Distribution Planning Engineer – System Planning & Grid Reliability

ENTRUST Solutions Group; Gambrills (MD); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous paid time off

401(k) retirement program

Career development programs

Tuition reimbursement

Flexible work schedule

Job summary

ENTRUST Solutions Group, a Leidos company, seeks a Distribution Planning Engineer to lead distribution planning, reliability studies, and capital improvement planning for utility clients in North America.

You will perform load flow and contingency analyses, develop long-term distribution plans, and support grid modernization initiatives while mentoring junior engineers and presenting findings to clients.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or related field.
• ~5+ years of experience in electric utility or distribution planning.
• Experience with distribution modeling and engineering analysis tools (e.g. CYME, Synergi, or ASPEN, WindMil, ETAP, SKM, EasyPower, CAPE, PSS/E, PSCAD).
• Experience supporting construction work plans, capital planning efforts, utility infrastructure investment programs, or protection coordination analyses.
• Ability to travel up to 5% as required to support clients and projects.
• FE/EIT (or ability to obtain).

Responsibilities

• Perform distribution planning studies, including load flow, voltage analysis, contingency analysis, capacity assessments, and system reliability evaluations.
• Develop long-term distribution system plans and identify infrastructure improvements required to support forecasted load growth.
• Prepare and support utility construction work plans (CWPs), capital improvement plans, and system reinforcement programs.
• Conduct arc flash studies, protection coordination studies, and fault current analyses.
• Develop and maintain distribution system models using tools such as CYME, Synergi, WindMil, ASPEN, or similar platforms.
• Perform load forecasting and evaluate future capacity requirements at the feeder, substation, and system level.
• Assess equipment loading, feeder performance, voltage regulation, and reliability metrics.
• Support grid modernization initiatives including automation, resiliency improvements, and strategic infrastructure investments.
• Collaborate with distribution design, substation, protection, data solutions, and operations teams to develop integrated engineering solutions.
• Lead client discussions, present technical recommendations, and support project execution.
• Mentor junior engineers and provide technical review of planning and study deliverables.

Skills

Distribution planning

Load forecasting

Protection coordination

Arc flash analyses

Team collaboration

Client interfacing

Willingness to travel

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering

FE/EIT

Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

CYME

Synergi

WindMil

ETAP

SKM

PSS/E

CAPE

PSCAD

Job description

Are you a Distribution Planning Engineer looking to take a lead role in utility system planning, reliability, and infrastructure development?

In this role, you'll support electric utilities with distribution system planning, load forecasting, protection and arc flash studies, construction work plans, system reliability assessments, and capital improvement planning. You'll partner with utility clients to identify future system needs, evaluate infrastructure investments, and develop practical engineering solutions that improve reliability, safety, and capacity across the distribution network.

This position offers opportunities to work on a diverse range of planning and engineering projects while helping utilities prepare for load growth, asset replacement needs, grid modernization initiatives, and evolving customer demands. This is a strong fit for engineers who enjoy both technical analysis and strategic planning.

What You’ll Do

• Perform distribution planning studies, including load flow, voltage analysis, contingency analysis, capacity assessments, and system reliability evaluations.
• Develop long-term distribution system plans and identify infrastructure improvements required to support forecasted load growth.
• Prepare and support utility construction work plans (CWPs), capital improvement plans, and system reinforcement programs.
• Conduct arc flash studies, protection coordination studies, and fault current analyses.
• Develop and maintain distribution system models using tools such as CYME, Synergi, WindMil, ASPEN, or similar platforms.
• Perform load forecasting and evaluate future capacity requirements at the feeder, substation, and system level.
• Assess equipment loading, feeder performance, voltage regulation, and reliability metrics.
• Support grid modernization initiatives including automation, resiliency improvements, and strategic infrastructure investments.
• Collaborate with distribution design, substation, protection, data solutions, and operations teams to develop integrated engineering solutions.
• Lead client discussions, present technical recommendations, and support project execution.
• Mentor junior engineers and provide technical review of planning and study deliverables.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or a related field.
• ~5+ years of experience in electric utility or distribution planning.
• Experience with distribution modeling and engineering analysis tools (e.g. CYME, Synergi, or ASPEN, WindMil, ETAP, SKM, EasyPower, CAPE, PSS/E, PSCAD etc.).
• Experience supporting construction work plans, capital planning efforts, utility infrastructure investment programs, or protection coordination analyses.
• Ability to travel up to 5% as required to support clients and projects.
• FE/EIT (or ability to obtain).

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license.
• Experience conducting arc flash studies and protection coordination analyses.
• Experience with load forecasting, LoadSEER, or other forecasting platforms.
• Experience developing long-range distribution plans and asset management strategies.
• Experience with scripting, automation, or advanced data analytics.
• Experience managing or supporting project execution, including scope, schedule, and coordination across teams.
• Experience interfacing directly with clients, including presenting study results or participating in technical discussions.
• Understanding of project financials, budgets, or resource planning.

Why Join Us?

At ENTRUST Solutions Group, a Leidos company, we are driven by a commitment to innovation, technical excellence, and delivering the critical infrastructure that powers and connects communities. Together with Leidos, we are building a scaled, end-to-end energy and infrastructure organization focused on modernizing the grid, improving reliability, and helping utilities and network providers meet rising demand.

As an ENR top ranked firm, our team of more than 5,000 professionals brings deep technical expertise and advanced technology across electric, gas, and telecommunications infrastructure. We solve complex challenges for clients across North America and expanding markets, helping them strengthen reliability, expand capacity, and adapt to evolving infrastructure needs.

We foster a culture where innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement are expected, and where people are empowered to challenge convention, think boldly, and make an impact. Whether you are looking to grow your expertise, lead transformative projects, or help shape the future of infrastructure, you will find opportunities to thrive here.

In Return for Top Talent, ENTRUST Solutions Group Offers

• Generous paid time off and benefits
• 401(k) retirement program with a company match
• Career development programs
• Tuition reimbursementFlexible work schedule

ENTRUST Solutions Group is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

Headhunters and recruitment agencies may not submit resumes/CVs through this website or directly to managers. ENTRUST Solutions Group does not accept unsolicited headhunter or agency resumes and will not pay fees to any third-party agency or company that does not have a signed agreement with ENTRUST Solutions Group.