Associate Distribution Operations Engineer Journey

SMUD; Sacramento (CA); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

SMUD is seeking a Distribution Operations Engineer to provide real-time engineering support for the operation, testing, and maintenance of ADMS and DERMS within SMUD's distribution network.

The role requires 3+ years in electric distribution operations, a B.S. in Electrical Engineering, and an EIT in California. The position includes on-call outage support and on-site work at SMUD locations as part of a hybrid schedule.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering or closely related discipline from an accredited college or university.
• Three or more (3+) years of progressively responsible relevant experience in planning and/or operations of electric distribution systems; assisting staff in support of real-time systems and operations.
• EIT certification in California; valid California driver's license with a satisfactory driving record (not more than two moving violations in last two years).
• Knowledge of distribution system modeling, power flow, fault studies, and reliability improvement methods.

Responsibilities

• Utilizes distribution system modeling and analysis tools to optimize system configuration, perform N-1 studies, and propose solutions for reliability improvements.
• Provides engineering support for system outages or emergencies during normal and after hours (including on-call).
• Analyzes power quality data and recommends solutions to improve customer experience and resolve issues.
• Reviews DER interconnection proposals and evaluates operational impacts of customer sited PV, energy storage, and demand response.
• Maintains ADMS and DERMS, supports imaging of RTUs, and coordinates with D-SCADA/EMS; develops requirements for DERs and grid optimization.
• Performs related duties as needed.

Skills

Real-time engineering

Power system analysis

ADMS/DERMS/OMS

N-1 studies

Troubleshooting

Outage support

Communication

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor of Science Electrical Engineering

Tools

CYME

OpenDSS

Synergi

D-SCADA

Job description

The intent of this job posting is to fill one full-time position and establish an eligibility list which may be used to fill current and future, permanent and limited-term, vacancies for up to two (2) years.

The successful candidate will provide real-time engineering support for the operation of the distribution system including troubleshooting, testing and maintenance of the Advanced Distribution Management System (ADMS), Distributed Energy Resource Management System (DERMS), and Outage Management System (OMS).

Purpose

Provides real-time engineering support for the operation of SMUD’s distribution system including troubleshooting, testing and maintenance of the Advanced Distribution Management System (ADMS) and the Distributed Energy Resource Management System (DERMS).

Nature and Scope

This is the journey level (J) within the Distribution Operations Engineer classification series. Positions within this classification will demonstrate an ability to work on one's own with minimal oversight performing difficult and more complex work than the entry level (E). The journey level is distinguished from the senior level in that the latter requires a higher level of complexity, difficulty and level of tasks assigned, broader authority to make decisions, and advanced technical knowledge. Advancement to the senior level is done through a formal hiring process.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Utilizes distribution system modeling and analysis tools to determine optimum system configuration to maximize substation and circuit utilization. Performs N-1 studies by analyzing system deficiencies, evaluating technical and non-technical impacts, performing power flow analysis and fault studies to assess system performance under normal and abnormal conditions and proposing alternative solutions. Obtains and analyzes system performance data to improve reliability, reduce losses and optimize the grid.
• Provides engineering support for system outages or emergencies during normal and after hours (including on-call).
• Performs detailed assessment of power quality data and recommends solutions to improve customer experience and resolve power quality related problems.
• Reviews proposals for customer generation interconnection and evaluates operational impacts to the distribution system. Evaluates system impacts from Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) such as customer sited PV, energy storage, electric vehicles, and demand response under various deployment scenarios.
• Provides engineering and technical support, troubleshoots, tests, and maintains ADMS and DERMS and advanced applications such as Fault Locations Isolation and Service Restoration, Volt VAr Optimization (VVO), Distribution Power Flow (DPF) and State Estimation (SE), Feeder Reconfiguration, Operator Training Simulator (OTS), and Switch Order Management (SOM). Provides real-time support for database administration, power and network changes and outages, and system performance issues for ADMS and DERMS. Develops functional and technical requirements of DERs for grid management and optimization.
• Configures and maintains real-time communication datalinks to Energy Management System (EMS) as well as develops and maintains imaging of Remote Terminal Units (RTUS). Supports lab testing, commissioning of new substations and monitoring, maintaining and troubleshooting issues, and day-to-day communication with Distribution Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (D-SCADA) and Distribution Automation devices. Tracks existing tickets, issues new tickets, and follows through on SLAs, to ensure full availability of D-SCADA. Orders new equipment and work with vendors for warranty support. Supports commissioning of substations and develops one-line diagrams in ADMS/D-SCADA.
• Performs other related duties as needed.

Required Education

• A Bachelor of Science Electrical Engineering degree or closely related discipline from an accredited college or university.

Required Experience Qualifications

• Three or more (3+) years of progressively responsible relevant experience in planning and/or operations of electric distribution systems; assisting staff in support of real-time systems and operations.

Required Licenses/Certificates

• Certification as an Engineer-In-Training (EIT) in the state of California.
• Must possess and maintain a valid California Driver’s License (CDL) and a satisfactory driving record (not more than two moving violations in the last two years).

Knowledge Of

Concepts and fundamentals relating to the planning and operation of the electric utility distribution system; circuit evaluation; short circuit calculations; load flow; grounding; protective relaying and its application to distribution systems; electrical power planning, theory and practice including steady state and transient circuit assessment, electrical equipment design and application ; electric system evaluation and forecasting methodologies; data analysis and forecasting methodologies; computer aided modeling and evaluation; techniques and practices for problem research and resolution; techniques and practices for cost benefit assessment; scientific methods and approaches to problem solving; fundamentals and practices of economic evaluation of projects and programs; fundamentals of statistics; fundamentals of complex mathematics including algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and calculus; federal, state, and local laws governing power distribution; techniques relating to customer relations; safety policies, practices, and procedures; standard operating procedures for modern office equipment including a computer and applicable software; English grammar, punctuation and vocabulary standards.

Skills To

Solve complex mathematical problems; evaluate complex issues and develop alternative resolutions; conduct effective meetings; manage several assignments simultaneously with changing priorities; develop and conduct oral presentations to internal/external audiences; express ideas/facts clearly and concisely one-on-one or to groups, taking into account the audience and nature of information; respond to and resolve customer issues, concerns, and needs; utilize state-of-the-art computer-aided modeling and analysis tools in system analysis and forecasting; perform complex distribution engineering evaluation and forecasting; anticipate problems and apply innovative and creative techniques to resolve them; perform economic evaluations; compile and prepare technical, statistical, and/or analytical reports and presentations; develop preliminary cost estimates for project proposals; set work priorities; work independently; prepare conceptual designs and cost estimates for major complex installations and reconstruction jobs; weigh the relative costs and benefits of a potential action; utilize a personal computer and/or computer terminal, systems and software relevant to the job; communicate effectively orally and in writing internally/externally; establish and maintain effective working relationships internally/externally.

Desirable Qualifications

• Experience with Data Analytics, SQL, and Python.
• Experience with distribution system modeling and system study tools (e.g., CYME, OpenDSS, Synergi).

Hybrid Work

This position will be required to work onsite one or more days a week on a regular basis; sometimes more or less, depending on the work and, at any of our SMUD locations. SMUD takes pride in powering the Sacramento region community where we live and work. We value the strong working relationships we develop with our colleagues. Our approach to remote work will continue to evolve. Please be aware that should SMUD’s business needs change, emergencies occur, or various other reasons arise, you may be required to report onsite on a part-time or full-time basis.