Engineer, Distribution Controls and Integration

National Grid is hiring a Distribution Controls and Integration Engineer for our Distribution C&I department in Syracuse, NY.

Every day we deliver safe and secure energy to homes, communities, and businesses. We are there when people need us the most. We connect people to the energy they need for the lives they live.

The pace of change in society and our industry is accelerating and our expertise and track record puts us in an unparalleled position to shape the sustainable future of our industry. To be successful we must anticipate the needs of our customers, reducing the cost of energy delivery today and pioneering the flexible energy systems of tomorrow. This requires us to deliver on our promises and always look for new opportunities to grow, both ourselves and our business.

As an Engineer in the Distribution C&I Department, you will participate in the specification, design, and implementation of innovative grid technologies on the distribution and sub-transmission systems. Primary areas of responsibility include: evaluation of emerging technologies; participation in equipment specification and selection; performing end-to-end solution design including validation and testing of advanced control systems; development of custom control logic; advancement of automation systems (e.g. FLISR, VVO / CVR, distribution fault locating, etc.); automation platform programming and device integration; RTU programming, testing, and implementation; communication system integration and optimization; and advanced systems configuration and integration.

• Support Company initiatives for innovation and modernization of our energy delivery infrastructure (e.g., NY Reforming the Energy Vision, MA Grid Modernization, System Integration RI, etc.).
• Create and obtain approval for special projects, engineering design, analysis and investigations, and training to deploy new technologies and work practices.
• Support development and ongoing maintenance of all distribution and sub-transmission control technologies. This includes custom logic development, validation and testing, and field support for controls such as: reclosers / relays, sectionalizing switch controls, switched capacitor bank controls, voltage regulators and LTCs, advanced fault circuit indicators, advanced monitoring equipment, and data concentrators / RTUs.
• Support design, integration and optimization of field area network communications leveraging a combination of serial and Ethernet based devices.
• Support continued development, enhancement, validation and testing of advanced control systems such as: Fault Location, Isolation and System Restoration (FLISR) schemes, auto-transfer schemes, Volt VAr Optimization (VVO) schemes, Distribution Fault Location schemes, and advanced protection schemes for special applications (e.g., DG Point of Common Coupling interconnections, etc.).
• Work closely with National Grid SCADA / EMS team to integrate control systems and technologies into various applications used by System Operators, Engineers, and applicable Company personnel.
• Contribute to a program of work, appropriately assessed, designed, planned, resourced and scheduled in a timely and cost effective manner to deliver intelligent grid tools in-line with vision, emerging standards and trends, and policies.
• Build and nurture relationships with industry peers and other external industry influencers to keep abreast of technical innovations and their potential benefits.
• Develop and progress the implementation of methods for the day-to-day business to take advantage of the operational benefits of new energy resources and demand response systems.

• Able to lead interdisciplinary technical teams to evaluate solution options and develop project scopes, cost estimates and project schedules.

• A Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering from an accredited engineering school with up to 7 years of related experience in a number of technical roles/
• Advanced engineering degree(s) and/or PE preferred.
• Experience creating new ways to plan and operate the electric supply and distribution systems using advanced analytics and emerging technologies and industry trends, and demonstrates the ability to collaborate within and across National Grid.
• Requires deep understanding of the opportunities for National Grid inherent in emerging technologies and technical practices and demonstrates the ability to create new concepts or solutions that are not always obvious to others.
• Knowledge of regulatory and legislative codes relating to all jurisdictions.
• Capable of developing relationships across the industry and with regulators.
• Deep understanding of the underlying problems, opportunities, and external political forces affecting the feasibility of technical enhancements in the industry.
• Is recognized as a credible and knowledgeable expert with respect to control system technologies, programming, configuration, testing, and troubleshooting.
• Demonstrates strong influencing skills with the ability to make persuasive presentations to small and large audiences.
• Must be able to work overtime and/or holidays, nights, weekends as needed.
• Must be able to travel overnight outside the normal work area.

Salary: $94,000 - $110,000

This position has a career path which provides for advancement opportunities within and across bands as you develop and evolve in the position; gaining experience, expertise and acquiring and applying technical skills. Internal candidates will be assessed and provided offers against the minimum qualifications of this role and their individual experience.

National Grid is an equal opportunity employer that values a broad diversity of talent, knowledge, experience and expertise. We foster a culture of inclusion that drives employee engagement to deliver superior performance to the communities we serve. National Grid is proud to be an affirmative action employer. We encourage minorities, women, individuals with disabilities and protected veterans to join the National Grid team.