Engineer I - Energy Storage Engineering

Duke Energy Corporation•St. Petersburg, FL

About The Position

The Engineer I is an entry-level engineering role that solves problems in specialized engineering areas 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 position focuses on engineering skills related to power system modeling and analysis of distribution and/or transmission systems, inverter-based resources such as battery energy storage systems (BESS) and microgrids, and familiarity with other renewable technologies such as solar. The Engineer I supports project development, design, construction, and commissioning for distribution- and transmission-connected energy storage projects. Work includes siting analysis, system modeling, integration of distributed energy technologies, technical risk assessment, performance testing, and inverter-based resource modeling. The position collaborates with internal stakeholders across project management and construction, supply chain, transmission, distribution, generation, IT, interconnection, and health and safety, as well as external consultants, equipment vendors, system integrators, and EPC firms. Travel is required to support projects, approximately 10% (the posting also lists a travel requirement of 5–15%).

Requirements

Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering with a focus in power systems, controls, or power electronics from an ABET-accredited program; a master's degree in Electrical Engineering may be accepted in lieu of the bachelor's degree.
Power system modeling 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 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.
Ability to work lawfully in the United States without employment-based immigration sponsorship, now or in the future.

Nice To Haves

Master's and/or PhD 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 Python, Simulink, SQL, and Pi Historian.

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, and equipment selection; develop preliminary physical site layouts and site access plans in accordance with 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 EPC and key-equipment Requests for Proposals.
Support efforts to optimize BESS system design and output.
Analyze degradation impacts for future and in-service BESS and expected 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 applicable energy storage guidelines and standards.
Maintain equipment supplier relationships and advise Supply Chain and PMC on energy storage technology trends.
Provide engineering support on technical matters throughout project development, especially BESS and microgrid siting and design, power system modeling, and integration of distributed energy technologies.
Evaluate, identify, and mitigate technical risks associated with proposed project designs using knowledge of BESS and microgrid engineering, generating facilities, interconnection requirements, inverter and plant controls, metering schemes, and steady-state power system analysis.
Support detailed design, construction, and commissioning of distribution- and transmission-connected battery storage projects.
Develop performance testing criteria and evaluate test results during site commissioning.
Support inverter-based resource site models, including transmission and distribution steady-state analysis, dynamic studies, and EMT analysis.