Senior Engineer, DER Planning (Hybrid Schedule)

Eversource Energy•Westwood, MA

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

As a member of the Distribution System Planning department, the Distributed Energy Resource (DER) Planning Senior Engineer provides technical leadership and subject matter expertise in the planning, evaluation, and integration of DERs interconnected to the electric distribution system. The role performs and leads complex engineering analyses, develops technical solutions, and supports planning initiatives that enable reliable operation and modernization of the electric grid. The Senior Engineer exercises independent engineering judgment, leads projects from initiation through completion, and communicates technical findings and recommendations to diverse stakeholders. The position also mentors junior engineers and supports the Company's involvement in industry discussions and collaborative DER integration and distribution planning efforts. The engineer develops and maintains distribution system power flow models; assesses proposed DER interconnections and their impacts on distribution and ISO-NE regional systems; prepares documentation for the ISO-NE interconnection process; conducts engineering studies; and develops planning-level solutions and recommendations. The role applies industry standards, best practices, Company planning criteria, and applicable regulatory requirements, and collaborates with internal and external stakeholders to identify planning needs. It also prepares high-level construction cost estimates and project approval documentation, presents projects at monthly review meetings, develops Special Operating Guidelines, and monitors emerging technologies, industry practices, and regulations. Additional duties include representing the department and Company on industry committees and stakeholder forums, serving as a technical lead on cross-functional teams, managing the approved inverter list through certification reviews and equipment evaluations, and performing storm restoration and other emergency assignments as needed. Emergency assignments may occur outside normal responsibilities, working hours, and location.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Power Systems Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
At least five years of relevant engineering experience in electric utility planning, power systems analysis, DER integration, distribution engineering, or a related field.
Understanding of electrical engineering concepts including distributed generation, storage, reliability, load flow, voltage flicker, system stability, short-circuit analysis, voltage regulation, transients, power factor, and system losses.
Understanding of electric power delivery system parameters, functions, and operating characteristics, and electric utility industry fundamentals, practices, and standards.
Experience using power system modeling and simulation software for steady-state power flow, voltage, short-circuit, stability, and electromagnetic transient analyses.
Demonstrated ability to lead complex engineering assignments, exercise sound engineering judgment, and develop practical solutions to technical challenges.
Demonstrated ability to communicate technical findings and recommendations effectively to technical and non-technical stakeholders.
Excellent verbal and written communication, interpersonal, presentation, and stakeholder management skills.
Applicants requiring immigration-related visa sponsorship to start employment with Eversource will not be considered.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree in a related field.
Knowledge of Eversource tariffs, interconnection requirements, and technical standards.
Familiarity with utility GIS, outage management, and related engineering applications.
Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certification or Professional Engineer (PE) license; progress toward professional licensure is desirable.

Responsibilities

Develop and maintain distribution system power flow models to evaluate DER interconnections and their impacts on the electric distribution system.
Assess proposed DER interconnections and associated impacts on the distribution system and ISO-NE regional system.
Prepare documentation to support the ISO-NE interconnection process, as required.
Conduct complex engineering studies and develop planning-level solutions, interconnection options, technical recommendations, and alternatives to address system impacts, planning criteria violations, and DER integration needs.
Apply industry standards, engineering best practices, Company distribution planning criteria, and applicable federal, state, and local regulatory requirements.
Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to identify planning needs and proposed plans.
Prepare high-level construction cost estimates and support development of Project Authorization Forms (PAFs), TAFs, and other project approval documentation.
Present applicable projects at monthly review meetings.
Develop and maintain Special Operating Guidelines (SOGs) to support safe and reliable operation of DER installations.
Monitor emerging technologies, industry practices, and regulatory developments related to DER integration and grid modernization, and identify opportunities to improve planning methodologies, interconnection processes, and use of the electric distribution system.
Provide technical leadership and guidance to junior engineers, including training, mentoring, and reviewing engineering analyses and study results.
Represent the department and Company on industry-related committees, working groups, and stakeholder forums.
Serve as technical lead on specialized internal and external cross-functional teams to develop engineering solutions and support strategic initiatives.
Manage the approved inverter list, including reviewing UL certifications and evaluating equipment for the Company's approved equipment list.
Perform storm restoration and other emergency assignments as needed during inclement weather or adverse system conditions.