Distribution Strategy Engineer II, Senior, or Lead ($10,000 sign-on bonus!) (Relocate to Cheyenne, WY)

Black Hills Energy is people powered and purpose driven. Our team uses the power of energy to improve life for over one million customers in 800+ communities across the West and Midwest. We seek talented, caring people who embody our core values and contribute to a culture of inclusion and growth. As an organization, we believe the best part of working on our team is our commitment to making tomorrow better than today—for our customers, communities and each other.

Position Summary

This position will be responsible for short- and long-range planning studies; updating, validating, correcting, and developing distribution planning models; and supporting the electric operations teams with engineering field support, design layouts of new load additions, reviewing power quality concerns, and analysis of Distributed Energy Resources (DER) interconnections when needed.

Pay Range: This posting includes the full pay range for this position. Pay is based on a number of factors and may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and internal equity.

Level II: $86,700 – 130,050

Senior: $97,150 - $160,150

Lead: $105,750 - $174,450

Reporting Relationship: Manager, Distribution Strategy

Location: Cheyenne, Wyoming

Relocation Assistance: Relocation assistance is available based on individual circumstances! Details to be shared during the offer process.

Essential Functions

• Support reliability, operations, and future planning of our electric distribution systems (systems less than 25 kV). Investigating and analyzing system reliability performance data to report out to the organization.
• Evaluate, analyze, coordinate, and implement short- and long-term planning for reliability and capacity expansion (proposing system improvements), as well as Smart Grid and renewable applications on the distribution system. Develop supporting reports and present findings to leadership with corrective action plans to address deficiencies found within the studies completed.
• Providing operational support for voltage issues, transformer overloads with root-cause investigation, in addition to supporting outage coordination and safety procedures.
• Provide engineering responses for Operations support/questions and provide reasoning for the direction provided.
• Performing circuit analysis reviews for loading, phase balancing, voltage concerns, reactive power, fault current, protection coordination, and contingency planning using Synergi Electric modeling software.
• Coordinating line protection devices including reclosers, line fuses, and interrupter switches, while working with the System Protection Engineer to recommend distribution feeder breaker settings.
• Supporting staff with Distributed Energy Resources (DER) analyses and proposals.
• Apply standard engineering practices and techniques, utilizing prescribed methods in carrying out a sequence of engineering tasks. As needed, apply best practices for engineering related questions.

• Ensure compliance with federal, state, NERC and FERC regulations.
• Provide after-hours support to other BHE departments during outages and emergencies as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

Level II

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering required.
• Minimum of 1 year of experience related to electrical distribution planning and/or electrical operations support and familiarity related to distribution planning software (Synergi Electric, CYME, Windmil, ASPEN) required as well.

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering required.
• Minimum 4 years of experience related to electrical distribution planning and/or electrical operations support and experience related to distribution planning software (Synergi Electric, CYME, Windmil, ASPEN) required as well.

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering required.
• Minimum 7 years of experience related to electrical distribution planning and/or electrical operations support
• Minimum (3) three years of experience related to distribution planning software (Synergi Electric, CYME, Windmil, ASPEN) required as well.

• Good understanding of the tools and how to perform various types of analysis studies in a distribution planning software (Synergi Electric, CYME, Windmil, ASPEN) platform.
• Detail-oriented with a focus on documentation and organization. Ability to prioritize workflow, establish schedule and monitor accomplishments with some Manger input.
• Ability to understand questions/needs being presented from Operations, develop an engineering response, and respond in a timely manner with some Manager input/review.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to effectively communicate with staff at all levels within the organization. Be able to convey technical information to non-technical personnel.
• Some working knowledge of the utility electrical system design philosophy, types of electrical equipment, equipment operation, electrical circuits, drawings, and engineering analysis.
• Ability to read/understand electrical one-lines, control drawings and schematics, and apply fundamental concepts, practices, and procedures of electrical engineering with Manger oversight.
• Ability to maintain proficiency with programming, using, and automation of new systems and software as technology evolves.
• Some project management skills, ability to prioritize and complete multiple tasks in a timely manner with some Manger oversight and accurately record time spent on projects.
• Ability to gain a working knowledge of applicable technical and regulatory compliance standards.
• Familiarity with the National Electrical Safety Code and electric utility industry safety work practices.
• Strong computer skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office – Excel, Word, Power Point and Outlook.

About our Company: We are a customer, growth and safety focused utility company that is dedicated to our communities. We improve life with energy as an energy partner of choice. Our diverse culture fuels unique perspectives, opening doors to new insights and possibilities. Based in Rapid City, South Dakota, we have over 3000 employees and serve 1.3 million natural gas and electric utility customers across eight states (South Dakota, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, and Arkansas).

Enjoy our Comprehensive Benefits Package! Annual discretionary bonuses, 401(k) (6% company match and up to 9% company retirement contribution), tuition reimbursement, generous paid time off benefits, including paid holidays and parental leave, company paid life insurance and disability benefits (short and long term), critical illness, accident & group hospital insurance, pet insurance, an employee assistance program and well-being benefits, and competitive medical, dental and vision insurance.

Candidates must successfully pass a pre-employment drug screen and background check. If there is anything that may show up in these reports that may conflict with the position requirements, feel free to contact the Black Hills Energy recruiting team at [email protected].

Black Hills Energy does not sponsor applicants for work visas. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the US.

We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or status as a protected veteran. If you require reasonable accommodation, please visit careers.blackhillsenergy.com for more information.