Principal Engineer - Distribution Planning

Iberdrola•Rochester, NY

2d•$128,320 - $160,400•Onsite

About The Position

Independently lead and perform highly complex distribution system studies including voltage, thermal, N‑1, reliability, resiliency, and power quality assessments. Serve as a recognized technical authority in Distribution Planning, providing expert guidance on system design, DER interconnections, and long-term system strategy. Lead development and execution of comprehensive planning studies and capital plans (including 10-year outlooks), identifying system deficiencies and recommending innovative and cost-effective solutions, including Non-Wires Alternatives (NWA). Drive technical excellence by mentoring engineers, leading cross-functional initiatives, and influencing internal and external stakeholders, including regulatory and industry forums. Act as a key contributor to strategic planning, policy development, and continuous improvement of planning methodologies, tools, and processes. Represent the organization in industry groups and support regulatory proceedings, providing expert analysis and testimony when needed. Support storm restoration efforts and may act on behalf of the Manager when required.

Requirements

BSEE required
10+ years of relevant experience in Distribution Planning, Reliability, or DER integration
Demonstrated expertise in complex system studies, planning strategy, and cross-functional leadership
Theoretical Engineering knowledge: Planning, Operations and Engineering Design, Analytics, Modeling & Calculation (e.g. sym. Components, per unit, etc.), Understanding the Business Model
Practical Engineering Experience/Application: Planning, Operations and Engineering Design, Construction, (e.g. field experience, standardization, develop business case and defend in front of stakeholders)
Engineering documentation: Ability to adequately document and interpret engineering documentation, review and approve engineering work done by others
Knowledge of Regulatory and Compliance Environment: Local, State and Federal Regulatory Standards and Requirements (NERC, NPCC, ISO, PUC, etc.)
Power System Studies - Knowledge & Interpretation of Study Assumptions and Results: (e.g. Comprehensive Area Studies, Power Flow, DER, Voltage, Contingency, phase imbalance, Power Factor correction, Short Circuit, reliability, resiliency, Capacity, distribution automation, etc.)
Software Proficiency - Power System Analytics: (e.g. CYME, PSSE, ASPEN, etc.)
System Planning & Capital Strategy: Experience developing and prioritizing multi-year capital investment plans aligned with system needs, reliability, and regulatory drivers
Innovation & Non-Wires Alternatives (NWA): Ability to evaluate alternative solutions and contribute to innovative planning approaches and process improvements

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree (MSEE or equivalent) preferred
PE License preferred
Experience engaging with regulatory bodies and industry organizations strongly preferred
Offsetting industry and other relevant technical skills will be considered for candidates without previous experience in these Distribution Planning activities (e.g. T&D Engineering, P&C, etc.)

Responsibilities

Independently lead and perform highly complex distribution system studies including voltage, thermal, N‑1, reliability, resiliency, and power quality assessments.
Serve as a recognized technical authority in Distribution Planning, providing expert guidance on system design, DER interconnections, and long-term system strategy.
Lead development and execution of comprehensive planning studies and capital plans (including 10-year outlooks), identifying system deficiencies and recommending innovative and cost-effective solutions, including Non-Wires Alternatives (NWA).
Drive technical excellence by mentoring engineers, leading cross-functional initiatives, and influencing internal and external stakeholders, including regulatory and industry forums.
Act as a key contributor to strategic planning, policy development, and continuous improvement of planning methodologies, tools, and processes.
Represent the organization in industry groups and support regulatory proceedings, providing expert analysis and testimony when needed.
Support storm restoration efforts and may act on behalf of the Manager when required.
Provide enterprise-level technical leadership across distribution planning activities and initiatives.
Lead and influence cross-OpCo and cross-functional teams on high-impact, complex programs.
Serve as a recognized Subject Matter Expert (SME) internally and externally.
Mentor, coach, and develop engineers; actively shape team technical capabilities.
Drive alignment across departments, balancing technical, financial, and regulatory objectives.
Communicate complex technical topics clearly to executives, regulators, and external stakeholders.
Demonstrate strong ownership, autonomy, and accountability in ambiguous and evolving environments.
Develop self & others.
Empower to grow.
Collaborate and share.
Be a role model.
Focus to achieve results.
Be agile.