Distribution Engineer I

Employment Type: ALLETE - Non-Union; FLSA Status: Exempt; Location: In Person reporting to Eveleth or Duluth, MN; Internal classification: Engineer I; Visa sponsorship: not sponsored.

About the role

Play a key role in advancing a modern, reliable distribution grid by providing engineering support for automation, system enhancements, and customer-driven projects. Combines technical expertise, innovation, and stakeholder collaboration to solve complex challenges and deliver solutions that strengthen safety, reliability, and system performance.

Responsibilities

• Provide engineering support and design solutions for distribution and Grid Modernization programs, including intelligent reclosers, feeder rebuilds, feeder resiliency initiatives, substation rebuilds, and capital projects.
• Provide engineering support and design solutions for break-in work, urgent field-driven engineering requests, and customer-driven requests.
• Support power quality investigations, fault current requests, Solar/DER reviews, and standards development to ensure safe, reliable, and consistent distribution system operation.
• Support distribution automation platforms and field devices, including Data analytics, ADMS, SCADA coordination, communications coordination, relay programming coordination, and device operation reviews.
• Develop, maintain, store, and archive automation device programs and settings to support accurate operation, documentation, and long-term asset management.
• Support capacitor bank, regulator, and small device programs to improve voltage performance, reliability, operational visibility, and automation functionality across the distribution system.
• Coordinate with operations, field personnel, communications teams, and other stakeholders to ensure engineering solutions are practical, coordinated, and aligned with system needs.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in engineering
• Candidates completing their degree by December 31st, 2026 will be considered
• A valid driver’s license and the responsibility to maintain it

Skills

• Utility engineering intern experience (preferred)
• Interpersonal and communication skills required to establish and maintain positive working relationships

Pay

The expected annual compensation range for this position is $67,000 - $84,000. Compensation offered to the selected candidate will vary depending on relevant knowledge, skills, training, and experience.

Benefits

• Incentive Program
• Retirement Benefits
• Medical, Dental & Vision Plan
• Health Savings Account & Flexible Spending Accounts
• Life Insurance, Disability & Voluntary Benefits
• Paid Time Off
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Professional Development Opportunities
• Community Engagement