Senior Distribution Planning and Advanced Analysis Engineer 1 - Grid

Responsibilities

This senior-level engineering role is part of Sargent & Lundy’s Distribution Planning and Advanced Analysis group. The position offers a hybrid work arrangement, combining in-office work with remote flexibility. As a Senior Associate Engineer, you will lead and support advanced technical studies involving distribution system performance, distributed energy resource (DER) integration, power quality, electromagnetic transients (EMT), system planning, and protection coordination/relay settings.

• Lead load allocation, load flow, short-circuit, flicker, and protection coordination studies on electric distribution networks.

• Evaluate the impact of existing and proposed loads (including electric vehicles and data centers) and DER interconnections on voltage regulation, equipment loading, power quality, and overall service reliability.

• Conduct regulator and capacitor bank placement studies to support Volt/VAR optimization initiatives.

• Support DER interconnection applications for wind, solar photovoltaic (PV), battery energy storage systems (BESS), and traditional thermal generation, including system impact and hosting capacity studies.

• Perform protection coordination studies and develop relay setpoints and configuration files to ensure the safety and reliability of the power distribution system in accordance with industry standards and regulations.

• Evaluate protection system impacts associated with DER interconnections, including fault current contributions, anti-islanding requirements, directional protection, transfer trip schemes, and IEEE 1547 compliance.

• Perform arc-flash hazard assessments and protection system evaluations in accordance with IEEE 1584 and NFPA 70E requirements.

• Support utility clients in protection modernization initiatives involving digital relays, feeder automation, and advanced distribution management systems (ADMS).

• Lead power quality data analysis, feeder reliability studies, EMT analysis, and distribution automation evaluations involving recloser and switch placement.

• Assist clients in adhering to relevant regulatory and industry standards such as ANSI C84.1; IEEE 519, 1159, 1366, 1453, 1547; UL 1741; Small Generator Interconnection Procedures (SGIP); and associated guidelines.

• Prepare client reports, presentations with detailed summary of findings from power system analysis, and recommendations to modernize the distribution grid.

• Provide mentorship, peer review, and technical training to entry/mid-level engineers in the team.

• Support the lead engineers in the preparation of requests for proposals (RFP) and technical presentations for marketing the team’s capabilities to multiple clients, both nationally and internationally.

This role offers a hybrid work arrangement. You'll spend three days a week in the office, giving you the flexibility to work remotely for two days.

Dependent upon your location, this opportunity offers a generous relocation package.

Qualifications

We do not sponsor employees for work authorization in the U.S. for this position.

Essential skills and experience:

• This position requires a degree from an ABET-accredited engineering program.

• Minimum of five years of experience performing electric utility distribution system planning, protection engineering, DER interconnection studies, hosting capacity analysis, and advanced power system studies for utilities, consultants, developers, or independent system operators.

• Demonstrated experience performing load flow, short-circuit, protection coordination, power quality, and reliability analyses.

• Experience conducting distribution system planning studies including N-1 contingency analysis, capacity assessments, feeder reconfiguration, non-wires alternatives (NWA), and integrated grid planning.

• Understanding of utility planning criteria, system reinforcement strategies, and capital project prioritization methodologies.

• Experience performing utility-scale renewable and energy storage interconnection studies including system impact, facilities, protection, transient stability, and electromagnetic transient assessments.

• Working knowledge of IEEE 1547-2018, IEEE 2800, NERC reliability standards, and utility interconnection requirements.

• Demonstrated experience identifying distribution system thermal and voltage constraints through load flow studies.

• Experience in harmonics and power quality analysis associated with inverter-based and distributed energy resources.

• Experience with all types of overcurrent protective devices including microprocessor relays, electromechanical relays, distribution reclosers, fuses, and low-voltage circuit breakers.

• Proficiency with distribution planning tools such as CYME, Synergi Electric, Milsoft Windmil, ASPEN, and CAPE for power flow, short-circuit, hosting capacity, and load transfer studies.

• Familiarity with key industry standards including IEEE, IEC, and ANSI.

Valued but not required skills and experience:

• Master’s degree in electrical engineering.

• Professional Engineer (PE) license preferred. FE/EIT certification required for candidates pursuing professional registration.

• Experience modeling inverter-based and renewable resources – including wind, solar PV, BESS, hybrid systems, and collector systems – using CYME, PSS/E, PSLF, ETAP, and PSCAD.

• Knowledge of interconnection processes for small generators (<20MW).

• Short-circuit analysis experience using CAPE or ASPEN.

• Experience performing harmonics and power quality analyses for inverter-based and distributed energy resources.

• Load forecasting experience using LoadSEER.

• Understanding of DER impacts on distribution system planning and system performance.

• Programming or scripting experience in Python, JavaScript, or similar languages.

Technology & Innovation

Sargent & Lundy values the appropriate use of technology to improve how work gets done and deliver high-quality outcomes for our clients. Depending on the role, employees may use data, automation, artificial intelligence, and other digital tools to support research, analysis, engineering and design activities, workflow improvement, or other aspects of their work. We value candidates who demonstrate an interest in learning and effectively using emerging technologies where relevant to their role. Employees remain accountable for their work and are expected to apply appropriate professional judgment and review when using technology-assisted tools. Experience with AI, automation, programming, or similar technologies is valued where relevant but is not required unless specifically identified elsewhere in the job description.

About Sargent & Lundy

At Sargent & Lundy, we care about the health and well-being of our employees. Our commitment extends beyond the workplace, offering comprehensive healthcare plans and generous paid time off to support our team members in every aspect of their lives. We understand the importance of work-life balance, which is why we are proud to provide competitive, award-winning benefits. Our dedication to employee satisfaction has earned us the prestigious Top Workplaces Culture Excellence Award for compensation and benefits in 2022, 2023, and 2024.

Health & Wellness Financial Benefits Work-Life Balance

• Health Plans: Medical, Dental, Vision

• Life & Accident Insurance

• Disability Coverage

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

• Back-Up Daycare

• FSA & HSA

• 401(k)

• Pre-Tax Commuter Account

• Merit Scholarship Program

• Employee Discount Program

• Corporate Charitable Giving Program

• Tuition Assistance

• First Professional Licensure Bonus

• Employee Referral Bonus

• Paid Annual Personal/Sick Time (PST)

• Paid Vacation

• Paid Holidays

• Paid Parental Leave

• Paid Bereavement Leave

• Flexible Work Arrangements

Compensation Range

$84,762 - $129,498

Transparency Statement

Sargent & Lundy discloses compensation ranges that comply with all local and state regulations. The total compensation package for eligible positions will include a base salary or an hourly rate and a comprehensive benefits package, reflecting our commitment to rewarding performance and supporting the overall well-being of our employees. Individuals may also be eligible to participate in our yearly discretionary bonus.

Equal Opportunity

Sargent & Lundy is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any protected status as defined by applicable law.

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CityChicago

StateIL

CountryUnited States

Area of InterestDistribution Engineering

TypeFull Time - Regular

Job ID2026-28754

Business GroupGrid Group

DepartmentDistribution Planning and Advanced Analysis