Experienced Engineer - Electric System Planning

Job Purpose

Provide engineering analysis and technical support for the planning, operation, and enhancement of the electric distribution system serving domestic, commercial, and industrial customers. This role applies established engineering principles, system modeling, and analytical techniques to evaluate system performance, support distributed energy resource (DER) integration, and contribute to grid modernization and reliability initiatives. Assignments have defined objectives and require collaboration with internal stakeholders and guidance from senior engineering staff.

Core Responsibilities

Note: This list is not all-inclusive.

- Support distribution planning initiatives by performing engineering analysis related to system capacity, reliability, customer growth, and infrastructure improvements.

- Develop, maintain, and update electric distribution system models under established standards and guidance.

- Perform system analysis using Synergi Electric, including load flow, voltage profile, short-circuit, fault, and available capacity studies.

- Assist with engineering reviews and system impact studies for DER interconnections.

- Support electromagnetic transient (EMT) analysis and advanced modeling efforts using PSCAD, as assigned.

- Conduct fault current, arc flash, and basic system protection studies with oversight from senior engineers.

- Assist with system protection coordination activities, including evaluation of fuses, reclosers, breakers, and automation devices.

- Collaborate with internal teams and external partners, including American Transmission Company, on data collection, modeling inputs, and analysis coordination.

- Participate in engineering projects across research, planning, design, testing, and implementation phases.

- Prepare technical documentation, reports, and recommendations for review by senior engineering staff.

- Perform additional duties as assigned.

Behavioral Competencies

Note: These are in addition to MGE’s Core Competencies

- Technical/Professional Expertise – Builds and applies core engineering knowledge to complete assigned analyses and tasks.

- Analytical Thinking – Uses data, models, and logic to understand system behavior and support sound conclusions.

- Learning Agility – Actively builds technical capability and adapts to new tools, methods, and system requirements.

- Collaborates – Works effectively with team members and stakeholders to achieve shared goals.

- Plans and Aligns – Organizes work to meet objectives, timelines, and engineering standards.

Skills

- Electric distribution system analysis and modeling (working to proficient)

- Synergi Electric software (working to proficient)

- Basic DER interconnection analysis (working)

- Introductory PSCAD / EMT analysis (working)

- Fault current and arc flash analysis (working)

- System protection fundamentals (working)

- Technical documentation and reporting (proficient)

- Collaboration and communication skills (proficient)

Education

- Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or equivalent required

Experience

- Electric utility engineering experience preferred, ideally in distribution engineering, planning, or a related area

- Internship, co-op, or early-career professional experience in utility engineering strongly preferred

- Valid driver’s license required

Work Location

This hybrid role is based at our Madison, WI headquarters. While three days onsite is the minimum, team collaboration and business needs may require additional in-office presence.

Pre-employment will require satisfactory completion of a background check and drug screen.

We are an AA/EOE employer and consider all qualified candidates without regard to protected status.