Optimization Engineer I or II - DCC Grid

Duke Energy Corporation•Garner, NC

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Optimization Engineer position in the Distribution Control Center (DCC) is responsible for serving our Duke Energy Progress (DEP) customers through volt/var management. This engineer will be a trailblazer by helping develop and implement our volt/var strategy. They will work with great partners such as ECC, Transmission, Generation, Planning & Regulatory, Capacity Planning, etc. to support an integrated systems approach. This role is based in our brand-new facility with some of our partners and support teams that we work with daily. This position will maintain and advance the volt/var management process by helping develop strategy & governance, providing peer support and direction for Operators, Grid Techs, and Engineers in the DCC. This role will also be responsible for activities related to systems analysis, coordinating related activities with Capacity Planning Engineers, and serve as the Distribution subject matter expert (SME) on volt/var issues. This position provides support to the Lead Optimization Engineer and Grid Techs and Engineers for maintaining and coordinating all capacitor (including power factor goals) and regulator operations. This position will provide technical assistance to our field partners and other groups to help maintain a levelized voltage profile. The Optimization Engineer will support our volt/var direction for DEP’s peak shaving tool (Distribution System Demand Response (DSDR)) and provide technical assistance for the continued improvement of the Load Volt/var Management (LVM) module in the Distribution Management System (DMS) that will also be used to fulfill our regulatory requirements for Conservation Voltage Reduction (CVR). This position will support the development, testing, implementation, and continuous improvement of Emergency Voltage Reduction (EM1 and EM2) programs, ensuring system readiness and providing technical expertise during peak demand and emergency grid conditions. This individual will also be competent in DMS/LVM functionality and have the skill sets to integrate and model future Smart Grid projects. The Optimization Engineering team is responsible for monitoring the optimization of the distribution system within the DMS/DSCADA system. This team researches, identifies corrective actions, develops recommendations, and implements changes to improve the efficiency and results generated by the different DMS modes of operation. This team has the primary responsibility for maintaining the data integrity of critical systems including: (1) synchronization of geographical information between systems, (2) accuracy of load allocation in DMS, (3) modeling the DER generation in DMS, and (4) configuration of Distribution Power Flow (DPF). This team will also interact with various internal stakeholders to ensure our operational programs are maintaining voltage standards, required by the Utility Commission, and reporting benefits accurately.

Requirements

Bachelor of Science in Engineering obtained from an ABET accredited program, OR a master’s degree in Engineering in lieu of a Bachelor of Science in Engineering
Bachelor of Science in Engineering obtained from an ABET accredited program, OR a master’s degree in Engineering in lieu of a Bachelor of Science in Engineering
In addition to required degree, a minimum of two (2) years of engineering experience
Must have obtained Bachelor of Science in Engineering from an ABET accredited program
A Master's degree in Engineering will be considered in lieu of the B.S. Engineering degree.

Nice To Haves

Understanding of basic engineering theories and principles.
Understanding of basic practices of researching engineering and design issues, evaluating alternatives, making sound recommendations and preparing and presenting recommendations.
Ability to deal with a variety of individuals from various socio-economic, cultural and ethnic backgrounds.
Good written and oral communication skills.
Passing grade on the Engineering Fundamentals Exam.
Understanding of basic principles of project management.
Experience in the utility industry.
Experience with Power BI, SQL, Python, and PI.

Responsibilities

Implement Conservation Voltage Reduction (CVR) and report on energy savings benefits
Implement peak shaving voltage reduction (DSDR) and report on energy savings benefits
Validate smart grid device controller functionality and ensure compatibility with DMS
Support DMS upgrades by performing validation testing in both test and production environments
Improve the DMS model by researching inconsistencies between actual measurements and power flow calculations
Maintain the DMS system in a state of readiness for peak-shaving
Identify field conditions that impact voltage reduction capabilities
Maintain the DMS system in a state of readiness for EM1 and EM2 voltage reduction operations.
Develop and maintain operating procedures, training material, and system models supporting voltage reduction programs.
Identify and address system limitations that impact voltage optimization and emergency voltage reduction capabilities.