Distribution Planning Engineer

Distribution Planning Engineer

Join a dynamic team in the Distribution Department as a Planning Engineer, where you will collaborate with higher-level engineers and the customer planning team to analyze the grid system. You will work closely with customers to ensure studies are approved and partner with an engineer to validate and sign off on projects. Your expertise in load flow studies, voltage drops, and interconnectivities will be pivotal in advancing engineering and science initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Develop and review DACR Phase 3 models, scopes, and device spreadsheets in alignment with AEP standards.
• Create CYMDIST base cases and self-contained scheme models for distribution automation.
• Conduct coordination and arc-flash studies following AEP Overcurrent Protection Guidelines.
• Design and document recloser placements, tie configurations, and control upgrades.
• Develop and maintain block diagrams, settings spreadsheets, and load limit analyses.
• Execute QA/QC reviews using the DACR Engineering Checklist, verifying milestones at 50%, 70%, and final design completion.
• Coordinate with AEP engineers, planners, and field personnel to ensure constructability and adherence to DACR technical specifications.
• Support data governance and document storage in Smartsheet, STORMS, and the ADS SharePoint repositories.
• Configure and validate protection settings for Smart Switches, G&W Vipers, SEL Relays/Controls, and other automated devices.
• Support communication integration for telemetered reclosers, including radio and antenna upgrades.
• Assist with verification for breaker relay changes and protection updates.

Essential Skills

• Proficiency in CYMDIST, ASPEN OneLiner, PI Vision, Voyager, and S&C Tripsaver.
• Experience with Smartsheet, STORMS, EEMS, ADS Repository, DAE Database, Central Station, CRM, TLMR.
• Familiarity with Atlas, GridzlyBear, ArcGIS, AutoCAD, Revu Bluebeam, Electric Office.
• Advanced skills in Excel and SharePoint.
• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical or Power Systems Engineering from an ABET-accredited university.
• 3–6 years of experience in utility or EPC distribution automation, protection, or reliability engineering.
• Knowledge of distribution design standards and CYME/ASPEN workflows.
• Strong understanding of protective device coordination, relay settings, and feeder automation logic.