Senior Engineer, System Planning (Hybrid Schedule)

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

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work

Job summary

Eversource Energy is seeking a Senior Engineer, System Planning for VPP, NWA, and Flexible Interconnection Strategy. You will support development and implementation of advanced distribution planning solutions across our electric system and collaborate with multiple internal teams to translate needs into actionable solutions.

Responsibilities include evaluating Non-Wires Alternatives, supporting VPP pilots, and coordinating flexible-interconnection planning across jurisdictions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related engineering discipline
• Advanced degree preferred
• Five to eight years of experience in electric distribution planning, transmission/distribution engineering, DER integration, or power-system analysis
• Strong understanding of distribution power flow, contingency analysis, voltage, thermal capacity, protection, reliability, and system operating constraints
• Experience with distribution planning and power-system modeling software
• Familiarity with DER technologies including solar PV, battery storage, EV charging, demand response, and load-management technologies

Responsibilities

• Screen major distribution system needs for potential NWA opportunities
• Perform detailed evaluations of NWA solutions, including energy efficiency, demand response, distributed generation, battery storage, managed EV charging, and other DER solutions
• Lead alternative evaluations for petition filings and represent the Company as key technical witness
• Identify geographic areas where aggregations of customer DERs could provide meaningful distribution-system value
• Coordinate Flexible Interconnection planning across three jurisdictions

Skills

Distribution planning

DER integration

Power-system analysis

Technical writing

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication skills

Project leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Advanced degree preferred

Tools

Power system modeling software

Power flow analysis tools

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.

Role and Scope of Position: The Senior Engineer, System Planning for VPP, NWA, and Flexible Interconnection Strategy will support the development and implementation of advanced distribution planning solutions across Eversource's electric system and will be reporting to the Manager of Integrated Energy Planning (IEP). The role will combine traditional distribution planning analysis with emerging grid technologies, customer-side resources, and advanced operational strategies. The senior engineer will work closely with System Planning, Grid Modernization, Operations, DER Integration, Regulatory, and other internal stakeholders to translate identified system needs into actionable alternative solutions.

The position will be responsible for conducting Non-Wires Alternatives (NWAs) evaluations for all major capital projects, which will be filed to siting boards in all three jurisdictions. This includes writing filing petitions, answering information requests by state regulators, and appearing as a witness for the Company in proceedings. This position will also assist the Director IEP in developing and updating the Non-Wires Alternative standards, documentation, tools and processes.

In addition, this position will support the Company's VPP effort by proactively identifying capital projects that are suitable for long-term deferral through VPP development, working with the Director IEP and supporting the Director of Customer DER Solutions and Vice President Renewable Programs and Strategy.

This position shall also act as a central coordinator within System Planning for Flexible Interconnection policies, procedures, and related regulatory filings.

Essential Functions:

• Non-Wires Alternatives
  • Screen major distribution system needs and capital projects for potential NWA opportunities.
  • Perform detailed technical evaluations of NWA solutions, including energy efficiency, demand response, distributed generation, battery storage, managed EV charging, and other DER solutions.
  • Determine the magnitude, duration, timing, location, and reliability characteristics of the system need that an NWA must address.
  • Develop technical performance requirements for NWA solicitations and evaluate proposed solutions against traditional infrastructure alternatives.
  • Support cost, risk, reliability, implementation-timeline, and operational assessments of NWA portfolios.
  • Lead alternative evaluations for petition filings and represent the Company as key technical witness.
• Virtual Power Plants
  • Identify geographic areas where aggregations of customer DERs could provide meaningful distribution-system value.
  • Analyze system needs and determine the type, quantity, location, availability, and duration of DER flexibility required.
  • Work with Energy Efficiency and other teams to identify potential VPP resources including batteries, EVs, thermostatically controlled loads, solar-plus-storage, and other dispatchable resources.
  • Support development of VPP pilots and programs designed to test distribution-level grid services and operational use cases.
• Flexible Interconnection
  • Coordinate Flexible Interconnection Efforts across the three jurisdictions, supporting the respective managers and lead engineers.
  • Provide engineering support for flexible interconnection strategies and evaluate their potential application to NTA/NWA and VPP solutions, as well as support to customer-facing teams so those teams are able to effectively advocate for these solutions with their external contacts as appropriate.
  • Support development and refinement of flexible-interconnection planning criteria, methodologies, and technical standards.
• Cross-Functional Leadership
  • Serve as a technical subject-matter expert on emerging distribution planning solutions.
  • Lead or support multidisciplinary teams involving Planning, Operations, Engineering, IT/OT, Grid Modernization, Regulatory, Customer Programs, and DER organizations.
  • Communicate complex engineering analyses clearly to technical and non-technical audiences.
  • Support regulatory proceedings, stakeholder processes, and responses to information requests related to NWAs, flexible interconnection, VPPs, and advanced system planning.
  • Monitor industry developments and incorporate relevant utility best practices, standards, technologies, and analytical approaches.

Technical Knowledge/Skill/Education/Licenses/Certifications:

Technical Knowledge/Skill:

• Strong understanding of distribution power flow, contingency analysis, voltage, thermal capacity, protection, reliability, and system operating constraints.

• Experience with distribution planning and power-system modeling software.

• Familiarity with DER technologies including solar PV, battery storage, EV charging, demand response, and load-management technologies.

• Experience analyzing large system datasets and translating analytical results into engineering recommendations.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to develop technical documentation and present recommendations to senior management and regulatory stakeholders.

• Skill in working cross functionally

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related engineering discipline
• Advanced degree preferred

Experience:

• Five to eight years of experience in electric distribution planning, transmission/distribution engineering, DER integration, or power-system analysis.

Working Conditions:

• Must be available to work emergency restoration assignment as required.
• Must be available to travel between MA/CT/NH as necessary.

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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