Distribution Planning Consultant

About the position

The Distribution Planning Consultant will utilize knowledge in electrical distribution planning and application of grid technologies to improve grid performance and prepare the grid for the future challenges represented by distributed generation and electrification. The consultant will perform a broad range of studies and other consulting services to help clients make decisions backed by business and engineering analysis. This role will contribute to the execution of technical studies and work with project managers to lead the technical execution for projects.

Responsibilities

• Performs a broad range of studies and other consulting services such as load flow, transfer capability, system impact studies, generation interconnection, reliability planning, distributed energy resources (DER) and electrification impact consulting, and hosting capacity studies.
• Performs evaluations of operational technologies and grid device integration such as outage and distribution management systems (OMS/DMS) to ensure client needs are met.
• Independently develop models within distribution planning software such as CYME, Synergi, Windmil, SKM, ETAP, and equivalent.
• Evaluates system performance, simulation of power flows and developing solutions and upgrades of electric distribution facilities.
• Evaluates non-wires alternative solutions to traditional system reconfiguration and/or upgrade solutions with assessments.
• Conducts data analysis and interpretation of engineering, financial, and economic conditions and results, and subsequent technical business implications to client projects.
• Analyzes life-cycle costs by developing and incorporating technical assumptions regarding capital costs, operation and maintenance costs, performance estimates, and economic assumptions and forecasts.
• Conducts technical and business-related risk assessments that evaluate impacts associated with rules implemented by regulatory agencies.
• Develops and conducts detailed financial analysis using a variety of computer-based software.
• Develops technical reports and presentations summarizing results of analysis.
• Develops client presentations, engineering reviews, financial analysis, and contract administration for the design/planning of utility systems.
• Assist project managers in business development activities including proposal development and client relationships.
• Mentor and train other employees on technical and business aspects of projects and the industry.
• Support business lines as required by clients.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Complies with all policies and standards.

Requirements

• Bachelor Degree in Engineering from an ABET accredited program or related degree and 3 years of related experience Required or Master Degree in Engineering or Business and 2 years of experience Required.
• Prior experience associated with electric utility operations, planning, or consulting.
• Experience with distribution planning software such as CYME, Synergi, Windmil, SKM, ETAP, and equivalent.
• Experience with evaluating system performance, simulation of power flows and developing solutions and upgrades of electric distribution facilities.
• Ability to execute various distribution planning studies.
• Knowledge of operational technologies and grid device integration such as outage and distribution management systems (OMS/DMS).
• Knowledge of utility electric distribution system planning, design, construction, operations and maintenance of distribution facilities.
• Knowledge of evaluating non-wire alternative solutions to traditional system reconfiguration and/or upgrade solutions.
• Knowledge in standard engineering, construction, and operation techniques, principles, and procedures associated with power distribution facilities.
• Strong attention to detail, facilitation, team building, collaboration, organization and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work methodically and analytically in a quantitative problem-solving environment.
• Demonstrated leadership skills.
• Proven ability to lead, educate, and train a team of consultants and analysts in regards to distribution planning studies.
• Ability to independently solve difficult problems that require adaptation and modification of standard techniques, procedures, and criteria.
• Excellent written and oral communications skills.
• Demonstrated critical thinking skills.
• Ability to perform under pressure and tight deadlines and to be effective in on-site work environments.
• Ability to manage multiple projects concurrently, including identification of critical path items to ensure deliverable deadlines are met.
• Ability to focus on the big picture to effectively and efficiently provide services that meet client needs, while also having the ability to identify and analyze details that are critical to project outcomes.
• Willingness to learn new service offerings as client needs and the market requires changes to the service offerings provided by our group.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PPT).

Nice-to-haves

• Professional Engineer (PE) License Preferred.