Senior Distribution Planning Engineer

This position performs all technical and economic analyses necessary to determine feasible, reliable, and economical expansion plans for the District's distribution system to adequately meet internal and external customers¿ forecasted requirements.  The individual will:
* Lead the creation of a new, fully-updated computer model of the distribution system every year  
* Support T&D Operations, Engineering, and Construction departments with technical advice and scheduling assistance  
* Support efforts of Electric Service Designers, Economic Development personnel, and Key Account Executives to provide outstanding customer service
* Respond to distribution outage requests from the District's T&D Operations department and conducts operational studies
* Perform switching studies in the spring to prepare the distribution system for the summer peak loading season
* Study the integration of Distributed Generation and other new and developing technologies
* Mentor, train, and develop junior engineers in the Distribution Planning Department
* Participate, and potentially take a lead role, in cross functional teams to support OPPD Strategic Initiatives
* Participates and potentially takes lead role in creation of an integrated system planning model and plan that balances generation, transmission, and distribution needs
* Provides direct technical support in evaluation of potential products and new technologies to meet OPPD¿s future decarbonization and system goals    
 

1. Perform technical and economic analyses necessary to determine feasible, reliable, and economical expansion of the District's Distribution System
* Perform annual review of responsible distribution circuits to ensure that the system can and is being operated in the most efficient manner within industry standards and best practices.  
* Ensure that computer models and study data, which are employed in distribution system analytical simulations, are complete and accurate.
* Study the addition of new and changing loads on the distribution system.
* Maintain distribution voltage and power factor in acceptable ranges.
* Perform long-range distribution expansion plan that aligns with plans for transmission and generation facility additions to ensure an adequate, economic, and reliable supply of power under normal and contingency conditions
* Conduct distribution operational studies to support the T&D operations department.
* Conduct distribution system impact studies and determine upgrades needed to support large customer load and distributed generation interconnection requests.

2. Develop System Improvement Projects to address deficiencies and improve operational efficiency.
* Work collaboratively with peers, customers, and clients internal and external to OPPD to identify needs and project scopes
* Develop Business Cases, Budget Input Templates, and Financial Analysis Worksheets to support approval of System Improvement Projects  
* Create proposals, develop the annual budget, and regularly provide budget updates
* Prepare, maintain and provide analytics as needed

3. Support strategic goals and corporate initiatives through creative and dynamic problem solving.  Stay aware of industry trends and incorporate new ideas and technology into department functions.

4. Stay current with and ensure compliance with all applicable NERC, FERC, SPP, MRO, and ANSI standards/policies/regulations.  Lead standard reviews, data collection and submittal and audits for any and all applicable NERC Standards

5. Support development of department members and represent department to other work groups.
* Provide technical review and process compliance for junior engineers in the department
* Develop the knowledge and experience base of junior engineers.  Assist in evaluating the need for additional training or developmental opportunities for departmental staff.  Ensure the functionality of departmental staff in the event of loss of another staff member.
* Serve as a resource/consultant to other District departments particularly in the areas of computer simulation and system operating conditions
* Represent Distribution Planning in cross functional teams, potentially in a leadership capacity.  Keep the department updated on any potentially impactful outcomes.
* Work directly with areas developing new product offerings to provide technical feasibility and oversight
* Work directly with areas working to bring new technologies and renewable sources to the distribution system