Associate Distribution Operations Engineer Journey

SMUD•Rancho Cordova, CA

5d•$131,248 - $173,888•Hybrid

About The Position

The intent of this job posting is to fill one full-time position and establish an eligibility list which may be used to fill current and future, permanent and limited-term, vacancies for up to two (2) years. The successful candidate will provide real-time engineering support for the operation of the distribution system including troubleshooting, testing and maintenance of the Advanced Distribution Management System (ADMS), Distributed Energy Resource Management System (DERMS), and Outage Management System (OMS). This is the journey level (J) within the Distribution Operations Engineer classification series. Positions within this classification will demonstrate an ability to work on one's own with minimal oversight performing difficult and more complex work than the entry level (E). The journey level is distinguished from the senior level in that the latter requires a higher level of complexity, difficulty and level of tasks assigned, broader authority to make decisions, and advanced technical knowledge. Advancement to the senior level is done through a formal hiring process.

Requirements

A Bachelor of Science Electrical Engineering degree or closely related discipline from an accredited college or university.
Three or more (3+) years of progressively responsible relevant experience in planning and/or operations of electric distribution systems; assisting staff in support of real-time systems and operations.
Certification as an Engineer-In-Training (EIT) in the state of California.
Must possess and maintain a valid California Driver’s License (CDL) and a satisfactory driving record (not more than two moving violations in the last two years).

Nice To Haves

Experience with Data Analytics, SQL, and Python.
Experience with distribution system modeling and system study tools (e.g., CYME, OpenDSS, Synergi).

Responsibilities

Utilizes distribution system modeling and analysis tools to determine optimum system configuration to maximize substation and circuit utilization.
Performs N-1 studies by analyzing system deficiencies, evaluating technical and non-technical impacts, performing power flow analysis and fault studies to assess system performance under normal and abnormal conditions and proposing alternative solutions.
Obtains and analyzes system performance data to improve reliability, reduce losses and optimize the grid.
Provides engineering support for system outages or emergencies during normal and after hours (including on-call).
Performs detailed assessment of power quality data and recommends solutions to improve customer experience and resolve power quality related problems.
Reviews proposals for customer generation interconnection and evaluates operational impacts to the distribution system.
Evaluates system impacts from Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) such as customer sited PV, energy storage, electric vehicles, and demand response under various deployment scenarios.
Provides engineering and technical support, troubleshoots, tests, and maintains ADMS and DERMS and advanced applications such as Fault Locations Isolation and Service Restoration, Volt VAr Optimization (VVO), Distribution Power Flow (DPF) and State Estimation (SE), Feeder Reconfiguration, Operator Training Simulator (OTS), and Switch Order Management (SOM).
Provides real-time support for database administration, power and network changes and outages, and system performance issues for ADMS and DERMS.
Develops functional and technical requirements of DERs for grid management and optimization.
Configures and maintains real-time communication datalinks to Energy Management System (EMS) as well as develops and maintains imaging of Remote Terminal Units (RTUS).
Supports lab testing, commissioning of new substations and monitoring, maintaining and troubleshooting issues, and day-to-day communication with Distribution Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (D-SCADA) and Distribution Automation devices.
Tracks existing tickets, issues new tickets, and follows through on SLAs, to ensure full availability of D-SCADA.
Orders new equipment and work with vendors for warranty support.
Supports commissioning of substations and develops one-line diagrams in ADMS/D-SCADA.
Performs other related duties as needed.