Electrical Distribution Grid Modernization Engineer

About the Opportunity

This is an open position with FirstEnergy Service Co., a subsidiary of FirstEnergy Corp. FEU

The Engineer, Distribution Platform Enhancement (DPE) will provide technical program development and support related to distribution smart grid programs.

The role is focused on identifying new innovative approaches related to implementing smart grid technologies to promote reliability, resiliency, efficiency, and sustainability across FE.

Responsibilities include :

• Developing a strategic technological vision for the future of distribution technology and equipment to be used as a basis for planning programs across all states.
• Developing, standardizing, and implementing emerging technologies to support smart grid programs.
• Conducting engineering research and analysis related to technical issues uncovered during program deployment activities, including but not limited to, an engineering economic analysis, white paper, and presentation of the findings.
• Providing technical troubleshooting support, guidance, and recommendations to Program Managers.
• Conduct / Support feasibility studies to determine best approach, as needed.
• Work collaboratively with other technical teams to ensure alignment and support.
• Support and partnership with Emerging Technologies strategy team, including participation in project teams and key industry organizations such as EEi, EPRI, EIP, Darcy, IEEE, and others.
• Supporting ongoing operation and maintenance of smart grid technology assets.
• Support development of appropriate technology standards and communication protocols. Coordinate engineering and IT system integration support as needed.
• Supporting assigned EmT rate filings / reports including resulting discovery responses.
• Assisting with presentations to leadership and external stakeholders on program justifications, technical benefits realization, and general program updates.
• Using excellent communication skills to keep stakeholders informed.
• Consistently anticipating customer needs and delivering high quality results.

Qualifications include :

• Bachelors of Science degree in Electrical Engineering (BSEE) from an ABET accredited institution is required. Acceptable alternatives are : a Professional Engineer's (PE) License a Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or technical field of study (non-ABET plus an advanced degree in Electrical Engineering from a university with an ABET accredited Bachelor's program.
• A Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) Certificate is preferred.
• Minimum of 8 (eight) years of Engineering experience is required.
• Knowledge of electrical utility distribution system design and operation.
• Knowledge of company's practices and standards for engineering construction and maintenance of distribution lines.
• Comprehensive technical background and a working knowledge of electrical distribution systems and the application of electrical protection and switching equipment preferred.
• Working knowledge of system protection (relays, reclosers, fusing and coordination).
• Ability to communicate complexities and convey technical information to non-technical stakeholders.
• Persuasive and professional in verbal and written communications with multiple constituencies including employees, customer and other stakeholders.
• Ability to develop creative solutions and resolve operational issues while working through and seeing past today's challenges to develop and implement new programs.
• Foster and model effective teamwork, creativity and problem solving.
• Working knowledge of or ability to learn Work Management Tools ( GIS View, CREWS, SAP), Outage Management System (Power On), Transmission Outage Databases and Planning & Protection Programs (CYME DIST, CYME TCC, LFDMS, RSS and CASCADE)
• Demonstrated ability to perform in an accurate, neat and orderly fashion.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and the drive to meet schedules and deadlines.
• Strong attention to detail and analytical ability working with complex sets of data.
• Strong knowledge of distribution equipment and maintenance practices.
• Proficient in use of computers and PC based applications including and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills to effectively articulate information.
• Willing and able to support travel to various company locations (including overnight travel) as needed.
• Possessing a valid driver's license and having access to a personally owned or leased vehicle is required to supply automotive transportation needs of the job.

Benefits, Compensation & Workforce Diversity

At FirstEnergy, employees are key to our success. We depend on their talents to meet the challenges of our changing business environment.

We are committed to rewarding individual and team efforts through our total rewards philosophy which includes competitive pay plus incentive compensation, a company-sponsored pension plan, (k) savings plan with matching employer contribution, a choice of medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, and life insurance programs, as well as skills development training with tuition reimbursement.

Please visit our website at to learn more about all of our employee rewards programs. FirstEnergy proudly supports workforce diversity.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, status as a protected veteran, or status as a qualified individual with a disability.

No recruiters or agencies without a previously signed contract. Unable to sponsor or transfer H-1B visas at this time.

Safety

Safety is a core value for FirstEnergy and is essential to all of our business activities. We ensure employees have the tools, information, and processes to perform their duties in a manner that assures safety for themselves, their co-workers, our customers and the public.

Our goals are to provide a safe work environment, to maintain an accident-free, injury-free workplace, and to promote and maintain public safety.

To meet these goals, we dedicate ourselves to achieving world-class safety standards.