Engineer

PacifiCorp•Portland, OR

12d•$77,200 - $140,250•Onsite

About The Position

As an Engineer in Pacific Power’s Distribution System Planning team, you will hold a key role in enhancing the efficiency and reliability of the electrical distribution system. This role requires a solid foundation in distribution system planning, wires and non-wires solution development, toolset evaluation, data analysis, stakeholder engagement, and hosting capacity analysis. You will design, analyze, and optimize the distribution system to meet the evolving needs of the communities Pacific Power serves while incorporating innovative, cost-effective solutions.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Engineering from an accredited college/university.
Familiarity with distribution system analysis concepts, including load flow and system constraints
Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
Ability to review scientific literature and incorporate knowledge into ongoing projects.
Strong technical writing and presentation skills.
Familiarity with relevant industry standards (IEEE, IEC, NEC, NESC etc.).
Demonstrated leadership and/or project management skills.
Foundational understanding of distribution system planning concepts.
Exposure to data analysis and power systems modeling software tools.
A minimum of 2 or more years of experience in distribution system planning, or related field
Experience performing load flow analysis and identifying thermal and voltage constraints
Proficiency in data analysis and modeling, including working with time-series data
Ability to independently execute planning studies and support solution development (wires and non-wires)
Experience presenting technical information to internal stakeholders
A minimum of five or more years of experience in distribution system planning and analysis, or related professional experience.
Advanced expertise in load flow analysis, system modeling, and constraint mitigation
Strong analytical background with experience leveraging AMI, SCADA, or similar datasets
Ability to lead complex studies and develop recommendations, including non-wires solutions
Demonstrated leadership in project execution, mentoring, or cross-functional initiatives
Strong technical writing and presentation skills, including communication with external stakeholders

Nice To Haves

Experience with hosting capacity analysis methods and tools
Experience with distribution automation or grid modernization projects, including integration of advanced controls and system monitoring capabilities.
Knowledge of distributed energy resource (DER) interconnection processes for small generators (<20 MW)
Experience with data analysis and scripting tools such as SQL, Python, or JavaScript
Experience supporting or interacting with regulatory processes, including technical filings or stakeholder engagement.

Responsibilities

Develop near and long-term plans for the distribution system that align with company objectives and regulatory requirements.
Assess system needs and identify solutions to address capacity, voltage, and reliability issues.
Assess system constraints and identify cost-effective solutions, including traditional infrastructure and non-wires alternatives (e.g., DERs, energy efficiency, storage, demand response, and microgrids), to meet capacity and reliability needs.
Lead the development and execution of pilot initiatives that test innovative planning approaches and non-wires solutions.
Define success metrics, monitor performance, and communicate results to inform future planning and investment decisions.
Perform hosting capacity assessments to determine the ability of the distribution system to integrate additional DERs such as solar and energy storage.
Identify system constraints and recommend mitigation strategies.
Analyze distribution system data, including AMI and SCADA time-series data, to support planning and operational decisions.
Develop and enhance analytical tools and use cases using internal and third-party platforms.
Promote adoption of data-driven decision-making across the organization.
Collaborate with internal teams and external stakeholders, including regulators, local governments, and community organizations, to support effective and transparent distribution planning.
Adapt distribution planning processes and outputs to evolving regulatory requirements to ensure ongoing compliance.
Stay informed about emerging technologies, trends, and best practices in the field of distribution system planning to continuously improve company systems and processes.
Develop moderately complex electrical engineering studies, plans, specifications, calculations, evaluations, design documents, and performance assessments.
Determine methods and techniques for obtaining results.
Guide and direct associate level engineers, technicians and drafters.
Recommend alternative solutions to management in area of specialty on engineering solutions to meet business needs.
Maintain project timelines and budgets.
Analyze and design engineering methods.
Act as a lead/expert in the work group; train and mentor associate and career level engineers, technicians and drafters.