Engineer I

About the Role

The Engineer I position is the entry-level role in the Engineering classification hierarchy. Employees in this position solve problems in their engineering specialization with close supervision and are expected to develop skills for greater independence. This role will develop engineering and technical skills to support internal Duke Energy groups in pursuing self-developing battery energy storage and microgrid projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide engineering support for technical matters throughout the development process, focusing on BESS and microgrid siting analysis and design, power system modeling, and integration of distributed energy technologies in Duke Energy regulated jurisdictions.
• Utilize knowledge of BESS and microgrid project engineering, electric generating facilities, utility interconnection requirements, inverter/plant control, metering schemes, and power system steady-state analysis to evaluate and mitigate technical risks.
• Provide engineering support through detailed design, construction, and commissioning of distribution-connected and transmission-connected battery energy storage projects.
• Develop performance testing criteria and evaluate test results during site commissioning.
• Provide IBR site model support, including transmission and distribution steady-state analysis, dynamic studies, and EMT analysis for all BESS sites.
• Support greenfield and brownfield development through site screening and selection, system feasibility studies, preliminary design, cost estimates, and technical due diligence.
• Perform battery facility design, including power and energy sizing, electrical single-line diagrams, and equipment selection, along with preliminary physical site layout and site access, adhering to guidelines and best practices.
• Create and submit interconnection requests for distribution and transmission connected projects and analyze study results.
• Provide technical support and analysis for studies such as conductor ampacity, capacity testing, reactive power studies, harmonic analysis, and system protection studies.
• Work with Supply Chain on developing technical packages and requirements for issuing Requests for Proposals (RFP) for EPC and key equipment.
• Support efforts to optimize BESS systems design and output.
• Analyze degradation impacts for future and in-service BESS, and for future expected dispatch.
• Prepare thorough and accurate technical reports, correspondence, documentation, calculations, and design plans.
• Stay informed of technology advancements, market trends, best practices, and relevant guidelines and standards related to energy storage technology.
• Maintain equipment supplier relationships and advise Supply Chain and PMC on energy storage technology trends.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Power system modeling utilizing tools such as PSSE/TARA, CYME, PSCAD, ETAP, and MATLAB.
• Coursework in power systems analysis, power electronics, drive/converter controls, and/or fault analysis.
• Knowledge of fundamental concepts of electric power systems.
• Engineering skills related to power system modeling and analysis of distribution and/or transmission electric systems.
• Understanding of inverter-based resources (IBR) such as battery energy storage systems (BESS) and microgrids.
• Familiarity with other renewable technology such as solar.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering with a power system, controls, or power electronics focus from an ABET accredited program.
• A master’s degree in Electrical Engineering will be considered in lieu of the B.S. Electrical Engineering degree.
• Desired Qualifications: Master’s and/or PhD in engineering.
• Desired Qualifications: Knowledge of generation interconnection requirements.
• Desired Qualifications: Knowledge of power system analysis.
• Desired Qualifications: Experience in the electric utility industry.
• Desired Qualifications: Experience with transient stability studies, dynamic modeling, power electronics, or converter controls.
• Desired Qualifications: Working experience with software and programming such as Python, Simulink, SQL, and Pi Historian.
• Desired Qualifications: Ability to deal with a variety of individuals from various socio-economic, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds.
• Desired Qualifications: Strong project management, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Desired Qualifications: Ability to work with diverse teams with different backgrounds and personalities.
• Desired Qualifications: Ability to collect and organize data, and apply procedures, read and comprehend technical drawings, graphs, maps, and other technical documents.

Travel Requirements

• Approximately 10%
• Note: Range of 5-15% also mentioned.

Additional Information

• This role requires the ability to work lawfully in the U.S. without employment-based immigration sponsorship, now or in the future.