Consulting Engineer (Integrated Grid Planning) - Oahu

About the role

The P XI ADMIN-TECHNICAL PLANNING SVCS Department of the P INTEGRATED GRID PLANNING Division at Hawaiian Electric Company has 1 Management vacancy available. (Role: Professional)

Job Function

Led the Renewable Energy Zones (“REZ”) initiative and facilitates execution of the Integrated Grid Plan ("IGP") by formulating strategies and directing plan execution. Designs and manages grant-funded projects, and serves as principal investigator for grant applications, when required. Collaborates with internal and external technology experts to improve planning methodologies and operations for long-term planning.

Essential Functions

• Technical Planning Consultant:

  • Supports the evolution of the IGP division’s technical capabilities to keep pace with industry best practices.
  • Supports and develops new strategies, products, services and processes including, but not limited to:
  • Planning requirements across forecasting, resource, transmission and distribution planning, non-wires solutions, microgrids, resiliency solutions, grid modernization, and grid transformation to meet 100% RPS requirements and other State objectives.
  • Develops new and advanced IGP analysis techniques, new models, identifies training opportunities, and evaluates new applications.
  • Represents the company as a technical expert in studies and regulatory technical sessions.
  • Presents to technical audiences, participates in industry forums, and contributes to industry standards to meet company requirements.
  • Develops the technical capabilities of the IGP division through mentoring, new analytical techniques, and new strategies.
  • Mentors and develops planning engineers.

• Project Management:

  • Leads and facilitates development of Renewable Energy Zones and other large initiatives borne out of the Integrated Grid Planning process.
  • Develops schedules, identifies risks, addresses barriers related to the execution of the IGP process.
  • Leads and facilitates development of grant applications related to Integrated Grid Planning and Distribution System Planning initiatives.
  • Collaborate with divisions/departments to integrate needs and insights into future planning.

• Utility Governance & Compliance:

  • Monitors relevant reliability issues in other jurisdictions and industry organizations (NERC, NREL, ERCOT, EPRI, AEMO, etc.) to ensure the company's Integrated Grid Planning processes, criteria, and standards are aligned with the industry or in some cases, leading the industry.
  • Assists in development of regulatory documents.
  • Stays abreast on all related regulatory activities within the companies to ensure consistency in work products.
  • Ensures that cross functional and related initiatives are aligned in regulatory filings.
  • Participates in Company emergency response activities as assigned, including any activities required to prepare for such emergency response.

Basic Qualifications

• Knowledge Requirements:
• A Bachelor of Science degree in engineering from an accredited engineering school, or in a related electric utility planning discipline.
• Thorough knowledge of the fundamental principles and practices of electric utility planning at all levels (generation, transmission, distribution).
• Thorough knowledge of the regulatory landscape and relevant company initiatives that impact system reliability.
• Thorough knowledge of applicable federal, state, and industry (NERC, IEEE, EPRI, AEMO, NREL, etc.), standards and codes that affect electrical system reliability.
• Working knowledge of project management (i.e., PMP) concepts.
• Understanding the planning process, challenges, and solutions to meeting a 100% renewable energy future, including understanding resource planning analyses, complex transmission planning analyses and system impact studies.
• Strong understanding of computers, mainframe systems, and software applications including MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SAP, and databases.
• Skills Requirements:
• Demonstrated advanced analytical, strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrated skills in innovation in planning or engineering analyses.
• Ability to conceptualize new ideas and apply them to develop new analysis methodologies and techniques.
• Effective leadership skills.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal skills to effectively communicate with all levels of the organization and the public sector. Must be able to effectively mentor and train staff engineers.
• Demonstrated self-starter who proactively identifies and addresses potential challenges or requirements for the project, program, or initiative.
• Demonstrated management of large, high-visibility projects/programs/initiatives, and the ability to work with teams of engineers.
• Experience Requirements:
• Extensive experience (10+ years) in resource planning, transmission planning, distribution planning, system operation, generating unit characteristics and performance, protection system concepts, modeling, and implementation/execution of plans and projects.
• Professional Engineer License in relevant discipline.
• Preferred Requirements:
• Possess Advanced degree in engineering, project management, or business-related field.
• Registered Project Management Professional.
• Two (2) or more years of supervisory or management experience.

About Hawaiian Electric Companies

Hawaiian Electric Companies provide electricity and services to 95 percent of the state's 1.4 million residents. The company is also one of the state's leading employers and a major contributor and supporter of community and educational programs.

EEO Statement

Hawaiian Electric Companies is an equal opportunity employer, including disability and protected veteran status. Hawaiian Electric Companies complies with all applicable laws, including Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Any request for reasonable accommodation needed during the application process should be communicated by the candidate to the HR Service Center at (808) 543-4848.