Lead Engineer (Electrical Planning and Design)

natgridProd•Buffalo, NY

8d•$133,000 - $157,000

About The Position

National Grid is hiring Lead Engineers for its Electric Organization, with positions based in Syracuse, Albany, or Buffalo, New York. Lead Engineers help ensure the reliability, safety, and efficiency of electric transmission and distribution systems. The work includes developing standards, designing control systems, managing assets, and integrating new technologies. The role collaborates across departments to support construction, maintenance, and operation of electrical systems and to advance strategic business objectives and regulatory compliance. Depending on the role, responsibilities may focus on substation standards or distribution planning and asset management. Substation work includes contributing to engineering and design standards, providing technical support, reviewing design documents and manufacturers’ drawings, and researching new technologies. Distribution planning work includes assessing system capacity and reliability, conducting area studies, developing infrastructure plans, supporting system applications and operations, evaluating co-generation interconnection requests, and resolving customer and operating issues. The salary range is $133,000–$157,000. The position offers a career path with advancement opportunities within and across bands as employees gain experience, expertise, and technical skills. National Grid is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer that values diversity and inclusion.

Requirements

Bachelor of Science in Electrical, Civil/Structural, or Mechanical Engineering from an ABET-accredited school.
At least 10 years of relevant engineering experience, specifically in transmission, distribution, or substation engineering.
Strong working knowledge of industry and safety standards and current design codes, especially the National Electrical Safety Code (NESC).
Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Knowledge of relevant industry practices, standards, legislation, and technical advancements.
Valid driver's license and safe driving record.
Willingness to travel for meetings, training, and conferences, with potential extended hours for emergencies or system events.
Working knowledge of electrical utility and substation construction and maintenance practices, substation materials and equipment, grounding and lightning study analysis, and IEEE, ANSI, NFPA 70, ASTM, NEC, and NESC codes.

Nice To Haves

A master’s degree.
Engineer in Training (EIT) certificate.
Professional Engineer (PE) license; preferred for some roles.

Responsibilities

Prepare and contribute to the development and implementation of substation engineering and design philosophies, standards, guidelines, equipment specifications, and procedures.
Identify risks and establish actions to ensure compliance with standards and regulatory requirements.
Provide technical support to Engineering, Design, Operations, IT, Construction, and other departments.
Review substation design materials, including single-line and elementary diagrams, physical plans and elevations, conduit and cable schedules, lighting and lightning designs, bills of materials, and manufacturers’ drawings.
Research and support the adoption of new substation technologies, including pilots.
Perform calculations and studies supporting substation standards, including grounding, AC and DC system sizing, lightning protection, lighting, and rigid bus design.
Assess sub-transmission and distribution system capacity and reliability and develop modernization plans as needed.
Conduct short- and long-term area studies and develop integrated infrastructure plans aligned with National Grid’s strategic objectives.
Develop conceptual project plans that economically address identified transmission and distribution system needs.
Provide technical support for the application, operation, and maintenance of electric transmission and distribution systems.
Evaluate co-generation interconnection requests for distribution-system impacts and develop suitable connection plans.
Resolve customer issues and operating problems, including fault duty, stray voltage, power quality, and motor-start issues.