Optimization Engineer I or II - DCC Grid

Duke Energy; Garner (NC); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Duke Energy is seeking an Optimization Engineer to support volt/var management within the Distribution Control Center (DCC). Based in our new facility, you will coordinate with ECC, Transmission, Generation, Planning & Regulatory, and Capacity Planning to implement strategy, governance, and SME guidance for Operators, Grid Techs, and Engineers in the DCC.

The role emphasizes developing and implementing volt/var strategy, providing technical assistance to field partners, and sustaining readiness

Qualifications

• Engineer I entry level develops skills with close supervision and knowledge of fundamental concepts and procedures.
• Engineer II intermediate level handles fairly complex problems with general supervision and applies concepts to varied work.
• Optimization Engineer supports volt/var management, developing strategy, governance, and SME guidance for field personnel.

Responsibilities

• Implement Conservation Voltage Reduction (CVR) and report energy savings benefits.
• Implement peak shaving voltage reduction (DSDR) and report energy savings benefits.
• Validate smart grid device controller functionality and ensure compatibility with DMS.
• Support DMS upgrades by performing validation testing in test and production environments.
• Improve the DMS model by researching inconsistencies between actual measurements and power flow calculations.
• Maintain the DMS system in a state of readiness for peak-shaving.
• Identify field conditions that impact voltage reduction.

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:

The Engineer I position is the entry level of the Engineering classification hierarchy. Employees in the Engineer I position solve problems in engineering areas of specialization with close supervision. An Engineer I is expected to develop skills, and the ability to work with greater independence. An Engineer I has knowledge of fundamental concepts and procedures.

The Engineer II position is the intermediate level of the Engineering classification hierarchy. Employees in the Engineer II position solve complex problems in engineering areas specialization with general supervision. An Engineer II is expected to develop advanced skills, and the ability to work with greater independence. An Engineer II effectively applies fundamental concepts and procedures to work that is fairly complex and varied.

The Optimization Engineer position in the Distribution Control Center (DCC) is responsible for serving our Duke Energy Progress (DEP) customers through volt/var management. This engineer will be a trailblazer by helping develop and implement our volt/var strategy. They will work with great partners such as ECC, Transmission, Generation, Planning & Regulatory, Capacity Planning, etc. to support an integrated systems approach. This role is based in our brand-new facility with some of our partners and support teams that we work with daily. This position will maintain and advance the volt/var management process by helping develop strategy & governance, providing peer support and direction for Operators, Grid Techs, and Engineers in the DCC. This role will also be responsible for activities related to systems analysis, coordinating related activities with Capacity Planning Engineers, and serve as the Distribution subject matter expert (SME) on volt/var issues. This position provides support to the Lead Optimization Engineer and Grid Techs and Engineers for maintaining and coordinating all capacitor (including power factor goals) and regulator operations. This position will provide technical assistance to our field partners and other groups to help maintain a levelized voltage profile. The Optimization Engineer will support our volt/var direction for DEP's peak shaving tool (Distribution System Demand Response (DSDR)) and provide technical assistance for the continued improvement of the Load Volt/var Management (LVM) module in the Distribution Management System (DMS) that will also be used to fulfill our regulatory requirements for Conservation Voltage Reduction (CVR). This position will support the development, testing, implementation, and continuous improvement of Emergency Voltage Reduction (EM1 and EM2) programs, ensuring system readiness and providing technical expertise during peak demand and emergency grid conditions. This individual will also be competent in DMS/LVM functionality and have the skill sets to integrate and model future Smart Grid projects.

The Optimization Engineering team is responsible for monitoring the optimization of the distribution system within the DMS/DSCADA system. This team researches, identifies corrective actions, develops recommendations, and implements changes to improve the efficiency and results generated by the different DMS modes of operation. This team has the primary responsibility for maintaining the data integrity of critical systems including: (1) synchronization of geographical information between systems, (2) accuracy of load allocation in DMS, (3) modeling the DER generation in DMS, and (4) configuration of Distribution Power Flow (DPF). This team will also interact with various internal stakeholders to ensure our operational programs are maintaining voltage standards, required by the Utility Commission, and reporting benefits accurately.

Responsibilities :

Responsibilities and duties include, but are not limited to:

• Implement Conservation Voltage Reduction (CVR) and report on energy savings benefits
• Implement peak shaving voltage reduction (DSDR) and report on energy savings benefits
• Validate smart grid device controller functionality and ensure compatibility with DMS
• Support DMS upgrades by performing validation testing in both test and production environments
• Improve the DMS model by researching inconsistencies between actual measurements and power flow calculations
• Maintain the DMS system in a state of readiness for peak-shaving
• Identify field conditions that impact voltage red