Real-Time Distribution Systems Engineer

Portland General Electric • Tualatin, OR

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

At PGE, our work involves dreaming about, planning for, and realizing a smarter, cleaner, more enduring Oregon neighborhood. Its core to our DNA and we haven’t stopped since we started in 1888. We energize lives, strengthen communities and drive advancements in energy that promote social, economic and environmental progress. We’re always on the lookout for people passionate about leading and being a part of teams that are advancing innovative clean energy solutions that are also affordable and accessible to all. Operate the grid. Modernize the grid. Shape the future. Portland General Electric (PGE) is seeking an experienced, impact-driven Power Systems Engineer to join our Integrated Operations Center; the nerve center for real-time distribution grid management across Oregon. In this role, you’ll provide critical engineering support for live grid operations, maintain and refine the as-operated system model, and help lead our journey toward a smarter, more automated grid. You’ll work directly with control room operators, planners, field engineers, and smart grid teams to ensure our grid is reliable, resilient, and ready for tomorrow. This role is open to both career level Distribution Operations Engineers and early career Distribution Operations Engineers. Title and level will be determined based on your experience and demonstrated qualifications. This position is open to two P-levels: Associate Operations Distribution Engineer (Grade 5 / P1 – Entry) and Operations Distribution Engineer (Grade 6 / P2 – Intermediate). The level at which an offer is made will be determined based on the selected candidate’s qualifications, skills, and experience.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering (ABET-accredited program preferred).
• Distribution Operations Engineer/p2: 2+ years in electrical/power engineering.
• Associate Distribution Operations Engineer/p1: Experience Typically two or fewer years in engineering.
• Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam strongly preferred; may be required based upon role.
• ADMS, OMS, and power system modeling platforms
• Distribution protection schemes and automation
• Voltage control equipment and clearance management
• Utility safety and operations standards
• Strong analytical thinking, communication, collaboration, and the ability to translate technical insights into operational actions.
• Ability to adhere to set response times, deadlines and time-sensitive tasks
• Ability to follow accuracy standards
• Ability to follow through on decision-making tasks
• Ability to interact effectively and collaboratively within a team environment
• Ability to communicate and problem solve when under stress
• Ability to respond and adapt to frequent change
• Ability to accept and demonstrate self-awareness when provided constructive Feedback
• Ability to discern feedback and acknowledge ownership of areas of improvement
• Ability to avoid future mistakes by applying reasonable skills to new but similar work situations or tasks
• Ability to successfully collaborate with peers, managers and others within the organization
• Demonstrates sound memory
• Ability to process new information to be applied consistently to work tasks
• Ability to adhere to pre-established schedule
• Ability to work long hours
• Ability to work a variable schedule
• Ability to report to work during severe inclement weather
• Ability to consistently meet attendance standards
• Ability to work shift schedule
• Ability to work on-call schedule
• Driving/travel/commute: Daily within service territory - Frequently (at least once a week or more)
• Driving/travel/commute: Overnight inside/outside the service territory - Occasionally (one to two times a month or less)
• Computer use (use computer regularly for entire work shift)
• Lifting/pushing/pulling: up to 10 lbs.
• Carrying: up to 10 lbs.
• Unstable surfaces requiring balance (i.e., moving equipment, boats):
• Walking distances and surfaces (long distances and over rough, uneven or rocky surfaces)
• Environment - Indoor/Outdoor: Office Plant Field

Nice To Haves

• Direct experience supporting a utility control center or working in real-time operations.
• Familiarity with SCADA integration, outage response procedures, and NESC or utility-specific design standards.
• Exposure to smart grid initiatives, DER integration, and field validation processes.
• Ability to mentor junior engineers or lead cross-functional teams on technical investigations.

Responsibilities

• Maintain PGE’s as-operated distribution system model in our Advanced Distribution Management System (ADMS) and Outage Management System (OMS).
• Refine and support advanced distribution applications including: Distribution Power Flow (DPF) Fault Location, Isolation, and Service Restoration (FLISR) Load forecasting tools
• Review system configurations, switching procedures, and planned outages for engineering soundness and reliability.
• Provide real-time technical support to Distribution System Operators during outages and abnormal events.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with engineers, field crews, and customer managers to ensure modeling reflects real-world conditions.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees