Distribution Strategy Engineer II, Senior, or Lead

Position Summary

This position will be responsible for short- and long-range planning studies; updating, validating, correcting, and developing distribution planning models; and supporting the electric operations teams with engineering field support, design layouts of new load additions, reviewing power quality concerns, and analysis of Distributed Energy Resources (DER) interconnections when needed.

Essential Functions

• Support reliability, operations, and future planning of electric distribution systems (systems less than 25 kV)
• Investigate and analyze system reliability performance data to report out to the organization
• Evaluate, analyze, coordinate, and implement short- and long-term planning for reliability and capacity expansion (proposing system improvements), as well as Smart Grid and renewable applications on the distribution system
• Develop supporting reports and present findings to leadership with corrective action plans to address deficiencies found within the studies completed
• Provide operational support for voltage issues, transformer overloads with root-cause investigation, in addition to supporting outage coordination and safety procedures
• Provide engineering responses for Operations support/questions and provide reasoning for the direction provided
• Perform circuit analysis reviews for loading, phase balancing, voltage concerns, reactive power, fault current, protection coordination, and contingency planning using Synergi Electric modeling software
• Coordinate line protection devices including reclosers, line fuses, and interrupter switches, while working with the System Protection Engineer to recommend distribution feeder breaker settings
• Support staff with Distributed Energy Resources (DER) analyses and proposals
• Apply standard engineering practices and techniques, utilizing prescribed methods in carrying out a sequence of engineering tasks
• As needed, apply best practices for engineering related questions

Additional Responsibilities

• Ensure compliance with federal, state, NERC and FERC regulations
• Provide after-hours support to other BHE departments during outages and emergencies as needed
• Other duties as assigned

Requirements

Level II
Bachelor's degree in Engineering required. Minimum of 1 year of experience related to electrical distribution planning and/or electrical operations support and familiarity related to distribution planning software (Synergi Electric, CYME, Windmil, ASPEN) required.

Senior
Bachelor's degree in Engineering required. Minimum 4 years of experience related to electrical distribution planning and/or electrical operations support and experience related to distribution planning software (Synergi Electric, CYME, Windmil, ASPEN) required.

Lead
Bachelor's Degree in Engineering required. Minimum 7 years of experience related to electrical distribution planning and/or electrical operations support. Minimum 3 years of experience related to distribution planning software (Synergi Electric, CYME, Windmil, ASPEN) required.

Skills & Desired Qualifications

• Good understanding of the tools and how to perform various types of analysis studies in a distribution planning software (Synergi Electric, CYME, Windmil, ASPEN) platform
• Detail-oriented with a focus on documentation and organization
• Ability to prioritize workflow, establish schedule and monitor accomplishments with some Manager input
• Ability to understand questions/needs being presented from Operations, develop an engineering response, and respond in a timely manner with some Manager input/review
• Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to effectively communicate with staff at all levels within the organization
• Ability to convey technical information to non-technical personnel
• Working knowledge of the utility electrical system design philosophy, types of electrical equipment, equipment operation, electrical circuits, drawings, and engineering analysis
• Ability to read/understand electrical one-lines, control drawings and schematics, and apply fundamental concepts, practices, and procedures of electrical engineering with Manager oversight
• Ability to maintain proficiency with programming, using, and automation of new systems and software as technology evolves
• Project management skills, ability to prioritize and complete multiple tasks in a timely manner with some Manager oversight and accurately record time spent on projects
• Ability to gain a working knowledge of applicable technical and regulatory compliance standards
• Familiarity with the National Electrical Safety Code and electric utility industry safety work practices
• Strong computer skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office – Excel, Word, PowerPoint and Outlook

Pay Range

• Level II: $86,700 – $130,050
• Senior: $97,150 – $160,150
• Lead: $105,750 – $174,450

Location

Cheyenne, Wyoming

Benefits

• Annual discretionary bonuses
• 401(k) with 6% company match and up to 9% company retirement contribution
• Tuition reimbursement
• Generous paid time off benefits, including paid holidays and parental leave
• Company paid life insurance and disability benefits (short and long term)
• Critical illness, accident & group hospital insurance
• Pet insurance
• Employee assistance program and well-being benefits
• Competitive medical, dental and vision insurance