What are the responsibilities and job description for the Electrical Engineer III (Distribution Planning) position at Colorado Springs Utilities?
Electrical Engineer III (Distribution Planning)
This job is eligible for relocation assistance to aid with the costs of relocating to Colorado Springs.
Are you an Electrical Engineer with experience in distribution planning or power systems? Do you enjoy collaborating with hardworking, knowledgeable engineers on a wide variety of projects? If so, come work with our Electrical Distribution Planning team! We use Synergi-Electric and other python-related tools to forecast and plan for the future of our 12.5kv and 34.5kv electric distribution systems. Our team develops robust long-range plans to support and grow a reliable, modernized grid serving over 500,000 customers across Colorado Springs.
Our team also offers a hybrid work schedule, allowing you flexibility in how you get your work done. And you won't be stuck doing the same thing every single day! Did we mention the variety of projects? Some of the opportunities you'll have in this role include gathering and analyzing distribution system data; conducting forecast analyses; reviewing designs and influencing standards; proposing and advocating for distribution system improvements; and collaborating with transmission, substations, resource, demand-side, and operational teams to guide the improvement of our distribution system.
What Else Will You be Doing?
- Performing circuit analysis reviews for loading, phase balancing, voltage, reactive power, protection coordination, and contingency planning using Synergi-Electric modeling software
- Developing system improvement alternatives in collaboration with other Distribution Planners and Operations personnel to move forward into the study plan with justification and cost estimates for the capital budget
- Providing distribution design reviews, technical training, and project support to design engineers and other key stakeholders
- Supporting Synergi-Electric model maintenance activities, including maintaining equipment databases, providing clean-up scripts, troubleshooting issues, and data validation
- Supporting electric distribution planning, protection, and design guides with criteria analysis for electrification, Electric Vehicles (EV), Distributed Energy Resource (DER), and general improvements
- Supporting the planning team in long-term small area forecast studies and strategies using LoadSEER forecasting tool
Who You Are
- Demonstrated experience in electric distribution system planning, operations engineering, system protection, power systems design standards, or a related area
- Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering is required
- Experience with data modeling, SQL queries, and/or Python scripts is valued
- Experience using Synergi-Electric is valued
- Possession of an Engineer-in-Training (EIT) and/or Professional Engineer (PE) license is valued
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