Senior Distribution Engineer - System Improvement

Omaha Public Power District; Omaha (NE); On-site; USD 99,000 - 121,000; Full time

Job summary

Omaha Public Power District is seeking a Senior Distribution Engineer - System Improvement to lead long-term capacity planning, modernization, and reliability enhancements. You will direct major initiatives such as circuit additions, overhead-to-underground conversions, equipment replacements, and switchgear deployments.

The role requires 8+ years in distribution engineering, a Nebraska PE license (or ability to obtain within 6 months), and a track record of guiding teams on large projects.

Qualifications

• Professional Engineer license in Nebraska or ability to obtain within 6 months through reciprocity and relevant experience.
• 8+ years of experience in distribution engineering or system planning.
• Deep expertise in distribution system design, reliability engineering, and construction standards.
• Demonstrated leadership in guiding engineering teams and large-scale projects.

Responsibilities

• Oversee QA/QC activities and approve engineering designs to ensure compliance with standards and long-term system planning needs.
• Lead complex system performance investigations and direct the development of solutions to address persistent reliability or capacity challenges.
• Initiate and lead continuous improvement initiatives that strengthen engineering practices, tools, and system performance.
• Develop training materials and deliver technical instruction for internal engineers and external design resources.
• Provide strategic direction regarding where new circuits, switchgear, and major rebuilds are required to support system reliability and growth.
• Manage engineering workstreams for large capital programs, including pole-line rebuilds, full circuit redesigns, and major undergrounding projects.

Skills

Leadership

Project Management

Reliability engineering

System design

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Job description

What This Role Delivers

Senior Distribution Engineers - System Improvement serve as technical leaders responsible for shaping distribution system growth, long-term capacity planning, and infrastructure modernization. You will direct complex engineering initiatives such as new circuit additions, strategic overhead-to-underground conversions, major equipment replacements, switchgear deployments, and reliability-driven system redesigns. This role supports OPPD's mission through expert-level guidance, large project oversight, and risk mitigation strategies that improve reliability, performance, and resilience.

Opportunity Profile

Senior Distribution Engineers - System Improvement serve as technical leaders responsible for shaping distribution system growth, long-term capacity planning, and infrastructure modernization. You will direct complex engineering initiatives such as new circuit additions, strategic overhead-to-underground conversions, major equipment replacements, switchgear deployments, and reliability-driven system redesigns. This role supports OPPD's mission through expert-level guidance, large project oversight, and risk mitigation strategies that improve reliability, performance, and resilience.

What This Role Will Lead & Own

• Oversee QA/QC activities and approve engineering designs to ensure compliance with standards and long-term system planning needs.
• Lead complex system performance investigations and direct the development of solutions to address persistent reliability or capacity challenges.
• Initiate and lead continuous improvement initiatives that strengthen engineering practices, tools, and system performance.
• Develop training materials and deliver technical instruction for internal engineers and external design resources.
• Provide strategic direction regarding where new circuits, switchgear, and major rebuilds are required to support system reliability and growth.
• Manage engineering workstreams for large capital programs, including pole-line rebuilds, full circuit redesigns, and major undergrounding projects.

What You Will Bring

• Demonstrated ability to successfully complete essential duties with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Registration as a Professional Engineer in the State of Nebraska or ability to obtain Nebraska registration within 6 months through reciprocity and relevant experience.

What Will Help You Stand Out

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related field
• 8+ years of experience in distribution engineering or system planning
• Deep expertise in distribution system design, reliability engineering, and construction standards
• Demonstrated leadership in guiding engineering teams and large-scale projects
• Ability to evaluate system risks and implement long-term mitigation strategies
• Experience leading major distribution modernization efforts

Work Location

• Office: Work will be performed in a modern office environment amid normal conditions of dust, odors, fumes, and noises.
• Field: Work will be performed outside in a wide variety of weather conditions (snow, rain, heat, cold, wind, etc.), terrain, and other natural environmental hazards as well as pollen and other airborne allergens.
• Travel: Must be able to travel throughout the service territory and report to various locations in a timely manner as needed.

Work Environment

• Work will be performed in high traffic environments.
• Will work around energized high voltage electrical equipment.
• Will work in construction areas that present many physical hazards.
• Will work at heights.

Strength Factor

Exerting 20 to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or 10 to 25 pounds of force frequently, and/or greater than negligible up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Physical Demand requirements are in excess of those for Light Work.

Salary/Wage Info

• Grade: S6
• Minimum: $109,942
• Midpoint: $137,428

Our Culture & Mission

At Omaha Public Power District, everything starts with people - our teams, our communities, and the customer owners who count on us. As the 12th largest public power utility in the U.S., we serve more than 900,000 people across 13 counties, and we take that responsibility seriously.

We lead with integrity, support one another, and do what's right, because how we serve matters just as much as what we deliver. Our goal is simple: provide affordable, reliable, and environmentally responsible energy today and for generations to come.

We create power with purpose. Your work here has real impact; on families, on the environment, and on the future of energy. And we believe great ideas can come from anywhere.

If you want to be part of a team that takes care of the community and the people who serve it, you're in the right place. We back up our mission by taking care of our employees, too; which is why our benefits are among the most comprehensive and competitive in the region.

EOE: Protected Veterans/Disability

If you would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position with OPPD, please email OPPD Talent Acquisition at [e-mail] .