Senior Engineer - Distribution Planner

Under minimal supervision of more experienced staff, the Operations & Capacity Planner in this position will have an emphasis on improving the capacity and operating performance of the distribution system in line with future integration of smart grid devices and systems, including distribution energy resources (DER), volt/var optimization (VVO), advanced metering infrastructure (AMI), distribution automation (DA).

The right candidate is someone who is excited about realizing the future of energy delivery while meeting our customers' needs today and is curious about learning and passionate about improving.

Expectations of this position include the following:

• Knowledge and ability to apply engineering principles, guidelines, practices, theories and methods to perform analyses solving relatively complex problems with many interrelated elements requiring consideration.
• Effective verbal and written communication across the organization to present information to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Supports emergency response operations work as needed including immediate and extended restoration efforts driven by weather and other system failures.
• Ensures compliance with codes, standards, designs, operation, and maintenance requirements and uphold the safety compliance standards inherent in PSE's operating and/or field procedures related to work responsibilities.
• Promotes and supports a culture of total safety.

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.

• Provides technical review of potential system impacts from proposed substantial load additions and provides timely response that includes study results and recommendations.
• Monitors and analyzes the electric distribution system operation performance to proactively plan projects to address system deficiencies.
• Prepares complex engineering analyses and studies of the electric system to provide for future needs using LoadSEER and SynerGi modeling program.
• Interprets and/or modifies available planning guidelines for application to existing problems or processes.
• Provides a detailed design review of internal or external technical documents to ensure compliance with PSE standards and expectations.
• Develops, prepares and justifies capacity improvement projects for the electric distribution system to meet cost, design standards, and schedule objectives with appropriate documentation.
• Identifies potential areas of weakness with assigned work, and initiates corrective action.Documents and shares work with others to strengthen the depth and breadth of skills within PSE's engineering workforce.
• May lead or coordinate the work of engineering assistants, field technicians and others who assist on specific projects.
• May evaluate new emerging technologies to ensure all issues are addressed holistically and that problem solutions are tailored to PSE's business environment.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

• 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.

• Experience working on complex engineering projects in the electric utility industry.
• Experience working with internal and external customers in meeting system and customer needs.
• Experience using an electrical analysis program such as LoadSEER, SynerGi, CYME, or other programs.
• Knowledge of engineering economics, analysis, and utility accounting practices.
• Possession of EIT certificate and ability to acquire PE license.