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.

Common Interview Questions

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."