Electrical Engineer – Substation and Grid Engineering

Job Purpose

The Electrical Engineer will specialize in smart grid, renewables, distributed energy resources (DER), and communications technology. This role focuses on deploying and integrating advanced technology to enhance distribution automation and DER integration. This position will contribute to delivering a safe, reliable, resilient, and sustainable power grid.

Core Responsibilities:

Note: This list is not all inclusive

- Lead the development, design, and commissioning of centralized and decentralized distribution automation systems.

- Plan and implement smart grid devices to monitor and control DERs, ensuring grid reliability and resilience.

- Design and commission RTU panels for distribution and customer projects.

- Maintain and track field equipment settings for smart devices including relays, reclosers, voltage regulators, and capacitor banks.

- Manage complex projects, including scope development, design, procurement, testing, commissioning, and implementation.

- Prepare technical documentation, standards, and best practices for smart equipment

- Support substation relaying, control, and construction project design and commissioning.

- Perform feasibility assessments, research, and recommendations for new or existing systems. Manage budgeting, estimating, forecasting, and work order processes for engineering projects.

- Provide technical guidance and work direction for interns, drafters, and technicians.

Behavioral Competencies:

Note: These are in addition to MGE’s core competencies.

- Tech Savvy: Anticipates and adopts innovations in business-building digital and technology applications.

- Plans and Aligns: Plans and prioritizes work to meet commitments aligned with organizational goals.

Skills:

- Knowledge of electric power system engineering principles (high-, medium-, and low-voltage systems).

- Proficiency in reading and interpreting schematic and wiring diagrams.

- Experience with distribution automation control hardware (reclosers, automated switches, capacitor banks).

- Familiarity with SCADA protocols (DNP3, MODBUS+, IEC 61850) and network communications.

- Strong project management and communication skills.

- Analytical problem-solving and innovative thinking capabilities.

- Interest in networking, renewable energy, sustainability, and smart grid technologies.

Education:

- Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering (required).

- Professional Engineer (PE) license preferred but not required.

Experience:

- Candidates with a range of experience levels are encouraged to apply.

- Field experience with utility distribution systems preferred.

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION

About MGE

MGE generates and distributes electricity to 167,000 customers in Dane County, Wisconsin, and purchases and distributes natural gas to 178,000 customers in seven south-central and western Wisconsin counties. MGE is a regulated utility subsidiary of the investor-owned public utility holding company MGE Energy, Inc. MGE's roots in the Madison area date back more than 150 years.

An industry leader, MGE was among the first utilities nationwide to commit to net-zero carbon electricity by 2050, consistent with global climate science. Your community energy company is investing in a more sustainable future for the benefit of all our customers, investors, and employees. As your community energy company, we are committed to this area and its people. We take responsibility to:

- Plan and provide a safe, reliable, and cost-effective energy supply that balances the needs and values of those we serve.

- Provide information and education to serve our customers and stakeholders and help inform their energy decisions.

- Preserve and protect our environment while providing affordable, reliable energy.

- Encourage and support economic and business development to keep our economy strong and vibrant.

- Engage in open and honest dialogue, partnership, and collaboration to best serve our customers and the broader community.

Our Values

- Safety: Safety is a core value at MGE. The safety of our employees, customers, and communities is our top priority. Our culture initiatives continuously improve our safety performance. MGE has earned numerous safety awards for this safety performance, including the AGA Leading Indicator Safety Award.

- Reliability: We invest in our people and in our systems to help ensure top-ranked energy reliability that helps to maintain the economic health and vitality of the communities we serve. MGE is a national leader in electric reliability.

- Sustainability: With a commitment to transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement, we take a holistic and proactive approach to sustainable practices company wide.

- Equity: We are committed to equity and inclusion in our service to our customers, in our workplace, and in our broader community, and we value diverse perspectives, ideas, cultures, and backgrounds.

MGE's parent company is MGE Energy, Inc., a public utility holding company. Its common stock trades on the NASDAQ Stock Market. For more information, visit mge.com and mgeenergy.com.

JOB LOCATION

The position is hybrid, and office days are in downtown Madison, Wisconsin, where MGE is an active participant in community efforts to preserve the area's extraordinary quality of life. We offer free, on-site parking and are located near biking trails and bus stops. Many employees enjoy the use of our many on-site EV charging stations.