Senior or Lead Engineer - Distributed Generation Interconnection

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Position Summary

This position is seeking a passionate and technically strong Senior or Lead Engineer to join Distributed Generation (DG) Interconnection team supporting the planning, interconnection, and integration of Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) such as solar PV, battery energy storage systems (BESS), and microgrid (MG). This role will contribute to cutting-edge engineering studies, model development, and process improvement initiatives that support reliable and efficient DER interconnection across the distribution and transmission interface. This role offers the opportunity to work at the forefront of grid transformation and clean energy integration.

The Senior Engineer manages work in engineering areas of specialization, with minimal supervision. The Senior Engineer is expected to develop advanced skills and to have the ability to work independently, with guidance limited to unusual or complex projects or issues. Employees in the Senior Engineer position are fully competent in the use of concepts and procedures. The Senior Engineer identifies problems, develops solutions and takes action to resolve.

The Lead Engineer is at the specialist level of the Engineering classification hierarchy. Employees at this level solve complex problems, manage work, and provide leadership to others in engineering areas of specialization, with minimal supervision and increased latitude for un-reviewed work. The Lead Engineer serves in lead roles providing guidance to others. They are also expected to have advanced skills and have the ability to work independently. The selected candidate’s level (Senior or Lead) will be based on qualifications and experience.

Responsibilities

- Performs technical reviews and studies for DER interconnection, including load flow, protection, and electromagnetic transient (EMT) analyses of DER system impacts.

- Develops and validates EMT models to assess dynamic performance, protection coordination, blackstart capability, and power quality impacts of BESS and MG.

- Enhances engineering processes and tools for DER integration and collaborates with internal teams and external stakeholders.

- Provides engineering/technical expertise and guidance in the identification, analysis and resolution of problems of increasing scope and complexity in both inside as well as outside the scope of typical responsibility.

- Ensures accomplishment of business goals and objectives through effective planning, organizing, estimating, scheduling and monitoring of work activities; decisions may affect the operations or results of the work group and may have some impact on major projects or department results.

- Prepares thorough and accurate technical reports, correspondence, documentation, calculations and sketches related to defined problems and analysis of increasing scope and complexity.

- Conducts engineering and related studies; completes non-routine engineering projects with minimal oversight with the ability to independently manage project schedules and interfaces; competent to design, operate and maintain systems with moderate impact on existing systems.

- Possesses and applies the fundamental concepts, practices and procedures; proficient in technical and analytical competencies necessary to handle assignments of increasing complexity.

- Develops positive working relationships to effectively coordinate work activities. Demonstrates effective oral and written communication skills. Maintains accurate records and files.

- Supports the company's goals and represents the company positively and professionally

Required/Basic Qualifications

Note: This posting is for one open position. Dependent on relative experience, the level to which a candidate is aligned is outlined below.

Senior Engineer

- Graduation from a four-year college or university with a Bachelor of Science in Engineering from an ABET accredited program or state registration as a Professional Engineer. A Master's degree in engineering will be considered in lieu of the B. S. engineering degree.

- Minimum of 6 years of engineering experience

Lead Engineer

- Graduation from a four-year college or university with a Bachelor of Science in Engineering from an ABET accredited program. A Master's degree in engineering will be considered in lieu of the B. S. engineering degree.

- 8 years related work experience

- Registration as a Professional Engineer

Additional Preferred Qualifications

- Experience in the electric utility industry

- Professional Engineer (PE) license (required for Lead Engineer level)

- Advanced experience conducting DER interconnection studies using CYME or similar tools

- Advanced experience in EMT simulation tools (e.g., PSCAD) for modeling and analysis of IBRs under transient conditions

- Familiarity with utility protection practices and voltage/power quality challenges in high-DER environments

- Knowledge of smart inverter functions and IEEE 1547 standards

- Experience interpreting interconnection standards, regulatory filings, or utility planning requirements

- Proficiency in technical writing and stakeholder communication (internal teams, developers, regulators)

- Demonstrated leadership in cross-functional projects, process development, or mentoring junior engineers

- Working knowledge of Python, scripting, or automation tools for study efficiency

Working Conditions

- Hybrid – Work will be performed from both remote and onsite locations after the onboarding period. However, hybrid employees should live within a reasonable commute to the designated Duke Energy facility.

Travel Requirements

5-15%

Relocation Assistance Provided (as applicable)

No

Represented/Union Position

No

Visa Sponsored Position

No

Posting Expiration Date

Tuesday, September 23, 2025

All job postings expire at 12:01 AM on the posting expiration date.

Please note that in order to be considered for this position, you must possess all of the basic/required qualifications.

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