DER Planning Engineer (Hybrid Schedule)

Eversource Energy; Hadley (MA); On-site; USD 95,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

Eversource Energy in Hadley, MA is seeking a DER Planning Engineer to deliver distribution-focused studies and project development. You will build power flow models, assess DER interconnections, and prepare ISO-NE interconnection documentation.

The role requires a Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering and 3+ years of power systems experience; strong modeling skills with Synergi and PSCAD are preferred; excellent collaboration and communication are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or closely related field.
• 3+ years of professional power systems experience.
• Knowledge of DER, energy storage, and interconnection processes preferred.
• Strong modeling and analytical skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop distribution system power flow models using Synergi and PSCAD.
• Assess DER interconnections and their impact on distribution and ISO-NE systems.
• Prepare ISO-NE interconnection documentation.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to determine planning needs.
• Provide technical findings to customers during calls.
• Deliver weekly updates on project deliverables.

Skills

Electrical engineering

Power systems

Modeling & simulation

Communication

Compliance

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Power Systems, or related field

Tools

Synergi

PSCAD

Job description

Eversource will not offer immigration-related sponsorship for this position (e.g., H-1B, O-1, J-1, TN, E-3, etc.). Applicants requiring visa sponsorship to start employment with Eversource will not be considered.

Position Summary

As a member of the Distribution System Planning department, the Distributed Energy Resource (DER) Planning Engineer provides distribution-focused subject matter expertise in DER power system studies and project development. In this role, you will be responsible for executing technical reviews, modeling, and analyses for generation and storage facilities interconnecting with the distribution system. The successful candidate will conduct comprehensive DER studies to evaluate distribution-connected assets, ensuring their optimal integration and assessing their impact on the reliability and performance of the distribution network.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop distribution system power flow models using Synergi and PSCAD software, utilizing Eversource System Planning Guides to study the interconnection of generation and storage.
• Assist in the assessment and analysis of proposed solutions associated with Distributed Energy Resources (DER) integration and their impact on the distribution and ISO-NE regional systems.
• Prepare documentation for the ISO-NE interconnection process as needed.
• Manage the review and impact analysis of distribution interconnection requests within the assigned Area Work Center (AWC), which includes: Reviewing and preparing Pre-Application Reports.
• Providing review and feasibility assessment support for applications in the interconnection queue.
• Interface and collaborate with internal and external stakeholders, including System Planning, Transmission, Distribution Line and Substation Engineering, Asset Management, Siting, Environmental and Permitting, and Operations, to determine planning needs and proposed plans.
• Verify the technical feasibility and soundness of proposed plans utilizing industry-accepted techniques.
• Develop design solutions and alternative strategies to mitigate identified assessment criteria violations.
• Conduct assessments and develop options to accommodate DER interconnections by identifying key technical issues and engineering alternative solutions, which includes: Applying industry and corporate distribution planning standards in conjunction with federal, state and local regulations.
• Demonstrate complete ownership of projects and maintain accountability for the overall project schedule.
• Participate in customer calls to explain and defend technical findings.
• Provide weekly updates on project deliverables.
• Assist with preparing Project Authorization Forms (PAFs) and other internal authorization documents; present them at monthly meetings.

Additional Responsibilities

• Represent the company and the department on relevant industry committees.
• Collaborate with internal and external cross-functional teams to engineer customer-focused solutions.
• Maintain the approved inverter list by auditing UL certifications for new models.
• Deliver clear, written and verbal technical analysis and action plans to internal and external stakeholders.
• Support emergency storm response efforts during severe weather or system outages.

Qualifications

• Technical Knowledge & Skills
  • Electrical Engineering Principles: Deep understanding of electrical engineering concepts, including distributed generation (DG), energy storage, reliability, load flow, flicker, stability, short circuit, voltage regulation, transients, power factor, and losses.
  • Power Systems Operations: Technical comprehension of power delivery system parameters and functions, along with power industry fundamentals, practices, and standards.
  • Modeling & Simulation: Proven knowledge of and experience with power system modeling and simulation software for steady-state power flow, voltage, short circuit, stability, and electromagnetic transients.
  • Communication & Collaboration: Strong written and verbal communication, interpersonal, presentation, negotiation, and persuasion skills.
  • Corporate Compliance: Commitment to adhering to corporate Codes of Conduct, Business Ethics, Environmental, and Diversity Policies.
• Education & Experience
  • EDUCATION: Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Power Systems, or a closely related field.
  • EXPERIENCE: 3+ years of professional power systems experien