Electric Distribution Planning Engineer

NiSource; Merrillville (IN); On-site; USD 65,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a skilled Engineer III to enhance electric distribution systems. This role involves analyzing electric systems, providing technical guidance, and developing actionable plans to improve reliability and capacity. The ideal candidate will collaborate with various departments to ensure strategic asset renewal and support customer growth. Join a forward-thinking company that values diversity and inclusion while promoting a safe work environment. If you're passionate about engineering and looking to make a significant impact, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering required, with EIT preferred.
• 2+ years experience for Level 2, 5+ years for Level 3.

Responsibilities

• Conduct electric system analysis and develop improvement plans.
• Collaborate with stakeholders for system reliability and safety.

Skills

Electric system analysis

Project management

Problem-solving

Technical guidance

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor of Science in Engineering

Engineer in Training (EIT) registration

Tools

CYMDIST

Computer-based modeling programs

Job description

Job Title: Engineer III

Job Code: 107209

Electric Distribution Planning Engineer

Provides electric system analysis, technical guidance, project and operational recommendations for electric distribution system development, reliability, and capacity planning utilizing electric system models, system knowledge, and engineering principles. Perform engineering analyses of NIPSCO's electric distribution systems to evaluate performance and provide a basis for subsequent plans to address mitigation of future operating deficiencies or to address the accommodation of trending load growth patterns.

In response to engineering analyses and/or observed field data, develop actionable plans and prioritize system improvement projects to address reliability concerns and customer growth. Engineer will be expected to execute measurable results in electric distribution system analysis to support system reliability and safety, new business growth, peak system demand preparedness, infrastructure replacement, integration of distributed generation, smart grid, and long-range project planning, to ensure the Company’s long-term strategic operation and financial goals are realized.

Collaboration is essential with key stakeholders across NIPSCO. Position will actively collaborate/participate with Substation Engineering, Transmission Line Engineering, ESSO, Substation Operations, Line Operations, Construction Dept., Asset Management, Major Customer Accounts, Real Estate, Regulatory, Major Projects, Financial and Budget groups in developing and implementing NIPSCO's short- and long-term system capacity, reliability, safety, and strategic asset renewal plans.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Level 1 Engineer (Entry Level Position):

• Basic knowledge of utility electric power system operation and design.
• Understands fundamental concepts and practices to design and plan utility distribution systems.
• Provides critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Understanding of basic practices of researching technical design issues, evaluating alternatives, making sound recommendations and preparing and presenting recommendations.
• Basic knowledge of electrical system modeling and applications.
• Understands how to operate, manage, maintain, and enhance computer software applications and hardware necessary to support electric system analysis and planning.
• Strives to continually improve job related, engineering, technical and professional knowledge, skills, and performance.
• Ensures accomplishment of business goals and objectives through effective planning, organizing, estimating, scheduling and monitoring of work activities.
• Applying established procedures and working under immediate supervision, models and plans the electric distribution system.
• Develops positive working relationships to effectively coordinate work activities. Demonstrates effective oral and written communication skills. Maintains accurate records and files.
• Supports the company’s goals and represents the company positively and professionally.

Level 2 Engineer:

• Building on requirements listed above for Engineer Level 1:
• Interprets system model study results along with field operational data to address potential system capacity, equipment thermal, and voltage inadequacies as it relates to providing adequate customer services.
• Provides expertise to solve more complex system analysis reviews and exhibits leadership skills to provide oversight and direction for planning and developing the electric distribution system.
• Expectation to develop advanced skills and the ability to work with greater independence.
• Knows and applies the concepts, practices, and procedures of electric distribution system development, reliability, and capacity planning.
• Provides guidance and support for applying and ranking Company infrastructure improvement/replacement programs.
• Provides input and guidance to Asset Management group, Substation Engineering, Line Engineering, LOA Engineering, and Major Projects, in the development of annual TDISC infrastructure programs and associated individual project scopes.
• Possesses understanding and knowledge of alternative solutions and project costs to effectively recommend electric system operation and reliability enhancements.
• Conducts specific customer service feasibility studies and determine what infrastructure improvements are necessary to accommodate customer expansion or the establishment of a new customer.
• Provides guidance and support to local Engineering teams to accommodate large scale residential and commercial developments.
• Provides support to Operating Departments for customer service issues, system integrity concerns, and capacity concerns.
• Provides technical support and direction for system integration of distributed generation associated with Net Meter and Co-Gen interconnections.
• Provides support and direction for the operation and expansion of smart grid schemes such as Distribution Automation (D.A.).
• Responds to various internal and external requests for data and planning associated evaluations and reports that, for example, cover system operations, strategies for system expansion, rate case development, system equipment needs, and new technologies.
• Develops and maintains system models for NIPSCO system distribution substations and lines.
• Operates, manages, and enhances computer software and hardware to support electric system analyses that support performance analysis, adequacy of customer services, and investigate operational issues.

