Senior Engineer, DER Planning (Hybrid Schedule)

Eversource Energy; Berlin (CT); On-site; USD 129,000 - 144,000; Full time

Job summary

Eversource Energy is seeking a Distributed Energy Resource (DER) Planning Senior Engineer to lead planning, evaluation, and integration of DERs into the electric distribution system. You will perform complex analyses, develop technical solutions, and guide planning initiatives that modernize the grid.

The role requires independent judgment, project leadership from initiation to completion, and effective communication with diverse stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering; advanced degree preferred.
• Five or more years of relevant engineering experience in electric utility planning, power systems analysis, DER integration, distribution engineering, or related field.
• Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certification or Professional Engineer (PE) license preferred; progression desirable.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain distribution system power flow models to evaluate the interconnection of DERs and their impacts on the distribution system.
• Assess and analyze proposed DER interconnections and ISO-NE impacts; prepare documentation for ISO-NE interconnection process.
• Conduct engineering studies and develop planning-level solutions, interconnection options, technical recommendations, and alternatives to address identified impacts and DER needs.
• Apply industry standards, engineering best practices, and company planning criteria with applicable regulatory requirements.
• Collaborate with internal/external stakeholders to identify planning needs and proposed plans.
• Prepare high-level construction cost estimates and support PAFs/TAFs; present projects at monthly review meetings.
• Develop and maintain Special Operating Guidelines (SOGs) for safe and reliable DER operation.
• Monitor emerging technologies and regulatory developments to improve planning methodologies and interconnection processes.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior engineers.

Skills

DG integration

Load flow analysis

Voltage regulation

System reliability

Stability analysis

EMT analysis

Stakeholder communication

GIS familiarity

Education

B.S. Electrical Engineering

M.S. preferred

Tools

Power flow software

PSCAD/ETAP/PSSE

GIS

Job description

Eversource will not offer immigration-related sponsorship for this position (e.g., H-1B, O-1, J-1, TN, E-3, etc.). Applicants requiring visa sponsorship to start employment with Eversource will not be considered.

Position Summary

As a member of the Distribution System Planning department, the Distributed Energy Resource (DER) Planning Senior Engineer provides technical leadership and subject matter expertise in the planning, evaluation, and integration of distributed energy resources (DERs) interconnected to the electric distribution system. The role is responsible for performing and leading complex engineering analyses, developing technical solutions, and supporting planning initiatives that enable the reliable operation and modernization of the electric grid.

The Senior Engineer is expected to exercise independent engineering judgment, lead projects from initiation through completion, and communicate technical findings and recommendations to a wide range of stakeholders. The position also plays a key role in mentoring and developing junior engineers while supporting the Company's participation in industry discussions and collaborative efforts related to DER integration and distribution planning.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain distribution system power flow models to evaluate the interconnection of distributed energy resources (DERs) and their impacts on the electric distribution system.
• Assess and analyze proposed DER interconnections and associated impacts on the distribution system and the ISO-NE regional system. Prepare documentation to support the ISO-NE interconnection process, as required.
• Conduct complex engineering studies and develop planning-level solutions, interconnection options, technical recommendations, and alternative approaches to address identified system impacts, planning criteria violations, and DER integration needs.
• Apply industry standards, engineering best practices, and Company distribution planning criteria in conjunction with applicable federal, state, and local regulatory requirements.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders, including System Planning, Transmission, Distribution Line Engineering, Substation Engineering, Asset Management, Siting, Environmental and Permitting, and Operations, to identify planning needs and proposed plans.
• Prepare high-level construction cost estimates and support the development of Project Authorization Forms (PAFs), TAFs, and other project approval documentation. Present applicable projects at monthly review meetings.
• Develop and maintain Special Operating Guidelines (SOGs) to support the safe and reliable operation of DER installations.
• Monitor emerging technologies, industry practices, and regulatory developments related to DER integration and grid modernization, and identify opportunities to improve planning methodologies, interconnection processes, and utilization of the electric distribution system.
• Provide technical leadership and guidance to junior engineers, including training, mentoring, and review of engineering analyses and study results.

Additional Responsibilities

• Represent the department and the Company on industry-related committees, working groups, and stakeholder forums.
• Serve as a technical lead on specialized internal and external cross-functional teams to develop engineering solutions and support strategic initiatives.
• Manage the approved inverter list, including the review of UL certifications and the evaluation of equipment for inclusion on the Company's approved equipment list.
• Perform storm restoration and other emergency assignments as needed during periods of inclement weather or adverse system conditions.

Qualifications

Technical Knowledge & Skills

• Understanding of electrical engineering concepts, including distributed generation (DG), storage, reliability, load flow, voltage flicker, system stability, short-circuit analysis, voltage regulation, transients, power factor, and system losses.
• Understanding of the parameters, functions, and operating characteristics of electric power delivery systems, as well as electric utility industry fundamentals, practices, and standards.
• Experience using power system modeling and simulation software to perform steady-state power flow, voltage, short-circuit, stability, and electromagnetic transient analyses.
• Demonstrated ability to lead complex engineering assignments, exercise sound engineering judgment, and develop practical solutions to technical challenges.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate technical findings and recommendations effectively to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Excellent verbal and written communication, interpersonal, presentation, and stakeholder management skills.
• Knowledge of Eversource tariffs, interconnection requirements, and technical standards.
• Familiarity with utility GIS, outage management, and related engineering applications is preferred.

Education

EDUCATION: Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Power Systems Engineering, or a related engineering discipline required. An advanced degree is preferred.

Experience

EXPERIENCE: Five (5) or more years of relevant engineering experience in electric utility planning, power systems analysis, DER integration, distribution engineering, or a related field is required.

Licenses & Certifications

Preferred: Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certification or Professional Engineer (PE) license. Demonstrated progress toward obtaining professional licensure is desirable.

Competencies

• Build trusting relationships
• Manage and develop people
• Foster teamwork and cross-functional collaboration
• Lead change
• Communicate strategic vision
• Create an engaged workforce
• Focus on the customer
• Take ownership & accountability

Compensation and Benefits

Eversource offers a competitive total rewards program. Check out our careers site for an overview of our benefits programs. Salary is commensurate with your experience. This position is eligible for a potential incentive. The annual salary range for this position is: $129,450.00-$143,830.00

Worker Type: Regular

Number of Openings: 1

Emergency Response: Responding to emergency situations to meet customers’ needs is part of every employee’s role. If employed, you will be given an Emergency Restoration assignment. This means you may be called to assist during an emergency outside of your normal responsibilities, work hours and location.

EEO Statement

Eversource Energy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, religion, disability status, or protected veteran status.

VEVRRA Federal Contractor