Principal Engineer - Interconnections

Avangrid; Town of Vestal (NY); On-site; USD 128,000 - 160,400; Full time

Job summary

Avangrid is seeking a Principal Engineer - Interconnections to work in New York, focusing on ensuring reliability and efficiency in distribution systems while mentoring engineers.

This role requires deep knowledge in engineering practices and the ability to solve complex utility challenges. Applicants must have a BS in Electrical Engineering and a minimum of 10 years of relevant experience.

The position offers a competitive salary of $128,000 to $160,400 and a vibrant working environment committed to growth and innovation.

Qualifications

• 10 years of relevant experience is required.
• Strong understanding of utility engineering practices.
• Experience in managing complex projects and mentoring others.

Responsibilities

• Solve complex distribution planning and reliability issues.
• Lead interconnection studies and recommend process improvements.
• Serve as a subject matter expert for critical projects.

Skills

Distribution planning

Reliability engineering

Distributed energy resources (DER)

Technical leadership

Problem-solving

Education

BS Degree in Electrical Engineering

Advanced degree (desired)

PE License (desired)

Tools

Power system analytics tools (CYME, PSS/E)

Job description

$ 128,000 to $160,400

TITLE: Principal Engineer - Interconnections

WORK TYPE: Office

LOCATION: Binghamton, NY / Rochester, NY

Job Summary

The Principal Engineer works independently and represents Avangrid in industry associations. The role applies established distribution planning criteria and sound utility engineering practices to identify deficiencies in the distribution system, assist Distribution Engineers and Field Planners in evaluating system reliability and new service requirements, and act as a technical leader in the Interconnection group, directing, overseeing, and mentoring other Interconnection Engineers in the Department. The Principal Engineer proactively identifies and performs special projects and studies that innovatively solve unique and complex problems with a broad impact to the business.

Key Responsibilities

• Solve complex and unique distribution planning and reliability issues, including studies for large‑scale customer load additions and complex DER interconnections; develop scoping documents.
• Develop alternative methods or design concepts to resolve unique problems or to improve processes/services, such as Non‑Wires Alternatives (NWAs).
• Anticipate business issues or threats and recommend process improvements.
• Proactively study and report on the status of all distribution system facilities within the assigned geographical area on an established repeating cycle.
• Recognized expert for studies and projects of extreme importance to Avangrid.
• Manage divisional and company‑wide projects, serve as SME on assigned demonstration projects and initiatives across Avangrid.
• Lead teams, act as an experienced mentor, review engineering work of others in the department, and provide direction to resources outside the department.
• Make presentations to regulatory and public entities, explain difficult concepts, and influence others.
• Proficiently utilize computer‑aided analysis tools to identify system deficiencies and plan for system reinforcements and DER impact studies.
• Perform complex engineering analyses for locating and determining the settings for distribution automation equipment.
• Serve as Department leader in the absence of the Supervisor of Interconnections.
• Assist during storm restoration and lead teams/projects or program initiatives across multiple OpCos that solve complex problems.

Required Qualifications

• BS Degree in Electrical Engineering.
• 10 years of relevant experience.
• Advanced degree and/or PE License desired.
• Depth and breadth of experience in distribution planning, reliability engineering, and distributed energy resources (DER).
• Broad knowledge of internal and external business and regulatory issues.

Behavioral Competencies

• Develop self and others.
• Empower to grow.
• Collaborate and share.
• Be a role model.
• Focus to achieve results.
• Be agile.

Technical Skills/Competencies

• Theoretical engineering knowledge: planning, operations, and engineering design.
• Analytics, modeling, and calculation (e.g., symmetrical components, per unit).
• Practical engineering experience and application across design, construction, and field operations.
• Engineering documentation: adequate documentation, interpretation, review, and approval of engineering work done by others.
• Knowledge of regulatory and compliance environment: local, state, and federal standards (NERC, NPCC, ISO, PUC, etc.).

Functional Job Specific Competencies

• Power system studies: knowledge and interpretation of study assumptions and results, including comprehensive area studies, power flow, DER, voltage, contingency, phase imbalance, power factor correction, short‑circuit, reliability, resiliency, capacity, and distribution automation.
• Software proficiency: power system analytics tools (e.g., CYME, PSS/E, SYNERGY, ASPEN).

Competencies

• Growth and continuous improvement.
• Initiative and change.
• Focused on results.
• Customer‑centric (internal and/or external).
• Communication, collaboration, and leadership (people managers/leaders).

Company Information

NY STATE ELECTRIC & GAS CORP

Mobility Information

Applicants who are not citizens of the country of the vacancy will be subject to compliance with the applicable immigration requirements to legally work in that country.

EEO Statement

At Avangrid we provide fair and equal employment and advancement opportunities for all employees and candidates regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, protected veteran status or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law.

If you are an individual with a disability or a disabled veteran who is unable to use our online tool to search for or to apply for jobs, you may request a reasonable accommodation by contacting our People and Organization department at [e-mail].

Job Posting End Date

September‑28‑2026