Supervising Engineer - Distribution Automation

PPL Corporation; Allentown (Lehigh County); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

PPL Corporation is seeking a senior engineering leader to direct engineers and technicians across multiple sites. You will oversee safety, technical quality, and adherence to standards while guiding projects and budgets. The role emphasizes mentoring, cross-functional collaboration, and storm restoration leadership within a major U.S.

utility group. The position requires ABET-accredited engineering credentials and substantial leadership experience, with preferred advanced degrees and knowledge

Qualifications

• ABET-accredited engineering or engineering technology degree.
• 5+ years engineering experience, or MS with 3 years, or PhD with 2 years.
• Demonstrated leadership and people-management skills.
• Knowledge of regulatory requirements and industry codes (IEEE, NESC, NEC, OSHA).

Responsibilities

• Lead and supervise engineers and technicians across locations.
• Develop standards and construction specifications for roll out across PPL.
• Manage budgets and forecast department expenses.
• Support storm restoration efforts in designated Command Center.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to meet department objectives.
• Mentor and develop staff and evaluate workload.

Skills

Leadership

Regulatory Knowledge

Technical Direction

Communication

Management Theory

Cross-functional Collaboration

Education

ABET-accredited Engineering Degree

Advanced Degree (MS/PhD) in Engineering

Job description

Company Summary Statement

As one of the largest investor-owned utility companies in the United States, PPL Corporation (NYSE: PPL), is committed to creating long-term, sustainable value for our 3.5 million customers, our shareowners and the communities we serve. Our high-performing regulated utilities - PPL Electric Utilities, Louisville Gas and Electric, Kentucky Utilities and Rhode Island Energy - provide an outstanding experience for our customers, consistently ranking among the best utilities in the nation. PPL's companies are also addressing challenges head-on by investing in new infrastructure and technology that is creating a smarter, more reliable and resilient energy grid. We are committed to doing our part to advance a cleaner energy future and drive innovation that enables us to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 while maintaining energy reliability and affordability for the customers and communities we serve. PPL is a positive force in the cities and towns where we do business, providing support for programs and organizations that empower the success of future generations by helping to build and maintain strong, diverse communities today.

Company Summary Statement

As one of the largest investor-owned utility companies in the United States, PPL Corporation (NYSE: PPL), is committed to creating long-term, sustainable value for our 3.5 million customers, our shareowners and the communities we serve. Our high-performing regulated utilities - PPL Electric Utilities, Louisville Gas and Electric, Kentucky Utilities and Rhode Island Energy - provide an outstanding experience for our customers, consistently ranking among the best utilities in the nation. PPL's companies are also addressing challenges head-on by investing in new infrastructure and technology that is creating a smarter, more reliable and resilient energy grid. We are committed to doing our part to advance a cleaner energy future and drive innovation that enables us to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 while maintaining energy reliability and affordability for the customers and communities we serve. PPL is a positive force in the cities and towns where we do business, providing support for programs and organizations that empower the success of future generations by helping to build and maintain strong, diverse communities today.

Overview

Directs, coordinates, and supervises the daily activities of engineers and technicians in single or closely related fields of professional expertise. Accountable for direct supervision, coaching, mentoring, safety leadership and technical guidance to assigned staff in support of producing high quality, timely and cost-effective solutions to technical and business objectives. The position is also accountable for the technical quality of the group's output and is expected to continuously improve capabilities in this area. This position makes decisions guided by policies, procedures, and business plan. Typically, does not perform the work at the level being supervised, but will have individual technical and business-related assignments in support of department goals and special projects. This position is responsible for the development of standards including engineering instructions and construction specifications for roll out across PPL's operating companies.

Responsibilities

• Lead, direct and/or assist with organizing and prioritizing work group activities, assigning and/or scheduling work duties to meet required completion dates.
• Evaluate direct reports for the purpose of developing organizational talent and building expertise in areas required by the department.
• Develop leadership skills and coordinate technical training aspects for self and group members.
• Work with other departments on cross-functional technical and business teams, working groups or committees to achieve goals and objectives of the department and company.
• Assist in the development of changes in methods or processes in assigned area of responsibility and make recommendations for implementation.
• Assist in the preparation, monitoring and forecasting of the department budget.
• Support the development of section and department goals and metrics.
• Supervise, direct and provide guidance to engineers and/or technicians, often located in various geographic locations across PPL's service territory.
• Select, train, coach, and develop direct reports to build self-motivated and effective teams.
• Evaluate workload, manpower requirements, and technical abilities to identify and recommend the need for overtime use of additional resources.
• Evaluates and monitors engineering contractors and consultants.
• Research and analyze technical and/or business plans, designs, proposals, projects or strategies; provide results and/or recommendations in support of department objectives.
• Review, revise and communicate procedures in support of administrative and technical improvement initiatives. Responsible for the application of organizational policies.
• Elevates and reinforces a strong safety culture within the work group, through daily leadership, communication, and behaviors to eliminate personal injuries and losses.
• Set priorities to ensure task completion and coordinates work activities with other supervisors, acting as a liaison with other sections or departments.
• Manage and lead storm restoration efforts in designated Command Center. Participate in storm restoration training and drills.
• Assist in investigations related to power system incidents and non-employee contacts.
• Perform special tasks, initiatives, or projects assigned by manager.
• If applicable, in-person supervision of employees to ensure compliance with FLSA wage and hour issues as well as to monitor compliance with safety rules.
• All positions in which driving is an essential function of the job, regardless if the job code is marked safety sensitive or not, will also be included as safety sensitive.
• If applicable, in-person supervision of employees to ensure compliance with FLSA wage and hour issues as well as to monitor compliance with safety rules.
• Performs other duties as assigned
• Complies with all policies and standards

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree from an ABET Accredited school in Engineering or Engineering technology.
• 5+ years of Engineering experience, or a master's degree in engineering plus 3 years of engineering experience, or a PhD in Engineering plus 2 years of engineering experience. Utility system operator experience will be counted as engineering experience for this position.
• Demonstrated leadership skills by achieving positive results under non-ideal circumstances
• Working knowledge of regulatory requirements and industry codes and standards related to the electric utility industry

Preferred Qualifications:

• Comprehensive knowledge and competency of substation design, substation equipment, work methods, policies, procedures and business plans
• Demonstrated ability to provide technical direction to technical and non-technical personnel
• Knowledge of advanced management theories, practices and techniques
• Sound judgment, technical insight, and strong initiative to direct other engineers on resolution of complex issues
• Strong verbal and written communication and influencing skills
• Ability to work well with individuals on all levels of the organization.
• Knowledge of industry codes such as IEEE, NESC, NEC, OSHA, etc