Distribution Planner

About the role

This role focuses on distribution planning activities for electric distribution systems, ensuring safe, reliable, and efficient power delivery. You will analyze load growth, perform power system studies, evaluate voltage and VAR performance, and identify opportunities to improve system reliability and capacity. The position works closely with engineering, operations, reliability, construction planning, and resource management teams, supports infrastructure expansion projects, and may contribute to system emergency response and strategic grid modernization initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Analyze load growth and forecast capacity requirements for distribution substations and distribution circuits.
• Perform distribution system studies, including voltage and VAR analysis, to assess system performance.
• Identify system deficiencies and develop recommended solutions to improve performance, reliability, and capacity.
• Develop project scopes and engineering recommendations to support distribution infrastructure expansion projects.
• Assist with customer load evaluations and method-of-service decisions to ensure appropriate service solutions.
• Support reliability, power quality, engineering, and operations teams with technical analysis and planning recommendations.
• Conduct engineering studies and technical evaluations of moderate complexity for distribution systems.
• Prepare clear technical reports, calculations, correspondence, documentation, and engineering recommendations.
• Support strategic grid improvement initiatives and long-range planning efforts for the electric distribution system.
• Develop and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Maintain accurate project records, engineering documentation, and supporting files for assigned projects.
• Provide engineering support during storm restoration and emergency response activities as needed.
• Utilize tools such as CYME, GIS, Bentley Open Utility Designer, MicroStation, and related applications to perform system planning, capacity analysis, and circuit studies.
• Contribute to distribution engineering and design activities, including coordination with substation, transmission, and distribution teams.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering from an ABET-accredited program.
• 1–5 years of engineering experience, including at least 1 year of distribution engineering or distribution design experience.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills applied to power distribution systems and capacity planning.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for preparing reports and collaborating with cross-functional teams.
• Able to manage multiple priorities and projects in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience with electric distribution systems, including substations, feeders, and distribution infrastructure.
• Experience with distribution capacity planning, circuit analysis, or system planning.
• Experience supporting electric utility engineering, design, planning, operations, or reliability teams.
• Familiarity with GIS and distribution system applications.
• Understanding of distribution substation design and distribution system operations.
• Ability to evaluate engineering alternatives and prepare technical recommendations.
• Understanding of project management fundamentals.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering for candidates without direct distribution planning experience.
• Electric utility distribution experience is highly preferred for all candidates.
• Demonstrated understanding of power distribution systems and electrical engineering fundamentals.
• Experience with CYME for distribution system modeling and analysis is a plus.
• Experience with tools such as BOUD, Maximo, Smallworld, Bentley Open Utility Designer, MicroStation, and GIS for system planning and asset management.
• Background in power distribution, transmission, and substation-related engineering is beneficial.
• EIT certification or successful completion of the FE Exam is a plus.
• Experience with DER integration, voltage optimization, infrastructure upgrades, and capital improvement projects is advantageous.
• Familiarity with strategic grid modernization programs and storm-hardening initiatives is beneficial.