General Engineer-Distribution Capacity Planning

ComEd • Oakbrook Terrace, IL

174d

About The Position

The General Engineer leads and supports capacity planning for ComEd’s electric distribution system to ensure reliability, resilience, and efficiency. The role develops and applies planning methodologies, load forecasting, and system modeling to anticipate needs arising from electrification, distributed energy resources, climate impacts, and policy requirements such as the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA). It collaborates with engineering, operations, and regulatory teams to identify and justify infrastructure investments, optimize system performance, and support decarbonization. The position provides technical expertise and strategic guidance for capital planning, grid modernization, and customer programs, and may require extended hours during storms or other energy delivery emergencies.

The engineer performs distribution capacity planning studies using CYME, prepares load forecasts, designs electrical drawings in AutoCAD, and develops project scopes and cost estimates. The role evaluates and leads projects with significant financial and operational impact, supports operations with planned or emergency switching requests, and participates in cross-departmental coordination. It serves as an expert for a designated planning area, supports regulatory filings, and may provide expert opinions or testimony. The position also recommends system-performance and cost-effectiveness strategies, mentors and trains planning staff, and stays informed about emerging utility technologies and industry challenges.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering or a Professional Engineer license issued by the state in which the candidate is practicing.
• Ability to analyze and interpret complex electrical and mechanical systems.
• Knowledge of and ability to apply problem-solving approaches and engineering theory.
• Knowledge of engineering designs, principles, and practices.
• Knowledge of complex field test equipment.
• Four to seven years of professional engineering experience, subject to the stated experience reductions for an engineering master's degree or PE license.
• Broad knowledge and experience with regulations, guides, standards, codes, methods, practices, and advanced engineering principles necessary for very complex or unique assignments.
• At least two related career experiences, or Engineer in Training status, or completion of 50% of the coursework hours for an advanced technical degree, MBA, or Project Management Certification.

Nice To Haves

• Graduate degree or graduate-level work in Engineering or Business Administration, or Project Management Certification.
• Engineer-in-Training certification and/or Professional Engineer license.
• Strong teamwork and interpersonal skills, with the ability to communicate with all management levels.
• Strong written and oral communication and presentation skills, report-generation skills, and technical-writing skills.
• Working knowledge of analysis software such as CYMDIST, PSS/E, Python, PLS-CAD, Pole Foreman, Power BI, or similar.

Responsibilities

• Perform capacity planning studies of the ComEd distribution system using CYME power flow analysis software.
• Prepare load forecasts and analyze the impacts of modifications and modernization on the distribution grid.
• Design electrical drawings in AutoCAD and prepare project scopes and cost estimates for load growth, reliability, DER interconnection, Voltage Optimization, Distribution Automation, electrification, data center, and substation projects.
• Evaluate, develop, and lead projects with significant financial and operational impact; plan, write, and complete project deliverables.
• Support distribution operations with planned or emergency switching requests.
• Participate in or lead cross-departmental meetings and conference calls to ensure company alignment, potentially providing direct oversight of contractors.
• Serve as an expert for a designated planning area.
• Support regulatory filings and, as needed, serve as an expert witness or provide expert opinions on planning-related information.
• Recommend strategies to improve system performance and cost-effectiveness in alignment with company goals.
• Provide mentorship, peer review, and technical training to capacity planning staff and engineers.
• Engage with technical and industry organizations to stay informed about emerging technology and utility-sector challenges, and recommend business decisions concerning technologies, engineering techniques, and tools.
• Apply technical knowledge to promote a safe work environment and enhance customer satisfaction.

Benefits

• Annual bonus for eligible positions: 15%.
• 401(k) match and annual company contribution.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Life and disability insurance.
• Paid time off options, including vacation, sick time, floating and fixed holidays, maternity leave, and bonding/primary caregiver or parental leave.
• Employee Assistance Program and resources for mental and emotional support.
• Wellbeing programs, including tuition reimbursement, adoption and surrogacy assistance, and fitness reimbursement.
• Referral bonus program.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level