Engineer - Distribution Planning

Job Summary

The Distribution Planning Engineer will solve moderately complex problems and utilize best practices and knowledge of internal/external business issues to improve processes, studies or projects. Work is to be completed with minimal guidance. Applies established distribution planning criteria and uses sound utility engineering practices to identify deficiencies in the distribution system. Utilizes complex computer aided analysis tools to develop cost efficient wire and non-wire alternative solutions to known distribution system issues.

Studies new distributed generation interconnection applications and performs system impact studies. Assists Distribution Engineers and Field Planners in evaluating system reliability and new service requirements. Follow updates in research and developments taking place in the power industry, through training and industry associations and committees. Assignments may include travel to different Avangrid network companies.

Title: Engineer - Distribution Planning

Salary Range: $87,600 to $109,500

Location: NY Rochester

Work type: Office

• Perform detailed, moderately complex engineering analyses following standard methodology, criteria and principles as well as other viable approaches. Develop alternate planning concepts to resolve moderately complex problems including non-wire alternatives to electric distribution capital budgeted projects.
• Solve moderately complex Distribution Planning (DP) & Reliability problems. Take a new perspective on established methods such as large-scale system expansion, large customer load additions, voltage drops, and area planning studies.
• Develop, prepare, maintain, and understand planning methodologies, study models and documentation (feed load, need statement, project scope, one-line diagrams) for moderately complex assignments.
• Represent Distribution Planning on assigned Avangrid demonstration projects and initiatives and industry teams. Act as a resource for colleagues with less experience and provide guidance on Distribution Planning & Reliability issues.
• Guide or mentor others. Review the planning and reliability engineering work of subordinate engineers & consultants. Interpret & make recommendations with respect to customer & stakeholder needs. Explain difficult issues & work to establish consensus.
• Promote cross‑functional teamwork on assigned tasks and projects. Assist in guiding and mentoring engineers in planning and reliability analysis development. Provide direction for resources outside of the department.
• Work independently in performing analysis to address standard and non‑standard situations. Apply design and planning standards, industry codes, criteria, guidelines and Avangrid policies/procedures.
• Interpret processes and standards related to Distribution Planning and Reliability. Recommend solutions and best practices for standard and non‑standard situations. Represent Distribution Planning on projects, task forces and studies.
• With minimal to moderate guidance, develop study reports and manage small projects/studies/initiatives or teams in accordance with applicable Avangrid guidelines. Coordinate phases of planning engineering for assigned portions of a project/program.
• Proficient at utilizing computer aided analysis tools to identify system deficiencies and plan for system reinforcements. Review applications of distributed generation and perform system impact studies.
• Possess a depth and breadth of experience in Distribution Planning or another related Engineering area, along with related business practices and procedures. Able to explain difficult issues and work to establish consensus. Able to work in a cross‑functional team and guide or mentor other team members.
• Assists during storm restoration.

• Education: BS/BA Degree in Electrical Engineering from an ABET (or equivalent) accredited college/university.
• Experience: 2 years performing engineering duties with completion of Basic Engineering Training Curriculum (e.g. ECNE-PUI) or equivalent.
• Strong theoretical engineering knowledge in planning, operations, design, analytics, modeling & calculation. Understanding of the…