Senior Distribution Planning Engineer

encoord • Edgewater, FL

7d • Hybrid

About The Position

encoord is looking for a full-time Senior Distribution Planning Engineer to support grid planning projects that study electrification opportunities and that integrate distribution system analysis with transmission and bulk power system planning. This position is based in Edgewater, Colorado (Denver metro area). encoord's preference is for candidates located in the Denver area who can work from the office 3-5 days per week and collaborate closely with the local team. We are open to considering remote candidates for this role if they bring strong relevant experience and are able to work effectively with a distributed team. encoord is a small and growing software company that helps energy stakeholders plan for the future. encoord develops and commercializes software for integrated planning across electric generation, transmission, and distribution, and across electric and gas infrastructures. encoord’s flagship integrated planning software SAInt is designed for workflows that require iteration across two or more of the following modeling domains: power system capacity expansion optimization, power system production cost optimization, balanced AC power flow of transmission networks, contingency analysis, unbalanced AC power flow simulations of distribution networks, and gas hydraulic simulations of gas transmission and distribution networks. With offices in the United States and Germany, our team of twenty employees serves electric and gas utilities, system and market operators, and asset developers worldwide. As a Senior Distribution Planning Engineer, you will be part of encoord’s Product Team, focused on developing integrated planning workflows and software solutions that intersect with traditional distribution planning practices. This role is ideal for someone with hands-on experience conducting distribution planning studies who is also motivated to rethink conventional approaches and contribute to innovative, next-generation solutions for grid planning. In addition to product development responsibilities, you will contribute to a limited number of client-facing distribution planning projects. These engagements will help inform product direction and ensure that SAInt reflects real-world planning requirements.

Requirements

• A degree in electrical engineering, with a focus on power systems.
• 2 years of hands-on distribution planning experience at an electric utility or at a consultancy performing distribution planning studies for utilities.
• Academic research in distribution systems is valued, but it does not substitute for hands-on industry planning experience.
• Current or recent work as an individual contributor who performs distribution planning studies directly, rather than primarily managing or supervising the work of others.
• Strong knowledge of distribution planning methodologies: feeder and substation model development, unbalanced three-phase power flow, thermal and voltage analysis, load forecasting, and DER interconnection and hosting capacity studies.
• Hands-on experience with one or more common distribution planning tools (e.g., CYME, Synergi Electric, WindMil, OpenDSS, GridLAB-D) and understanding of their data models.
• Ability to interpret and communicate technical results clearly to both engineering and non-engineering audiences.
• Aptitude for software development and comfort working with product/engineering teams; scripting experience is preferred (Python preferred, not required).
• Strong analytical skills, creative thinking, and ability to grasp and convey complex concepts.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with load forecasting or DER hosting capacity analysis for a utility.
• PE license, or EIT certification with progress toward a PE license.

Responsibilities

• Build, validate, and review distribution network models, and apply unbalanced three-phase power flow, time-series, and hosting capacity analyses.
• Build and refine integrated planning workflows within SAInt that link distribution system analysis with transmission system and bulk power system studies.
• Support studies quantifying the transmission system impacts and benefits of DERs, including distributed storage.
• Support electrification planning studies, including feeder- and substation-level load forecasting, identification of thermal and voltage violations, and prioritization of distribution upgrades.
• Advise on converting utility distribution models and data into SAInt, including network representation, data requirements, and study assumptions.
• Prototype automation for model conversion, data conditioning, scenario setup, results analysis, and other study processes.
• Translate utility distribution planning requirements into clear product and modeling specifications.
• Collaborate with software engineers to implement new features, test releases, and maintain high modeling quality standards.
• Support customer engagements by providing distribution planning expertise in trainings, technical discussions, project delivery, and business development.
• Stay current on distribution planning standards and trends (e.g., IEEE 1547, ANSI C84.1, state distribution system planning and grid modernization proceedings, DER interconnection practices) and help incorporate relevant advances into SAInt.

Benefits

• Comprehensive Medical Insurance: Multiple plan options (PPO, HMO, HDHP), with coverage available for dependents.
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Life and AD&D Insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA): Pre-tax accounts for health care and dependent day care expenses.
• Health Savings Account (HSA): Tax-advantaged savings for medical expenses (available with HDHP enrollment).
• Generous paid time off and holiday schedules
• 401K with company contribution
• Possibility of company stock options/equity

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior