Distribution Capacity Planner

Job Description

Puget Sound Energy’s Electric System Planning department is looking for a Senior Engineer to join our team as a Distribution Capacity Planner The Distribution Capacity Planner prepares engineering plans, designs, specifications, standards, cost estimates, system studies, and other such evaluations to support the needs of PSE’s distribution system. This person will provide professional engineering service and support in the planning, construction, operation, maintenance, and analysis of PSE electric distribution facilities and assets. This role will interpret and apply existing guidelines and engineering principles, practices, and theories toward the completion of assignments with many interrelated elements. The engineer also works on project teams to support the successful completion of projects designed to reinforce the energy delivery or power generation systems. Work on assignments is also performed with the goal of growing the engineers’ technical and managerial knowledge about PSE processes and systems. The ideal candidate supports emergency response operations when needed.

This job is considered “safety sensitive” as defined in RCW 49.44.240 and is subject to pre-employment drug screening that includes screening for the presence of marijuana and marijuana metabolites.

Job Responsibilities

Responsible for preparing studies and analyses to develop and justify capacity and reliability projects for the electric distribution system. Run power system simulation, modeling and analysis using advanced power system analysis programs such as Synergi. Provide professional engineering service and support in the planning, construction, operation, maintenance, and analysis of PSE facilities and assets. Plan projects to meet cost and time objectives. Interprets requirements and application of company and industry standards, guidelines, and methods. Review design and documentation to ensure compliance with internal planning criteria and standards. Interprets and/or modifies available guidelines for application to existing problems or processes. Documents project need, benefit and justifications with minimal direct supervision. Creates and reviews cost estimates, and provides economic cost/benefit analysis for project alternatives. Plan and develop project budgets with appropriate documentation. Applies engineering principles, practices and theories.  Identifies potential areas of weakness with assigned work and initiates corrective action. Ensures compliance with codes, standards, and design requirements. Supports emergency response work as requested, including immediate and extended restoration efforts driven by weather and other system failures. May coordinate the work of engineering assistants, technicians, or others who assist in specific assignments (including contractors/consultants). Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor of Science degree or PE license in electrical, mechanical, civil or other appropriate engineering field. Substantial experience in planning, design, specification preparation, technical field work, project cost estimating and scheduling (typically achieved after 8 or more years practice as a degreed engineer). Years of acquired experience is provided as a guide and alone does not constitute readiness for job level as individual’s skill acquisition rates can vary significantly. Demonstrated organization, documentation, prioritization, and project management skills. Strong interpersonal and communication skills.

Desired Qualifications

Experience working in the utility industry. Experience working on complex engineering projects. Experience working with both internal and external customers on projects. Experience with electric power flow models. Experience with coordinating external consultants in the execution of a project. Possession Engineering (PE) License. Knowledge of engineering economics and analysis.

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