Leader Electric Distribution Planning

NiSource•Merrillville, IN

About The Position

The Leader, Electric Distribution Planning will lead a team responsible for shaping the near- and long-term development of the electric distribution system through data-driven planning, advanced system modeling, and cross-functional collaboration. Reporting to the Manager, Distribution Planning and Protection, this role owns the development and maintenance of distribution planning models (including CYME and AMI data integration), performs and oversees planning and performance studies, and translates results into actionable investment and upgrade recommendations. The position partners across the organization to ensure deliverability projects secure required approvals, remain on track, and align with evolving planning criteria, reliability needs, customer growth, and distributed energy resource integration. This leader also supports executive and regulatory reporting and represents the company in regulatory forums by providing clear technical justification and defensible analysis.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or electrical engineering technology from an ABET-accredited college program.
4+ years of experience in the electric utility industry, preferred electrical distribution planning
Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to use appropriate judgment based upon internal/external business situations
Strong communication, presentation, and computing skills, as well as strong quantitative and qualitative analytical skills
Valid driver’s license
Authorized to work in the United States without requiring sponsorship.

Nice To Haves

Master’s Degree: Advanced degree in engineering, economics, or business, with a preference for candidates holding an electrical engineering degree.
Demonstrated leadership experience with responsibility for managing others, preferably engineers.
Prior experience in an electric utility and/or a senior-level engineering role in Distribution Planning
Mastery of distribution system planning and associated computer modeling programs such as CYME or any other distribution load flow software.

Responsibilities

Leads the development and maintenance of engineering models of the distribution system
Uses engineering models as the basis for system planning, operation, and performance studies
Organizes the performance of various studies and reports for executive and/or regulatory purposes (e.g., IURC, FERC, OUCC or other regulatory body)
Leads the integration of new customers, load growth, and distributed energy resources
Investigates distribution system failures, customer complaints or other operating problems and develops corrective action plans
Leads efforts to develop a long-term capital investment plan
Works cross-organizationally to ensure deliverability projects have the required budget approval and are progressing as required
Coordinates work with the team and various internal and external customers relating to the impact, capabilities, and development of the distribution system
Leads cross-functional collaboration with various stakeholders within the company to advance distribution system needs
Attends IURC, OMS, and other regulatory body meetings to ensure NIPSCO’s position is presented
Ensures AMI system integration in CYME models to more accurately propose system upgrades
Spearheads efforts to develop and evolve Distribution Planning Criteria
Responds to operational needs to address system shortcomings in the near term and develop a comprehensive plan, as applicable, for long-term solutions
Serves as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) for NIPSCO distribution-related inquiries
Presents to senior leadership on distribution planning-related topics
Maintains proficiency by participating in industry reliability and protection forums or working groups to consult with external entities to ensure proper protection techniques are implemented in accordance with applicable industry standards and for the safe and reliable operation of the grid
Identifies and implements process improvement changes to better facilitate Distribution Planning duties, responsibilities, and/or workflow