Lead Responsible Engineer (LRE), Distribution

About PowerRise

PowerRise is a premier provider of engineering, architecture, and project/construction management services for electric and gas utility clients. We specialize in delivering reliable, resilient, and innovative solutions that drive success for capital projects. Our leadership team brings decades of experience in the energy sector, ensuring expert execution and strategic management across all project phases. At PowerRise, we champion safety, innovation, diversity, and inclusion, ensuring every project contributes to a more equitable and sustainable energy future.

Position Summary

PowerRise is seeking a skilled Distribution Engineer specializing in Renewable Interconnection to support our electric utility clients. In this critical role, you will serve as the technical expert responsible for reviewing renewable generation applications and developing the detailed scopes and cost estimates required to safely integrate these resources into the electric distribution system. You will act as a bridge between renewable developers and the utility, coordinating technical reviews, facilitating the approval process, and ensuring the distribution grid remains reliable and compliant.

Key Responsibilities

- Renewable Application Review & Scoping:

- Review applications for renewable generation interconnections (solar, battery storage, wind) to assess their impact on the distribution system.

- Develop detailed engineering scopes of work and comprehensive cost estimates for the utility upgrades necessary to accommodate new generation.

- Identify potential system constraints and flag projects that require upstream Substation or Transmission system upgrades, coordinating the handoff to respective groups.

- Facility Studies & Technical Design:

- Conduct or review facility studies to determine the specific equipment and protection requirements for interconnection.

- Apply advanced distribution design principles to ensure proposed interconnections meet all utility standards, safety codes, and operational requirements.

- Prepare accurate technical documentation and cost letters to be communicated to developers and clients.

- Stakeholder Coordination & Approvals:

- Lead the coordination with internal utility departments (Planning, Operations, Metering, Real Estate) to validate project requirements and feasibility.

- Manage the project through the internal and external technical review processes, ensuring accuracy and necessity of all scoped work.

- Facilitate the approval process to ensure timely issuance of cost estimates and interconnection agreements to developers.

Qualifications

- Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering (BSEE) or a related engineering discipline.

- A minimum of 35+ years of experience in electric utility distribution system design or distribution planning.

- Strong technical understanding of Distributed Energy Resources (DER) and their impact on the electric distribution grid (voltage regulation, protection coordination, loading).

- Proficiency in distribution design standards, NESC codes, and renewable interconnection standards (e.g., IEEE 1547).

- Experience developing detailed construction scopes and cost estimates for utility distribution projects.

- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to coordinate complex projects across multiple internal and external stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications

- Licensed Professional Engineer (PE) or Engineer in Training (EIT).

- Experience with power flow analysis software (e.g., CYME, Synergi, Milsoft).

- Direct experience managing the utility interconnection queue or application process.

- Knowledge of statespecific interconnection tariffs and regulations.

Why Join PowerRise?

At PowerRise, our people are our greatest asset. We are committed to fostering a supportive environment where you can thrive both personally and professionally.

- Time for You: We understand the importance of balance. Our competitive PTO and Holiday policies allow you to disconnect and spend quality time with family and friends.

- TopTier Care: Your health matters. We offer robust health, dental, and vision coverage to keep you and your loved ones healthy.

- Investing in Your Future: From a 401(k) with company match to comprehensive life and disability coverage, we provide the tools you need for longterm financial security.

- Grow With Us: As we scale, you scale. We offer mentorship, training, and the opportunity to take on new challenges in a dynamic, collaborative environment.

To Apply

Interested candidates are invited to submit their resume and a cover letter detailing their relevant electric utility construction management experience to careers@thepowerrise.com. Please include " Distribution Interconnection Engineer " in the subject line.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

PowerRise is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment for all employees.