Electric Distribution Planning Engineer (Hybrid)
Before learning more about this opportunity, please note:
Relocation assistance to Colorado Springs is available to the successful candidate
This position offers a hybrid work schedule to support work-life balance
This job is a level three engineer (out of five), providing opportunity to grow and develop beyond this position
Shape the Future of Colorado Springs' Electric Grid!
Are you an electrical engineer who wants to make a visible impact on the future of our power grid and our community? Do you enjoy solving complex system and planning challenges while collaborating with experts across other engineering functions? If so, come join our Electrical Distribution Planning team that oversees the planning, analysis, and modernization of our growing electric distribution system serving over 500,000 customers! You'll contribute to our near-term and long-range distribution planning initiatives for our 12.5kv and 34.5kv distribution systems using advanced modeling and forecasting tools.
What Makes This Job Great?
Working on high-impact projects that directly shape our grid reliability
Working alongside other experienced engineers to drive grid modernization, electrification, EV readiness, and DER integration
Using advanced modeling, data analytics, and scripting tools to drive decision-making
What Else Will You be Doing?
- Performing distribution system analyses (using Synergi-Electric) related to loading, voltage performance, phase balancing, reactive power, protection coordination, and contingency planning
- Developing and evaluating system improvement alternatives, including cost estimates and justifications to support capital planning and investment decisions
- Creating and supporting long-range distribution plans that anticipate customer growth, electrification, EV adoption, and DER integration
- Supporting and maintaining Synergi-Electric system models, including data validation, troubleshooting, database integrity, and Python-based automation
- Contributing to distribution planning studies and forecasting using LoadSEER and related tools
- Supporting updates to distribution planning, protection, and design guides to reflect evolving grid needs
- Reviewing distribution designs and influencing engineering standards, criteria, and best practices
Who You Are
- Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering is required
- Experience in electric distribution planning, standards, protection, or design is required
- Possession of an Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certification and/or a Professional Engineer (PE) license is valued
- Experience using Synergi-Electric or a similar distribution modeling software is valued
- Experience with and interest in data analysis, SQL queries, and/or Python scripting is helpful
Physical Requirements and Working Conditions
Exerts up to 10 lbs. of force occasionally and/or small amount of force frequently to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time but may involve walking or standing for brief periods of time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally, and all other sedentary criteria are met. Positions in this class typically require talking, hearing, seeing and repetitive motions within an office working environment.
Our Commitment to Our Employees
Our people are the heart and soul of Colorado Springs Utilities. They keep the lights on, gas flowing, water coming in, and wastewater leaving. We don't just say people are important – we prove it! That’s why we are honored to invest in protecting the health and financial security of our employees and their families through our rich benefits program.
Time Off to Recharge
- Vacation – Start with 13 days annually, increasing to 24 days with tenure
- Personal Leave –3 days per year
- Paid Holidays –12 paid holidays per year
- Sick Leave – 12 days per year for personal or family health needs
- Vacation Buy – Option to purchase up to 40 additional hours annually
Health & Wellness – Benefits elected are effective the first of the following month
- Medical Plans: Three comprehensive options, including a $0 premium High-Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) with Health Savings Account (HSA) eligibility
- Zero Health: Access to hundreds of medical services at no cost
- Dental & Vision: Two dental plans and one vision plan
- Family Building-Benefits: Support for fertility, preservation, adoption, and surrogacy
- Wellness Program: A voluntary program that rewards you for prioritizing self-care! If you're enrolled in a our medical plan, you and your spouse can earn up to $600 in HRA or HSA contributions by completing healthy activities
- Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA): Pre-tax contributions for healthcare and dependent care expenses
- Health Savings Account (HSA): Available with HDHP
Financial & Retirement Security
- Pension Plan: Colorado PERA provides retirement benefits and peace of mind
- Supplemental Retirement Plans: PERAPlus 401(k), MissionSquare Roth IRA, and 457 plans
- Disability Coverage: Short-Term and Long-Term Disability insurance available
- Life Insurance: Employer-paid coverage with optional supplemental plans
- Long-Term Care Insurance: Available for purchase to support extended care needs
Additional Support
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential support for mental health, stress, legal, financial, and work-life balance
- Tuition Reimbursement: Up to $5,250 annually to support continued education
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness: As a qualifying employer, your student loan payments may be eligible for loan forgiveness
