Senior Engineer, Distribution System Planning

Responsibilities

• Performs as project leader and/or carries out assignments requiring mastery of subject matter, with extensive experience associated with planning distribution substation facilities, distribution lines and underground network systems in an electric power system.
• Exhibits strong technical skills on the design of the electric power system.
• Represents the company regarding matters in distribution planning at the state public utility commissions and various state and regional entities.
• Identifies Distribution System problems involving multiple feeders and substations, leads and conducts scenario-based planning studies, evaluates alternatives and recommends appropriate solutions to ensure a reliable distribution system.
• Build, maintain, and validate electrical distribution models including low‑voltage meshed network components and secondary distribution topologies with power system simulation tools.
• Collaborate with multiple cross‑functional groups in developing a long‑range planning criterion for integrating and enabling two‑way communication of new technologies, including photovoltaic solar (PV), electric vehicles (EV), and battery storage.
• Prepare contingency studies for distribution networks including N‑1 and N‑2 analysis.
• Propose new distribution substation and associated OH and UG feeders.
• Perform area wide voltage and power factor studies, recommending findings to distribution engineering and operations.
• Leads or conducts forecast studies to determine loads used in distribution planning studies.
• Partners with other departments (Distribution Engineering, Asset Management, Standards, Transmission/Substation engineering, etc.) to prepare economic analysis for complex projects; recommends the allocation of costs for facilities used jointly with other utilities.
• Recommends project priorities for the capital construction program financial review.
• Conducts and/or manages the studies required to support the need for facilities, the evaluation of alternatives and the preferred solution contained in chapters, reports and testimony for distribution applications for proceedings before regulatory agencies.
• Prepares distribution related documentation and/or testimony to support regulatory filings.
• Effective communication, support and implementation with distribution customers pertaining to proposed facilities.
• Provides leadership in coordinating multiple cross‑functional groups, and positive guidance for engineers.
• Psuppresents recommendations and/or results to all levels of management as appropriate.
• Represents the department and the company on various committees.
• Recommends the development and/or changes as appropriate of criteria and standards for distribution planning.

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering required, Electric Power Systems preferred.
• Advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum of five (5) years related experience in planning, design, and operations related to distribution line, distribution substation facilities, and underground network systems with a thorough knowledge of power system planning.
• Registered Professional Engineer in Connecticut, Massachusetts or New Hampshire is desirable.
• Working knowledge of electric simulation software models and power distribution systems analysis, including load‑flow, transient, and 8760‑hours simulation.
• Hands‑on experience running and executing electrical simulations in Synergi Electric, CYME or equivalent power system simulation programs.
• Knowledge of new technologies including but not limited to photovoltaic solar, electric vehicles, and battery storage.
• Knowledge of the techniques for planning the expansion of distribution lines and distribution substation facilities.
• Advanced knowledge of electrical theory as applied to planning an electric power supply system.
• Advanced knowledge of distribution line design and operating practices.
• Knowledge of National, State and other planning standards.
• Good written and oral communication skills, including formal presentation.
• Excellent teamwork skills.
• Effective interpersonal skills, ability to develop strategic partnerships.
• Ability to achieve desired results by setting high standards for self and others and accepts responsibility for outcomes.