DER Planning Engineer (Hybrid Schedule)

Eversource Energy•Westwood, MA

1d•$100,490 - $111,660•Hybrid

About The Position

As a member of the Distribution System Planning department, the Distributed Energy Resource (DER) Planning Engineer provides distribution-focused subject matter expertise in DER power system studies and project development. In this role, you will be responsible for executing technical reviews, modeling, and analyses for generation and storage facilities interconnecting with the distribution system. The successful candidate will conduct comprehensive DER studies to evaluate distribution-connected assets, ensuring their optimal integration and assessing their impact on the reliability and performance of the distribution network.

Requirements

Deep understanding of electrical engineering concepts, including distributed generation (DG), energy storage, reliability, load flow, flicker, stability, short circuit, voltage regulation, transients, power factor, and losses.
Technical comprehension of power delivery system parameters and functions, along with power industry fundamentals, practices, and standards.
Proven knowledge of and experience with power system modeling and simulation software for steady-state power flow, voltage, short circuit, stability, and electromagnetic transients.
Strong written and verbal communication, interpersonal, presentation, negotiation, and persuasion skills.
Commitment to adhering to corporate Codes of Conduct, Business Ethics, Environmental, and Diversity Policies.
Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Power Systems, or a closely related field.
3+ years of professional power systems experience; electric utility background is strongly preferred.
Must be available to work emergency restoration assignment as required.
Must be available to travel between MA/CT/NH as necessary.
Depending on the specific nature of the engineering role, position may require occasional to significant travel by car. A valid driver’s license is required.

Nice To Haves

An advanced degree may substitute for some experience.
Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certification or Professional Engineer (PE) license.

Responsibilities

Develop distribution system power flow models using Synergi and PSCAD software, utilizing Eversource System Planning Guides to study the interconnection of generation and storage.
Assist in the assessment and analysis of proposed solutions associated with Distributed Energy Resources (DER) integration and their impact on the distribution and ISO-NE regional systems.
Prepare documentation for the ISO-NE interconnection process as needed.
Manage the review and impact analysis of distribution interconnection requests within the assigned Area Work Center (AWC), which includes: Reviewing and preparing Pre-Application Reports. Providing review and feasibility assessment support for applications in the interconnection queue.
Interface and collaborate with internal and external stakeholders, including System Planning, Transmission, Distribution Line and Substation Engineering, Asset Management, Siting, Environmental and Permitting, and Operations, to determine planning needs and proposed plans.
Verify the technical feasibility and soundness of proposed plans utilizing industry-accepted techniques.
Develop design solutions and alternative strategies to mitigate identified assessment criteria violations.
Conduct assessments and develop options to accommodate DER interconnections by identifying key technical issues and engineering alternative solutions, which includes: Applying industry and corporate distribution planning standards in conjunction with federal, state and local regulations.
Demonstrate complete ownership of projects and maintain accountability for the overall project schedule.
Participate in customer calls to explain and defend technical findings.
Provide weekly updates on project deliverables.
Assist with preparing Project Authorization Forms (PAFs) and other internal authorization documents; present them at monthly meetings.
Represent the company and the department on relevant industry committees.
Collaborate with internal and external cross-functional teams to engineer customer-focused solutions.
Maintain the approved inverter list by auditing UL certifications for new models.
Deliver clear, written and verbal technical analysis and action plans to internal and external stakeholders.
Support emergency storm response efforts during severe weather or system outages.