What is a Software Engineer at ATC?

At American Transmission Company (ATC), the role of a Software Engineer (often titled System Operations Engineer or Technology Reliability Engineer depending on the specific team) is fundamentally different from a typical SaaS development role. You are not just writing code; you are building and maintaining the critical digital infrastructure that ensures the reliability of the electric transmission system. Your work directly impacts the stability of the power grid across Wisconsin, Michigan, and the greater Midwest.

In this position, you will work at the intersection of Information Technology (IT) and Operational Technology (OT). You will be responsible for the Energy Management Systems (EMS), SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) databases, and real-time monitoring displays that grid operators use 24/7. Whether you are scripting automation tools to detect system faults or upgrading mission-critical databases, your primary goal is operational excellence and high availability.

The environment at ATC is collaborative and mission-driven. You will work alongside electrical engineers, system operators, and compliance teams to solve complex problems related to grid modernization and renewable energy integration. This role offers a unique opportunity to apply software engineering principles—such as automation, database management, and system design—to physical infrastructure that powers society.

Getting Ready for Your Interviews

Preparation for ATC requires a shift in mindset from "move fast and break things" to "reliability, safety, and compliance." The interviewers want to see that you can innovate without compromising the stability of the bulk electric system.

You will be evaluated primarily on the following criteria:

Operational Reliability & Problem Solving – You must demonstrate the ability to troubleshoot complex systems under pressure. Interviewers will look for a methodical approach to diagnosing root causes in real-time environments where downtime is not an option.

Technical Proficiency in IT/OT Systems – Depending on the specific team, you need strong skills in scripting (Python, PowerShell), database management (SQL, Oracle), and an understanding of control systems (SCADA, EMS). You do not need to be a power engineer, but you must show an aptitude for learning how software interacts with hardware.

Safety and Compliance Mindset – ATC operates under strict federal regulations (NERC CIP). You will be evaluated on your respect for process, documentation, and security protocols. A "cowboy coder" attitude is a red flag here; disciplined engineering is the standard.

Cultural Alignment & Collaboration – ATC prides itself on being a "Great Place to Work" with a culture of positive energy. You need to show that you are a team player who communicates effectively with non-technical stakeholders and thrives in a hybrid, collaborative environment.

Interview Process Overview

The interview process at ATC is thorough but structured to assess both technical capability and cultural fit. It typically begins with a screening call with a recruiter or HR representative. This conversation focuses on your background, your interest in the energy sector, and your willingness to work in a hybrid model (typically based in Pewaukee or Cottage Grove, WI). They will also discuss the on-call requirements associated with supporting critical infrastructure.

Following the screen, you will move to a technical interview, often with the Hiring Manager or a Senior Engineer. This round dives into your resume and technical skills. Expect questions about your experience with system monitoring, scripting, and database maintenance. They will want to know how you handle "break/fix" scenarios and your experience with 24/7 operational environments.

The final stage is a panel interview (often onsite or comprehensive video calls) involving cross-functional team members. This stage leans heavily on behavioral questions to assess how you handle stress, conflict, and complex projects. You may also face situational questions regarding critical infrastructure protection and how you prioritize tasks when multiple systems alert simultaneously.

The timeline above represents the standard flow, though it may vary slightly by department. Use the time between the technical screen and the panel interview to research ATC’s specific role in the regional power grid and familiarize yourself with concepts like NERC CIP and SCADA.

Deep Dive into Evaluation Areas

Your interviews will focus on your ability to maintain high-availability systems and your aptitude for the specific technologies used in utility operations.

Operational Technology (OT) & EMS Knowledge

This is the core of the role for System Operations Engineers. You need to demonstrate that you understand—or can quickly learn—how to manage the systems that control the grid.

Be ready to go over:

• EMS/SCADA Fundamentals – Understanding how data is acquired from the field (RTUs) and presented to operators.
• Database Management – Designing, installing, and maintaining databases that support real-time operations.
• Real-time Displays – Creating and updating the visual interfaces used by control room operators.
• Advanced concepts – Knowledge of state estimation, contingency analysis, or historical data archiving (PI Historian).

Example questions or scenarios:

• "How would you approach upgrading a database that cannot tolerate significant downtime?"
• "Describe a time you had to troubleshoot a data discrepancy between two systems."
• "How do you ensure data integrity in a real-time monitoring environment?"

Scripting, Automation & Reliability

For Reliability Engineer roles, the focus shifts to monitoring the health of the technology stack and automating responses to incidents.

Be ready to go over:

• Scripting Languages – Proficiency in Python, PowerShell, or similar tools used for automation and system administration.
• Monitoring Tools – Experience with enterprise monitoring solutions (e.g., SolarWinds, Splunk) to detect anomalies.
• Incident Response – Triage processes for identifying the scope and impact of a technology failure.

Example questions or scenarios:

• "Walk me through a script you wrote to automate a manual maintenance task."
• "How do you determine if a system alert is a false positive or a critical issue?"
• "Describe your process for conducting a root cause analysis after a major incident."

Security & Compliance (NERC CIP)

Security is not an afterthought at ATC; it is a requirement. You must show an awareness of the security implications of your work.

