Optimization Engineer I or II - DCC Grid

Duke Energy; United States; Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Duke Energy is seeking an Optimization Engineer to advance volt/var management and support its DMS-based distribution grid initiatives. The engineer will help develop strategy, govern processes, and provide SME guidance to operators, grid techs, and engineers in the Distribution Control Center (DCC).

The role emphasizes collaboration with DEP partners, capacity planning, and regulatory alignment, with a focus on continuous improvement of CVR, DSDR, and EM programs in a hybrid work environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Engineering from an ABET-accredited program, or a master’s degree in Engineering in lieu of a BS.
• Master’s degree in Engineering can substitute for a BS in Engineering.
• Minimum of two years of engineering experience.

Responsibilities

• 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 reduction capabilities
• Maintain the DMS system in a state of readiness for EM1 and EM2 voltage reduction operations
• Develop and maintain operating procedures, training material, and system models supporting voltage reduction programs
• Identify and address system limitations that impact voltage optimization and emergency voltage reduction capabilities

Education

Bachelor of Science in Engineering (ABET accredited)

Master of Science in Engineering (in lieu of BS)

Tools

Power BI

SQL

Python

PI

Job description

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 of 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

• 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 reduction capabilities
• Maintain the DMS system in a state of readiness for EM1 and EM2 voltage reduction operations
• Develop and maintain operating procedures, training material, and system models supporting voltage reduction programs
• Identify and address system limitations that impact voltage optimization and emergency voltage reduction capabilities

Basic/Required Qualifications I

I 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

Basic/Required Qualifications II

II 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

In addition to required degree, a minimum of two (2) years of engineering experience

Additional Preferred Qualifications

Understanding of basic enginee ring theories and principles. Understanding of basic practices of researching engineering and design issues, evaluating alternatives, making sound recommendations and preparing and presenting recommendations. Ability to deal with a variety of individuals from various socio-economic, cultural and ethnic backgrounds. Good written and oral communication skills. Passing grade on the Engineering Fundamentals Exam. Understanding of basic principles of project management. Experience in the utility industry. Experience with Power BI, SQL, Python, and PI.

Working Conditions

Hybrid Mobility Classification – Work will be performed from both remote and onsite locations after the onboarding period. However, hybrid employees must live within a reasonable commute to their designated Duke Energy facility, not greater than 50 miles one way. Employees are expected to report to their assigned Duke Energy facility as required and directed by their manager, on average 3 full workdays per regular workweek. Some business units may require visits to field sites and/or plants

Specific Requirements

Must have obtained Bachelor of Science in Engineering from an ABET accredited program. 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 No. This is not a Visa Sponsored Position. This role requires the ability to work lawfully in the U.S. without employment-based immigration sponsorship, now or in the future.

Diversity & Inclusion

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.