Level 3 Engineer:

• Building on requirements listed above for Engineer Level 2:
• Possess and applies more extended comprehensive knowledge of electric distribution system development, reliability, and capacity planning utilizing electric system models, system knowledge, and engineering principles to solve complex problems that are broad in nature, requiring originality and ingenuity.
• Incumbents are expected to have advanced skills and knowledge in electric system analysis, reliability, and capacity planning utilizing electric system models.
• Possesses comprehensive understanding of distribution system automation and distributed generation resources on how they integrate into a utility system.
• Works with minimal supervision to complete assignments that are broad in nature. May be assigned Entry/Junior or Intermediate Level personnel to develop.
• Provide technical expertise to all levels of management for strategic operation and infrastructure investment decisions. Coordinates, researches, and assembles electric system load and operating data for reports and system analysis.
• Represent NIPSCO interests at various internal and external industry meetings involving distribution planning and system operation and development.
• Research, identify, and recommend advanced system operation and equipment improvements that integrate available new technologies.
• Plans, conducts and directs specialized reports such as those covering system readiness, reliability, capacity, service capabilities, integrated resource plans, applied new technologies, operational evaluations.

Qualifications, Education, and Work Experience

Level 1 Engineer: (Entry Level Position)

• Knowledge acquired through formal engineering curriculum. Graduate from a four year ABET accredited college or university with a Bachelor of Science in Engineering or Engineering Technology.
• Knowledge and understanding of electric theory and operating concepts, and its application to power systems.
• Ability to work safely in a variety of field environments.
• Engineer in Training (EIT) registration preferred.

Level 2 Engineer:

• All qualifications for Level I Engineer plus a minimum of two (2) years experience in electric utility system engineering, design, and planning.
• Proficiency in electric distribution line and substation operating concepts, specific distribution system equipment and electric system standards.
• Proficiency in electric system modeling and analysis techniques, including the use of computer-based modeling programs such as CYMDIST, plus strong spreadsheet application skills.
• Proficiency in system protection concepts relating to distribution system operation and planning.
• Proficiency in integration and application of concepts for smart grid and distributed generation resources.
• Proficiency in communicating complex system planning evaluations and strategies.
• Engineer in Training (EIT) registration, CAPM or PMP preferred.

Level 3 Engineer:

• All qualifications for Level 2 Engineer plus a minimum of five (5) years experience in planning, engineering, system design.
• Advanced knowledge of electric system modeling techniques.
• Advanced knowledge of electric distribution line and substation operating concepts, distribution system equipment, and electric system standards.
• Skilled in the practices of engineering/technical theories and principles.
• Team player, with strong project management skills and the ability to drive projects/assignments to completion in a complex, deadline driven environment.
• Demonstrate more effective verbal and written communication skills in conveying Planning solutions and guidance to technical and nontechnical internal/external groups.
• Professional Engineer (PE or EIT) registration or PMP preferred.

Inclusion & Diversity
Value inclusion within your day to day responsibilities by respecting others perspectives/convictions, engaging others opinions, creating a safe environment where people, ideas, and opinions are valued within your Team/Customers and external partners.

Respect and take into consideration diversity within your Team/Customers and external work partners by valuing different world views, challenges, and cultures that represent all walks of life and all backgrounds.

Treat others with respect and consideration. Actively participate in creating and contributing to a positive work environment.

Equal Employment Opportunity
NiSource is committed to providing equal employment opportunities in each of its companies to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, veteran status, disability, gender, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, or any protected group status as defined by law. Each employee is expected to abide by this principle.

By applying, you may be considered for other job opportunities.

Safety Statement
Promote a safe work environment by actively participating in all aspects of our employee safety program. Report any unsafe conditions and take actions to prevent personal injuries. Support our interdependent safety culture by ensuring the safety of your co-workers. Stay focused on the task at hand and promote productivity through good work habits.

Posting Start Date: 2023-08-17

Posting End Date (if applicable):

Please note that the job posting will close on the day before the posting end date.

About the company

NiSource Inc. serves 5 million natural gas customers and 500,000 electric customers across six states through its local Columbia Gas and NIPSCO brands.