Real-Time Distribution Systems Engineer

At PGE, our work involves dreaming about, planning for, and realizing a smarter, cleaner, more enduring Oregon neighborhood. Its core to our DNA and we haven’t stopped since we started in 1888. We energize lives, strengthen communities and drive advancements in energy that promote social, economic and environmental progress. We’re always on the lookout for people passionate about leading and being a part of teams that are advancing innovative clean energy solutions that are also affordable and accessible to all.

Operate the grid. Modernize the grid. Shape the future.

Portland General Electric (PGE) is seeking an experienced, impact-driven Power Systems Engineer to join our Integrated Operations Center; the nerve center for real-time distribution grid management across Oregon.

In this role, you’ll provide critical engineering support for live grid operations, maintain and refine the as-operated system model, and help lead our journey toward a smarter, more automated grid. You’ll work directly with control room operators, planners, field engineers, and smart grid teams to ensure our grid is reliable, resilient, and ready for tomorrow.

This role is open to both Distribution Operations Engineers and Senior Distribution Operations Engineers. Title and level will be determined based on your experience and demonstrated qualifications.

Key Responsibilities For All Levels

- Maintain PGE’s as-operated distribution system model in our Advanced Distribution Management System (ADMS) and Outage Management System (OMS).

- Refine and support advanced distribution applications including:

- Distribution Power Flow (DPF)

- Fault Location, Isolation, and Service Restoration (FLISR)

- Load forecasting tools

- Review system configurations, switching procedures, and planned outages for engineering soundness and reliability.

- Provide real-time technical support to Distribution System Operators during outages and abnormal events.

- Collaborate cross-functionally with engineers, field crews, and customer managers to ensure modeling reflects real-world conditions.

For Senior-Level Candidates

- Act as technical lead or SME on complex real-time switching sequences, system protection issues, and voltage regulation strategies.

- Lead or support grid automation and system modeling projects to enhance operational efficiency and reliability.

- Serve as engineering SME for large or staged construction projects, coordinating modeling and energization steps.

- Resolve configuration anomalies in ADMS and OMS through engineering review and stakeholder collaboration.

- Guide improvement efforts across power flow calculations, automation logic, and operational strategy.

Qualifications

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering (ABET-accredited program preferred).

Experience Distribution Operations Engineer : 2+ years in electrical/power engineering.

- Senior Level: 5+ years in engineering OR 4+ years with PE license.

Certifications

Professional Engineer (PE) license

strongly preferred

. Valid driver’s license required.

Technical Skills

- ADMS, OMS, and power system modeling platforms

- Distribution protection schemes and automation

- Voltage control equipment and clearance management

- Utility safety and operations standards

Soft Skills

Strong analytical thinking, communication, collaboration, and the ability to translate technical insights into operational actions.

Preferred Qualifications

- Direct experience supporting a utility control center or working in real-time operations.

- Familiarity with SCADA integration, outage response procedures, and NESC or utility-specific design standards.

- Exposure to smart grid initiatives, DER integration, and field validation processes.

- Ability to mentor junior engineers or lead cross-functional teams on technical investigations.

Work Environment

- Location: PGE’s Integrated Operations Center (Tualatin, OR)

- Schedule: Full-time; occasional rotational or emergency support may apply

- Travel: Minimal, limited to field or team coordination within service territory

- Flexibility: Hybrid schedule may be available based on team needs and responsibilities

Functional Competencies:

Advanced knowledge of engineering and economic principles and concepts.

Advanced knowledge of other engineering disciplines and Advanced ability to interpret engineering deliverable content as assigned.

Advanced knowledge and application of engineering processes and procedures.

Advanced industry knowledge and technology trends.

Advanced knowledge of company QA/QC process and procedures.

Working knowledge of construction feasibility.

Working knowledge of procurement and contract administration.

Advanced knowledge of process and procedures for project controls and estimates.

Advanced knowledge of applicable codes and standards related to the design and operation of the electrical distribution system.

Working skill designing overhead and underground distribution facilities, including relevant civil and electrical subsystems.

Advanced knowledge of real-time and off-line power flow and power system analysis software applications.

Advanced knowledge of work management, asset management, GIS and outage-management software applications.

Advanced knowledge of distribution protection schemes and device-coordination principles.

General Competencies:

Advanced accuracy skills. Advanced analytical thinking skills.

Working knowledge of the utility industry.

Advanced organization and prioritization skills.

Advanced problem-solving skills.

Advanced decision-making skills.

Advanced written and oral communication skills.

Advanced presentation skills.

Physical and Cognitive Demands:

Consistent use of relevant principles to solve practical problems and to deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.

Cognitive Ability to adhere to set response times, deadlines, and time-sensitive tasks Ability to follow accuracy standards

Ability to follow through on decision-making tasks

Ability to interact effectively and collaboratively within a team environment

Ability to communicate and problem solve when under stress

Ability to respond and adapt to frequent change

Ability to accept and demonstrate self-awareness when provided constructive feedback Ability to discern feedback and acknowledge ownership of areas of improvement

Ability to avoid future mistakes by applying reasonable skills to new but similar work situations or tasks

Ability to successfully collaborate with peers, managers, and others within the organization

Demonstrates sound memory

Ability to process new information to be applied consistently to work tasks

Schedule/Attendance:

Ability to adhere to pre-established schedule, including start/stop time and break/lunch schedule

Ability to work long hours

Ability to work a variable schedule

Ability to report to work and perform work during periods of severe inclement weather

Ability to consistently meet attendance standards for regular, reliable, predictable, full-time attendance.

Ability to work shift schedule

Ability to work on-call schedule

Physical Capabilities:

- Driving/travel/commute: Daily within service territory - Frequently (at least once a week or more)

- Driving/travel/commute: Overnight inside/outside the service territory - Occasionally (one to two times a month or less)

- Computer use (use computer regularly for entire work shift)

- Lifting/pushing/pulling: up to 10 lbs.

- Carrying: up to 10 lbs.

- Unstable surfaces requiring balance (i.e., moving equipment, boats):

- Walking distances and surfaces (long distances and over rough, uneven or rocky surfaces)

Environment - Indoor/Outdoor:

- Office

- Plant

- Field

Compensation Range:

$81,450.00 - $135,750.00

Actual total compensation, including a performance based incentive bonus, is commensurate with experience, skills, qualifications, education, training, and internal equity. While we anticipate the selected candidate for this position will fall towards the middle or entry point of the compensation range, the decision will be made on a case-by-case basis.

PGE believes in rewarding dedicated performance. We provide a total rewards package that is designed to reward your contributions to the company, and, at the same time, support your well-being and professional development, both now and into the future. To find out more, click here.