Senior Engineer, Distribution System Planning (Hybrid Schedule)

Eversource Energy • Westwood, MA

3d • $129,450 - $143,830 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Senior Engineer, Distribution System Planning performs as a project leader and carries out assignments requiring mastery of the subject matter and extensive experience planning electric distribution lines and substation facilities. The role applies strong technical skills to electric power system design and represents the company on regional and national transmission and planning committees, including NEPOOL, NERC, NPCC, ISO-NE, and Regional Transmission Organizations.

The position identifies distribution system problems involving multiple feeders and substations; develops medium- and long-range plans; evaluates alternatives; and recommends solutions that support reliability, capacity, asset needs, and integration of distributed energy resources. It collaborates across functions on planning criteria for new technologies and prepares technical, economic, and regulatory analyses and documentation. The role also provides leadership and guidance to engineers, communicates recommendations to management and customers, and represents the department and company on committees.

The position requires a bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, with Electric Power Systems preferred, and at least five years of related experience in distribution line and substation planning, design, and operations. An advanced degree is preferred. A Professional Engineer registration in Connecticut, Massachusetts, or New Hampshire is desirable. The role requires availability for emergency restoration assignments and travel among Massachusetts, Connecticut, and New Hampshire as necessary. The position is hybrid. The stated annual salary range is $129,450–$143,830, commensurate with experience, and the role is eligible for a potential incentive.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering; Electric Power Systems preferred.
• At least five years of related experience in planning, design, and operations involving distribution line and distribution substation facilities.
• Thorough knowledge of power system planning.
• Working knowledge of electric simulation software models and power distribution system analysis, including load-flow, transient, and 8760-hour simulation.
• Experience with industry-standard distribution planning tools such as CYME or Synergi for feeder modeling, load-flow analysis, contingency evaluation, and DER integration studies.
• Knowledge of technologies including photovoltaic solar, electric vehicles, and battery storage.
• Knowledge of techniques for planning expansion of distribution lines and distribution substation facilities.
• Advanced knowledge of electrical theory as applied to planning an electric power supply system.
• Advanced knowledge of distribution line design and operating practices.
• Knowledge of national, state, and other planning standards.
• Good written and oral communication skills, including formal presentations.
• Strong teamwork and interpersonal skills, including the ability to develop strategic partnerships.
• Ability to achieve results by setting high standards for self and others and accepting responsibility for outcomes.
• Availability for emergency restoration assignments as required.
• Availability to travel between Massachusetts, Connecticut, and New Hampshire as necessary.

Nice To Haves

• Advanced degree preferred.
• Professional Engineer registration in Connecticut, Massachusetts, or New Hampshire is desirable.
• Electric Power Systems degree specialization preferred.

Responsibilities

• Identify distribution system problems involving multiple feeders and substations; lead and conduct scenario-based planning studies, evaluate alternatives, and recommend solutions to ensure system reliability.
• Develop medium-range (2–5 year) and long-range (5+ year) distribution plans addressing load relief, capacity, asset-related issues, and large-scale DER integration.
• Collaborate with cross-functional groups to develop long-range planning criteria for integrating new technologies and enabling two-way communication, including photovoltaic solar, electric vehicles, and battery storage.
• Prepare distribution network contingency studies, including N-1 and N-2 analyses.
• Propose new distribution substations and associated overhead and underground feeders.
• Conduct area-wide voltage and power-factor studies and recommend findings to distribution engineering and operations.
• Lead or conduct forecast studies to determine loads used in distribution planning studies.
• Partner with other departments to prepare economic analyses for complex projects and recommend cost allocations for facilities jointly used with other utilities.
• Recommend project priorities for capital construction program financial review.
• Conduct or manage studies supporting the need for facilities, evaluation of alternatives, and preferred solutions for distribution applications before regulatory agencies.
• Prepare distribution-related documentation and testimony to support regulatory filings.
• Communicate with, support, and implement proposed-facility plans in coordination with distribution customers.
• Coordinate cross-functional groups and provide positive guidance to engineers.
• Present recommendations and results to management at all appropriate levels.
• Represent the department and company on committees.
• Recommend development or changes to distribution planning criteria and standards.

Benefits

• Competitive total rewards program; the job posting directs applicants to the careers site for an overview of benefit programs.
• Potential incentive eligibility.

What This Job Offers

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