Sr Engineer, Portland, OR #111316

Date: Apr 15, 2024

Location: PORTLAND, OR, US, 97232

Company: PacifiCorp

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PacifiCorp is seeking customer-centric candidates to grow and sustain our commitment to a culture of customer service excellence, environmental sustainability and diversity, equity and inclusion.

General Purpose

As an Engineer in Pacific Power’s Distribution System Planning team, you will hold a pivotal role in enhancing the efficiency and reliability of the electrical distribution system. This role requires a solid foundation in distribution system planning, wires and non-wires solution analysis to address grid needs, toolset evaluation, a strong data background, statewide and community stakeholder engagement, and expertise in hosting capacity analysis. Your responsibilities encompass designing, analyzing, and optimizing the distribution system to meet the evolving needs of the communities Pacific Power serves while incorporating innovative, cost-effective solutions

Responsibilities

• Distribution Planning : Develop short-term and long-term plans for the distribution system that align with company objectives and regulatory requirements. Utilize your technical expertise to assess the impacts of various distribution projects.

• Wires/Non-Wires Solution Analysis : Evaluate and recommend standard solutions (wires) and alternative (non-wires) solutions, such as distributed energy resources, energy efficiency, energy storage, demand response, and microgrids to address grid capacity issues, deferring or eliminating the need for traditional infrastructure upgrades.

• Load Forecasting : Perform long-term load forecasting to predict load growth, ensuring the distribution system has capacity for future demand.

• Hosting Capacity Analysis : Conduct hosting capacity assessments to identify the potential for integrating renewable energy resources, including solar, batteries, and other emerging technologies, into the distribution grid. Determine the grid's ability to accommodate additional loads and generation.

• Data Analysis : Utilize your strong data background to collect, analyze, and interpret data related to the performance and operation of the distribution system, including time series data from AMI and SCADA systems. Leverage data-driven insights to make informed decisions.

• Reporting : Lead the compilation and updating of Distribution System Planning baseline data, encompassing information about all Pacific Power's distribution feeders, substations, and infrastructure.

• Toolset Evaluation : Assess and recommend the use of planning and analysis tools to advance the efficiency and accuracy of distribution system planning.

• Stakeholder Engagement : Engage with statewide and community stakeholders, including regulatory bodies, local governments, community-based organizations, and utility partners. Gather input, address concerns, and promote advancements in distribution planning practices.

• Collaboration : Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including operations, field engineering, area planning, grid modernization, wildfire mitigation, investment delivery, asset management, customer and community solutions, regulatory, and external stakeholders. Ensure alignment with the company's objectives and adherence to industry standards.

• Regulatory Compliance: Stay up to date with regulatory changes and requirements related to distribution system planning and make necessary adjustments to ensure compliance.

• Innovation : Stay informed about emerging technologies, trends, and best practices in the field of Engineering.

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Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering from an accredited college/university.

• Minimum of five years of experience in distribution system planning and analysis.

• Proven problem-solving abilities and attention to detail.

• Strong data analysis and modeling skills.

• Knowledge of relevant industry standards and regulations (IEEE, IEC, NEC, NESC etc.).

• Experience in load flow analysis to identify distribution thermal and voltage constraints.

• Ability to communicate complex data in a simple, actionable way through visualizations.

• Ability to review scientific literature and incorporate knowledge into ongoing projects.

• Exceptional technical writing skills.

• Strong presentation and interpersonal skills.

• Demonstrated leadership and/or project management skills.

Preferences

• Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering from an accredited college/university

• Experience with hosting capacity analysis tools and techniques

• Experience in Volt-VAR optimization project implementation and measurement and verification techniques

• Experience in the interconnection process for small generators (<20MW)

• Experience of SQL query construction and optimization

• Experience in Python, Java Script, or other scripting languages

• Knowledge of industry best practices for data management

• Understanding of the Company's business and relevant policies, procedures, and practices

• Professional Engineering license

Additional Information

Req Id: 111316

Company Code: Pacificorp

Primary Location: PORTLAND

Department: Pacific Power

Schedule: Days

Personnel Subarea: Exempt

Hiring Range: $98,200-$115,500

This position is eligible for an annual discretionary performance incentive bonus of up to 15.00% of salary.

Benefits: Health care, retirement, paid time off, tuition assistance, paid short-term and long-term disability, paid bereavement leave. For more information, please visit: https://careers.pacificorp.com/content/New-Benefits-Page/?locale=en_US

Employees must be able to perform the essential functions of the position with or without an accommodation.

At PacifiCorp, we celebrate diversity, equity and inclusion. PacifiCorp is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion or religious creed, age, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status (except as required by law), gender (including gender identity and expression), sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, genetic information, physical or mental disability, medical condition, veteran or military status, familial or parental status, marital status or any other category protected by applicable local, state or U.S. federal law.

Unless otherwise required by law, all offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of a background check and drug screening including for marijuana. While marijuana is legal in several states, including Oregon, a positive test for positions in Oregon may disqualify a candidate. The company complies with the laws of Washington and California and only obtains and considers positive tests for marijuana in safety-sensitive positions or those covered by U.S. Department of Transportation regulations.