Senior Distribution Planning Engineer – DER Integration

Socket.dev; New Jersey; Hybrid; USD 104,000 - 156,000; Full time

Job summary

CARIAN is seeking a Senior Distribution Planning Engineer – DER Integration to lead hosting capacity analyses and distribution studies for a major New Jersey utility. The role emphasizes DER integration, CYME modeling, and close collaboration with planning, operations, and technology teams.

The ideal candidate brings 5+ years in electric utility distribution engineering, advanced CYME proficiency, and experience with hosting capacity, power flow, and power quality studies.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Power Systems or related field.
• Minimum 5 years in electric utility distribution engineering, planning, or DER integration.
• Advanced proficiency with CYME and related analysis modules.
• Experience with hosting capacity analysis and distribution system modeling.
• Valid driver’s license.

Responsibilities

• Perform CYME-based hosting capacity analysis and automate study workflows.
• Conduct distribution power flow analyses and validate models with field data.
• Perform power quality analysis using AMI/SCADA data and field measurements.
• Develop Level 1–3 DER screening workflows using CYME and Power BI.
• Define screening methodologies and determine when EMTP/transient analysis is needed.
• Support Power BI dashboard strategies for DER screening and hosting capacity.
• Collaborate with engineering, planning, operations, and technology teams on DER integration.
• Prepare technical reports, study documents, methodologies and SOPs.
• Support distribution planning and grid modernization studies.

Skills

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Documentation & reporting

Driver’s license

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical/Power Systems

Tools

CYME

Power BI

EMTP

Python

SQL

Job description

Senior Distribution Planning Engineer – DER Integration

Location: New Jersey (Hybrid – 3 days onsite)

Job Type: Full-Time

About Us

CARIAN is a purpose-driven, woman-owned consulting and advisory firm dedicated exclusively to the power sector. We partner with leading electric and gas utilities to provide strategic advisory and disciplined execution across program management, business intelligence, and field execution oversight. Guided by integrity, trust, excellence, and accountability, our team helps deliver complex capital programs and build the resilient energy infrastructure that communities depend on.

Position Overview

CARIAN is seeking a Senior Distribution Planning Engineer – DER Integration to contribute to distribution system planning, studies, and distributed energy resource (DER) integration initiatives across a major electric utility in New Jersey.

This role focuses on hosting capacity analysis, distribution system modeling, power flow and power quality studies, DER screening methodologies, and planning and operational studies. The ideal candidate will bring strong electric utility distribution engineering experience and advanced proficiency with CYME, with the ability to evaluate DER impacts and support reliable integration across the distribution system.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform CYME-based Hosting Capacity Analysis and support automation of study workflows
• Conduct distribution power flow analysis and validate circuit models against field conditions
• Perform power quality analysis using AMI, SCADA, monitoring devices, and field measurements
• Develop and document workflows for Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 DER screening processes using CYME and Power BI
• Develop methodologies and technical criteria for advanced Level 3 screening studies, including determining when EMTP or transient analysis is required
• Support development of Power BI dashboard strategies to assist planners with DER screening and hosting capacity processes
• Collaborate with engineering, planning, operations, and technology stakeholders to support DER integration using CYME, DERMS, and other utility software platforms
• Prepare technical reports, study documentation, methodologies, and standard operating procedures
• Support distribution planning and system operational studies related to DER integration and grid modernization initiatives

Qualifications

• Experience Level: 5+ years
• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Power Systems Engineering, or related discipline
• Minimum 5 years of electric utility distribution engineering, distribution planning, power system studies, or DER integration experience
• Advanced proficiency with CYME, including advanced analysis modules
• Experience performing hosting capacity analysis and distribution system modeling
• Experience performing distribution power flow and power system studies involving DER integration
• Strong understanding of electric utility distribution systems and planning practices
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Strong written and verbal communication skills supporting cross-functional collaboration
• Strong technical documentation and report writing capabilities
• Valid driver’s license

Preferred

• Experience with EMTP or other transient analysis tools
• Experience developing DER screening methodologies
• Experience with DERMS implementation or grid modernization initiatives
• Experience with Python and SQL
• Experience with Power BI dashboard development and analytics
• Prior experience supporting investor-owned utilities

Why CARIAN

• Purpose-driven work – Help deliver infrastructure that powers communities
• Industry reputation – Trusted by leading utilities for our reliability and results
• Career growth – Opportunities to support major grid modernization programs and expand technical leadership capabilities
• Collaborative culture – Join a team that values delivery excellence and long‑term relationships
• Competitive total rewards – Strong compensation, full benefits, 401(k) match, and meaningful work

Equal Employment Opportunity

CARIAN is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We hire and develop talent based on qualifications, performance, and business needs. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic. As a women-owned firm dedicated to the power sector, we are committed to building a team that reflects professionalism, expertise, and integrity at every level.

Compensation

The base salary range for this role is $104,000 – $156,000 annually. This range represents a good‑faith estimate at the time of posting; actual compensation will depend on experience, qualifications, and other factors permitted by law. In addition to base salary, the role includes eligibility for bonus incentives, a comprehensive benefits package, and a company 401(k) match.