge of data modeling tools and data management principles

• Ability to validate models using power flow analysis

Professional Skills

• Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting abilities

• Effective communication and collaboration across technical and non-technical teams

• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment

• High attention to detail with a proactive, self-starter mindset

Work Environment

• Collaborative, cross-functional team environment

• Open office setting

• Opportunity to work closely with engineering, IT, and operations

• Mission-driven organization supporting critical energy infrastructure

Physical/Mental Demands

Prolonged periods of working on a computer.  Must be able to maintain a fast pace while completing complex, analytical work, in potentially stressful situations, with competing priorities, within tight timelines, and with frequent interruptions. Must be able to work additional hours when necessary. Periodic travel and overnight stays will be required when attending industry workshops, training, and working from the head office etc.