Engineer III or Senior Engineer – PGO Grid Automation

Duke Energy; Charlotte (NC); Hybrid; USD 95,000 - 135,000; Full time

Job summary

Duke Energy seeks an Engineer III/Senior Engineer to develop advanced automation solutions within the Power Grid Operations Distribution system. You will design, test and commission islanding and energy storage controllers, edge devices, and other projects with increasing independence.

Responsibilities include deployment, lifecycle support, collaboration with internal teams, and reporting. Hybrid work with onsite commissioning and 15–25% travel expected.

Qualifications

• BS in Engineering from ABET-accredited program or MS in engineering in lieu of BS.
• Minimum 4 years of engineering experience; Senior path requires PE or equivalent.
• Strong technical and analytical capabilities; effective communication.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical expertise with industrial coding, testing, and deployment.
• Support field commissioning activities and project implementation.
• Manage lifecycle of automation devices including firmware and cybersecurity.
• Coordinate with enterprise standards, design engineering, and OT teams.
• Interface with external consultants on projects and document analyses.
• Assist in testing and development in the Control Hardware in the Loop lab.

Skills

Engineering problem solving

Collaboration

Field commissioning support

Education

ABET-accredited B.S. in Engineering

Master's degree in Engineering (in lieu)

Professional Engineer (PE) license

Tools

DSCADA

Distribution Management System

Planning tools

Maximo

Footprints

Job description

More than a career - a chance to make a difference in people's lives. Build an exciting, rewarding career with us – help us make a difference for millions of people every day. Consider joining the Duke Energy team, where you'll find a friendly work environment, opportunities for growth and development, recognition for your work, and competitive pay and benefits.

Position Summary

This position is accountable for development of advanced automation solutions within the Power Grid Operations Distribution (PGO-D) system. This includes developing, testing, and commissioning of planned island (microgrid) automation controllers, energy storage gateways, high-speed switching edge controllers, and other non-standard projects. The Engineer III position is the advanced level of the Engineering classification hierarchy. Employees in the Engineer III position solve complex problems in engineering areas of specialization with limited supervision. An Engineer III is expected to develop advanced skills, and the ability to work with greater independence. An Engineer III effectively applies fundamental concepts and procedures to work that is progressively complex and varied.

Responsibilities

• Provides technical expertise with industrial coding, testing, and deployment
• Support field commissioning activities and implementation support for projects
• Support automation devices lifecycle management, including assessment and firmware management for the purposes of supporting standard updates or cybersecurity initiatives
• Coordinating with key internal stakeholders, such as enterprise standards, system protection, design engineering, DCC Operations, telecom and other key teammates
• Interfacing with external engineering consultants on various projects
• Provides telecom guidance to develop or revise solutions needed for Operational Technology (OT) projects
• Support the Control Hardware in the Loop lab for testing and development
• Provides engineering/technical expertise and guidance in the identification, analysis and resolution of problems of increasing scope and complexity
• Contributes to team decision‑making in the accomplishment of business goals and objectives through effective planning, organizing, estimating, scheduling and monitoring of work activities
• Deals with changing priorities and differing situations and makes decisions that may affect the work of the team
• Prepares thorough and accurate technical reports, correspondence, documentation, calculations and sketches related to well‑defined problems and analyses of increasing scope and complexity
• Completes routine engineering projects with minimal oversight with increasing ability to independently manage project schedules and interfaces; increasingly competent to design, operate and maintain systems with moderate impact on existing systems
• Possesses and applies the fundamental concepts, practices and procedures; proficient in technical and analytical competencies
• Develops positive working relationships to effectively coordinate work activities
• Ability to communicate clearly, concisely, and accurately using oral and written communications
• Maintains accurate records and files, and supports the company’s goals and represents the company positively and professionally

Required/Basic Qualifications for Engineer III

• Bachelor of Science in Engineering obtained from an ABET accredited program, OR a master’s degree in Engineering in lieu of a Bachelor of Science in Engineering
• Minimum of four (4) years of engineering experience

Required/Basic Qualifications for Senior Engineer

• Graduation from a four-year college or university with a Bachelor of Science in Engineering from an ABET accredited program or state registration as a Professional Engineer.
• A Master's degree in engineering will be considered in lieu of the Bachelor of Science in Engineering degree.
• Minimum of 6 years of engineering experience or 5 years of engineering experience with state registration as a Professional Engineer.

Additional Preferred Qualifications

• Working knowledge of SEL RTAC Programming with experience on developing, testing, and commissioning complex projects
• Familiarity with IEC 61850 – GOOSE, Sampled Value (SV) protocols
• Familiarity with Relay IEC 61131 Programming
• Familiarity with network switch configuration, ports/interfaces requirements, VLANs, and protocol support
• Fiber network design, components, and integration with field assets
• General understanding of electric system protection
• Working knowledge of RTDS hardware and integrating equipment for testing
• Experience with developing models for power system studies, CYME, ETAP, SKM
• Working knowledge of Duke Energy specific software: DSCADA, Distribution Management System, and planning tools.
• Practical experience with Duke Energy business systems such as Maximo and Footprints.
• Passing grade on the Engineering Fundamentals Exam.
• Increasingly proficient in principles of project management.
• Increasingly proficient in practices of researching engineering and design issues, evaluating alternatives, preparing and presenting recommendations.

Working Conditions

Hybrid – Work will be performed from both remote and onsite locations after the onboarding period. However, hybrid employees should live within a reasonable commute to the designated Duke Energy facility.

Majority of work will be in an office environment. However, the role requires onsite commissioning and troubleshooting support for projects. Must be able to travel 15-25% to support field work.

Specific Requirements

Must have obtained Bachelor of Science in Engineering from an ABET accredited program. Minimum of 4 years of engineering experience. A Master’s degree in Engineering will be considered in lieu of the B.S. Engineering degree.

Travel Requirements

5-15%

Relocation Assistance Provided (as applicable)

No Represented/Union Position

No Visa Sponsored Position

Visa Sponsorship

This role requires the ability to work lawfully in the U.S. without employment-based immigration sponsorship, now or in the future.

Diversity & Inclusion

Read about our commitment to supporting a diverse and inclusive workforce.

Duke Energy values ideas that come from a diverse and inclusive workforce, and we’re dedicated to providing a work environment where all people are valued, respected and able to reach their full potential.

Duke Energy is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, including but not limited to lactation, religion, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, citizenship, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, genetic information, medical condition, military status, or protected veteran status. Duke Energy complies with all applicable state, federal and local laws, regulations and ordinances prohibiting discrimination.