Be ready to go over:

• Cyber Asset Security – Principles of securing critical infrastructure assets.
• Change Management – The importance of documenting changes and following strict approval workflows.
• Regulatory Awareness – Understanding why compliance frameworks like NERC CIP exist (even if you don't know the specific codes yet).

Example questions or scenarios:

• "How do you balance the need for quick fixes with the requirement for strict documentation?"
• "Explain how you would handle a security vulnerability discovered in a production system."

Key Responsibilities

As a Software/System Engineer at ATC, your day-to-day work is a mix of project-based development and operational support. You are responsible for the design, installation, and maintenance of the software systems that monitor the electric grid. This involves working with EMS databases, configuring SCADA points, and building the displays that operators watch to ensure grid stability.

Collaboration is a massive part of the job. You will coordinate with database administrators, network engineers, and business units to integrate custom solutions. For example, you might research and implement an enhancement to the Network Security applications or upgrade the Training Simulation environment used to train grid operators.

Support is also a critical component. You will likely participate in an on-call rotation to support the bulk electric system. This means you must be ready to respond to alerts, diagnose system faults, and provide "break/fix" support for relays, RTUs, or software applications. You will also lead efforts to proactively detect issues before they impact operations, utilizing your scripting skills to improve system reliability.

Role Requirements & Qualifications

ATC looks for candidates who combine engineering fundamentals with a practical, hands-on approach to systems.

Must-have skills:

• Educational Background – A Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related technical discipline is typically required.
• Technical Proficiency – Experience with programming/scripting (C++, Python, PowerShell) and database technologies.
• System Knowledge – Ability to troubleshoot complex software/hardware integrations.
• Communication – Strong verbal and written skills to document technical issues and communicate with non-technical stakeholders.

Nice-to-have skills:

• Utility Experience – Prior work with EMS, SCADA, or in a utility environment.
• Security Knowledge – Familiarity with NERC CIP standards or cybersecurity best practices for industrial control systems.
• Control Systems – Experience with RTUs (Remote Terminal Units) or PLCs.

Common Interview Questions

The questions at ATC are practical and behavioral. They want to know how you think and how you act in a team environment.

Technical & Operational Troubleshooting

• "Describe a complex technical problem you solved where you had to learn a new tool or system on the fly."
• "How do you approach testing a change before deploying it to a production environment?"
• "Explain a situation where you used data analysis to identify a trend or improve a system's performance."
• "What is your experience with database schema design and maintenance?"

Behavioral & Situational

• "Tell me about a time you had to explain a complex technical issue to a non-technical stakeholder. How did you ensure they understood?"
• "Describe a time you made a mistake that impacted a project. How did you handle it?"
• "How do you prioritize your work when you have multiple high-priority requests coming in at once?"
• "Give an example of how you have contributed to a positive team culture in your past roles."

Safety & Compliance

• "Why is documentation important in an engineering role?"
• "Have you ever been in a situation where you felt pressured to bypass a safety or quality procedure? What did you do?"

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is this a remote position? Most engineering roles at ATC are hybrid. You will be expected to work from the office (typically Pewaukee or Cottage Grove, WI) a few days a week to collaborate with the team and support on-premise infrastructure. The job postings explicitly state that relocation is provided if you are not local.

Q: What is the on-call expectation? Because you are supporting critical infrastructure, on-call rotations are standard for System Operations and Reliability Engineers. You need to be available to respond to critical system events to ensure the reliability of the transmission system.

Q: What is the culture like at ATC? ATC emphasizes a "positive energy" culture. It is a collaborative, stable environment that values work-life balance (within the constraints of on-call duties) and professional development. They are a "Great Place to Work" certified company and focus heavily on safety and employee well-being.

Q: How technical is the coding interview? It is generally less focused on LeetCode-style algorithms and more focused on practical application. Expect questions about scripting for automation, database queries, and system architecture rather than abstract data structures.

Other General Tips

Know the Industry Context: Research what an "Independent Transmission Company" does. Understand the difference between IT (corporate email, billing) and OT (grid operations, SCADA). Showing you understand the criticality of OT systems will set you apart.

Highlight Reliability over Speed: In many software companies, "shipping fast" is the goal. At ATC, reliability and safety are the goals. Frame your answers to show that you value rigorous testing, validation, and stability over speed.

Prepare for Behavioral Questions: ATC places high value on their "Core Competencies." Be prepared with STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) stories that demonstrate teamwork, customer focus, and results orientation.

Ask Smart Questions: In the interview, ask about the specific EMS platforms they use, their roadmap for renewable energy integration, or how they are utilizing data analytics to improve grid reliability. This shows genuine interest in the domain.

Summary & Next Steps

Working as a Software or System Operations Engineer at ATC is a chance to work on technology that matters. You aren't just optimizing ad clicks; you are ensuring that millions of people have reliable power. The role offers a blend of technical challenge—working with complex, real-time databases and control systems—and the stability of the utility sector.

To succeed, focus your preparation on system reliability, database fundamentals, and behavioral competence. Show them that you are a problem solver who respects the gravity of critical infrastructure and that you are excited to bring "positive energy" to their team.

The salary data above reflects the base pay ranges for engineering roles at ATC. Note that total compensation also includes an annual incentive bonus, a 401(k) match, and a pension plan, which significantly increases the overall value of the offer.

For more interview insights and resources to help you prepare, visit Dataford. Good luck—you have the skills to power through this process!