Engineer I - Energy Storage Engineering

Duke Energy•Charlotte, NC

About The Position

The Engineer I is an entry-level engineering position that solves problems in areas of specialization under close supervision while developing skills and the ability to work more independently. The role requires knowledge of fundamental electric power system concepts and supports Duke Energy internal groups developing battery energy storage and microgrid projects. The engineer applies power system modeling and analysis skills to distribution and/or transmission systems and works with inverter-based resources, including battery energy storage systems (BESS) and microgrids, with familiarity with other renewable technologies such as solar. The position provides engineering support throughout project development, with a focus on BESS and microgrid siting, design, power system modeling, and integration of distributed energy technologies in Duke Energy regulated jurisdictions. It evaluates and mitigates technical risks involving project designs, supports detailed design through construction and commissioning, develops performance testing criteria, and evaluates commissioning test results. It also supports inverter-based resource site models through steady-state analysis, dynamic studies, and electromagnetic transient (EMT) analysis. The engineer collaborates with internal stakeholders including Project Management and Construction, Supply Chain, Transmission, Distribution, Generation, IT, Interconnection, and Health & Safety, as well as third-party consultants, equipment vendors, system integrators, and Engineering Procurement and Construction firms. The role requires approximately 10% travel to support projects; the listed travel requirement is 5–15%.

Requirements

Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering with a power systems, controls, or power electronics focus from an ABET-accredited program; a master’s degree in Electrical Engineering may be considered in lieu of the B.S. Electrical Engineering degree.
Power system modeling experience or skills using tools such as PSSE/TARA, CYME, PSCAD, ETAP, and MATLAB.
Coursework in power systems analysis, power electronics, drive/converter controls, and/or fault analysis.
Ability to work lawfully in the United States without employment-based immigration sponsorship, now or in the future.
Ability to work with individuals from varied socioeconomic, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds.
Strong project management, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
Ability to work with diverse teams and different backgrounds and personalities.
Ability to collect and organize data, apply procedures, and read and comprehend technical drawings, graphs, maps, and other technical documents.

Nice To Haves

Master’s and/or Ph.D. in engineering.
Knowledge of generation interconnection requirements.
Knowledge of power system analysis.
Experience in the electric utility industry.
Experience with transient stability studies, dynamic modeling, power electronics, or converter controls.
Working experience with software and programming such as Python, Simulink, SQL, and Pi Historian.
Familiarity with inverter-based resources such as BESS and microgrids and with renewable technologies such as solar.

Responsibilities

Support greenfield and brownfield development through site screening and selection, system feasibility studies, preliminary design, cost estimates, and technical due diligence.
Perform power system modeling and analysis using tools such as PSSE/TARA, CYME, CYMCAP, PSCAD, ETAP, and MATLAB.
Design battery facilities, including power and energy sizing, electrical single-line diagrams, equipment selection, preliminary physical site layout, and site access, following jurisdictional guidelines, industry best practices, and company standards.
Create and submit interconnection requests for distribution- and transmission-connected projects and analyze study results.
Provide technical support and analysis for conductor ampacity, capacity testing, reactive power, harmonic, and system protection studies.
Work with Supply Chain to develop technical packages and requirements for Requests for Proposals for EPC firms and key equipment.
Support optimization of BESS system design and output.
Analyze degradation impacts for future and in-service BESS and for anticipated future dispatch.
Prepare accurate technical reports, correspondence, documentation, calculations, and design plans for projects and analyses of increasing scope and complexity.
Stay informed about technology advancements, market trends, best practices, and relevant energy storage guidelines and standards.
Maintain equipment supplier relationships and advise Supply Chain and Project Management and Construction on energy storage technology trends.
Provide engineering support on BESS and microgrid siting, design, modeling, integration, detailed design, construction, commissioning, and performance testing.
Support inverter-based resource site models, including transmission and distribution steady-state analysis, dynamic studies, and EMT analysis.
Collaborate with internal stakeholders and third-party consultants, equipment vendors, system integrators, and EPC firms.
Travel to support projects.