Distribution Planning – Associate Director

Electric Power Engineers • Austin, TX

53d • Remote

About The Position

We are designing the grid of the future! As the Associate Director of Distribution Planning, you will help define and advance the evolution of EPE’s planning services. From DER integration and hosting capacity to scenario planning and non-wires solutions, our Distribution Planning team is shaping the foundation of tomorrow’s grid. This role combines strategic and technical leadership with operational and organizational responsibility. You will guide a talented team, foster client partnerships, and collaborate across disciplines to deliver innovative, data-driven planning solutions that strengthen the grid and the communities it serves.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering (or a related field)
• 7+ years of experience in Power Systems Planning, focusing on Distribution and DER Planning.
• 5+ years of leadership experience, where you’ve guided teams or organizations toward achieving strategic objectives.
• Demonstrated leadership in managing engineering teams and complex projects. Mentor junior staff and foster a collaborative, mission-driven culture.
• Robust technical knowledge of DER integration, distribution system planning and analysis, hosting capacity analysis and load and DER interconnection studies
• Deep understanding of advanced distribution planning practices, including multi-objective and risk-based planning, asset strategy and resiliency planning, and integrated system planning.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional planning teams, manage P&L, and drive organizational growth.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and relationship-management skills.
• Proven ability to lead through influence, building relationships and cultivating buy-in across diverse internal and external stakeholder groups.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Power Systems, or a related field; a PE license or other relevant professional certification is a plus.
• 7+ years of leadership experience, with proven capabilities in team-building, mentorship, and strategic planning at a department or organizational level.
• Prior Profit & Loss (P&L) management experience, including budget forecasting, cost optimization, and revenue growth.
• Business development experience, especially in identifying market opportunities and forging strategic partnerships that drive organizational expansion.

Responsibilities

• Define the long-term vision for EPE’s Distribution Planning practice, advancing our capabilities in advanced and integrated system planning strategy and implementation.
• Lead the development and enhancement of core and emerging services such as DER integration and interconnection, hosting capacity analysis, non-wires solutions (NWS), scenario-based planning, and multi-objective or risk-based planning that address capacity, reliability, resiliency, and asset management.
• Expand planning capabilities into asset strategy and resiliency planning, helping utilities evolve from traditional capacity studies to holistic, value-driven decision frameworks
• Collaborate closely with EPE’s ENER-i development team to translate industry and client planning needs into functional priorities that guide the evolution of our planning software suite and define the tools that will shape the future of distribution planning.
• Support utilities in developing strategic planning roadmaps and frameworks that integrate data, technology, and policy to advance long-term grid objectives.
• Identify strategic growth areas, establish service expansion goals, and contribute to business development and client diversification initiatives.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with other departments
• Foster a collaborative culture by promoting open communication, knowledge sharing, and continuous improvement in technical and professional skills.
• Promote high morale by recognizing achievements, celebrating milestones, and cultivating an inclusive, supportive environment.
• Develop emerging leaders and establish clear career paths across the organization.
• Manage, mentor, and develop an engineering team, providing clear direction, regular feedback, and accountability for on-time project deliveries.
• Oversee performance management, setting measurable goals that align with organizational objectives and supporting structured career development paths.
• Recruit and onboard top engineering talent, ensuring the team has the skills and capacity to meet both current and future demands.
• Oversee operational performance of the Distribution Planning group, including financial management, resource planning, and project execution.
• Develop annual growth and revenue targets, track KPIs, and drive accountability for efficiency, quality, and delivery.
• Champion process innovation and automation to improve consistency, reduce cycle time, and elevate quality across projects.
• Implement rigorous project management and QA/QC frameworks to ensure all work meets scope, schedule, and budget expectations.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to existing clients, building strong relationships and ensuring high levels of customer satisfaction and retention.
• Collaborate with the Business Development team by leading and participating in client meetings, providing high-level technical and strategic insights that address client challenges and support successful project outcomes
• Lead proposal and RFP responses, articulating EPE’s unique value proposition and collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliver compelling pitches.
• Represent EPE at industry events, conferences, and working groups to strengthen our leadership presence in distribution and integrated system planning.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health and wellness benefits including medical, dental, and vision with 100% premium coverage for you
• Generous PTO and paid holidays
• MyShare Employee Ownership Program
• Work with industry leaders
• 401K, up to a 4% match (100% vested from day 1)

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 101-250 employees