Engineer III - Distribution Reliability Planning

Job Description

The Distribution Reliability Planning group is responsible for evaluating and improving the reliability and resiliency of more than 1,000 distribution circuits operating primarily at 12.5 kV and served by approximately 370 distribution substations throughout PSE's service territory. The team develops data-driven solutions that improve customer reliability, reduce outage risk, support wildfire mitigation initiatives, and advance PSE's grid modernization objectives.

Job Responsibilities

• Perform distribution planning studies and reliability analyses using Synergi Electric and other engineering software tools to evaluate system performance, conduct power flow analysis, model outage impacts, and identify reliability improvement opportunities.
• Monitor, analyze, and report electric distribution reliability performance, including key metrics such as SAIDI, SAIFI, CEMI, and other operational performance indicators.
• Develop and evaluate capital and operational reliability improvement projects that support PSE's Reliability Strategy, wildfire mitigation initiatives, resiliency objectives, and grid modernization efforts.
• Prepare engineering studies, technical reports, analyses, and project recommendations that support business decisions and project development.
• Collaborate with Capacity Planning, Asset Management, Electric System Design, Construction, System Operations, Vegetation Management, and other stakeholders to identify risks and develop practical, cost-effective solutions.
• Provide technical support for the planning, construction, operation, maintenance, and analysis of PSE electric distribution facilities and assets.
• Review engineering designs, project documentation, and proposed solutions to ensure projects achieve intended reliability benefits and comply with applicable codes, standards, and design requirements.
• Evaluate new and emerging technologies, tools, and solutions that support improvements in distribution system reliability, resiliency, and operational performance.
• Interpret and apply engineering principles, company and industry standards, regulatory requirements, guidelines, and planning methodologies to assigned work.
• Communicate technical information and recommendations to technical and non-technical audiences through written reports, presentations, and stakeholder meetings.
• Support emergency response work as requested, including immediate and extended restoration efforts resulting from severe weather events, wildfire-related incidents, and other system disturbances.
• May coordinate the work of engineering assistants, field technicians, contractors, consultants, and others supporting assigned projects.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science degree or PE license in electrical, mechanical, civil or other appropriate engineering field. A PE license may qualify in lieu of a degree.
• Substantial experience in planning, design, specification preparation, technical field work, project cost estimating and scheduling (typically achieved after five (5) or more years practice as a degreed engineer).
• Demonstrated organization, documentation, prioritization, and project management skills.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience working in the utility industry.
• Familiar with codes and equipment utilized in the design and operation of utility systems.
• Possession of a Professional Engineering license.
• Knowledge of engineering economics and utility accounting practices.
• Experience working on complex engineering projects.