Published: Dec 09, 2024 - The Distribution Engineer performs a detailed analysis of poles, structures, and system configurations using engineering methods to design and create material lists, drawings, and work order packages. This position collaborates with planners, engineers, and construction personnel to evaluate feasibility, develop cost estimates, and create schedules while ensuring compliance with safety codes and laws. The engineer also monitors project schedules and budgets, manages customer relationships, and supports technical specifications for material bids and joint-use efforts.
An Introduction to Professional Skills and Functions for Distribution Engineer with a Cover Letter
1. Details for Distribution Engineer Cover Letter
- Forecast and analyses of distribution substation transformer and circuit loading to meet criteria.
- Perform load flow modeling to develop and evaluate solutions and alternatives for solving normal and contingency overloads and abnormal voltage conditions.
- Develop planning single-line diagrams for solution requirements.
- Review and recommend circuit and infrastructure requirements for large customers and subdivisions.
- Create & review technical plans, designs, proposals, projects and strategies to adhere to compliance and standards.
- Analyze load interconnections and create efficiency for continuing reliability on Distributed Energy Resources (DER).
- Provide planning and standards to DER technologies including solar and battery storage.
- Prepares scope of work for capital projects through high-level communication across multiple departments with documentation to support plans.
- Execution of various power flow studies and distribution system reinforcement plans on infrastructure up to 69kV.
- Work and understand federal and state compliance & regulatory agencies.
Skills: Load Flow Modeling, Power Systems Analysis, Electrical System Design, Infrastructure Planning, Technical Documentation, DER Integration, Capital Project Planning, Regulatory Compliance.
2. Roles for Distribution Engineer Cover Letter
- Develop a plan for the establishment and maintenance of Smart Grid for CVEC Distribution System.
- Determines proper equipment, reclosers, capacitors, etc. to facilitate the use of fiber network in establishing the Smart Grid.
- Coordinates with other departments to facilitate all equipment connection into the fiber network and training in the utilization of equipment in the Smart Grid.
- Oversees all short- and long-range system engineering and planning, including System Work Plan, load balances, voltage regulation, and emergency feed conditions.
- Works with WFEC for coordination and substation load and upgrades.
- Performs studies, collects and analyzes data, and makes recommendations to eliminate problems and improve the reliability of the system.
- Monitors and investigates outage reports to determine methods to improve continuity of service.
- Collaborates with Engineering and Operations personnel to implement alternate feed arrangements and switching operations.
- Maintains a current knowledge of and directs Cooperative personnel on NEC, NESC, RUS codes, other industry standards and regulations, and Cooperative safety practices and procedures.
- Recommends changes to procedures and policy to ensure compliance.
Skills: Smart Grid Development, Fiber Network Integration, Cross-Department Coordination, System Engineering and Planning, Substation Coordination, Data Analysis, Outage Investigation, Regulatory Compliance.
3. Responsibilities for Distribution Engineer Cover Letter
- Researches and recommends electrical facilities to be incorporated into the system with either short-term actions or through the System Work Plan.
- Assesses the status of the current system and the potential changes and costs of new facilities to the system.
- Performs field checks to assess the feasibility of new facilities.
- Designs, modifies, and develops facilities, testing, apparatus, and equipment for SCADA.
- Conducts routine and special engineering studies, performs detailed analysis of data, and prepares reports, including transformer loading studies, voltage drop studies, fault studies and fuse coordination, line feasibility studies and other engineering studies
- Provides information and technical advice to Cooperative personnel, members, and the public in matters regarding distributed generation, such as wind and solar power.
- Advises Cooperative personnel on the feasibility of back feeds and conductor load.
- Performs various studies and research
- Researches and negotiates with consulting firms and vendors for services, assistance, and equipment for Engineering and other departments within established policies and procedures.
- Manages Renewable Generation and Interconnection program.
Skills: System Planning and Development, System Assessment, Field Feasibility Studies, SCADA Design and Development, Engineering Studies and Analysis, Technical Support and Advice, Feasibility Analysis for Back Feeds, Vendor and Consultant Negotiations.
4. Functions for Distribution Engineer Cover Letter
- Perform analysis of poles, structures, equipment, and system configuration by applying engineering methods and judgment
- Apply knowledge of transmission and distribution line construction practices, materials and operational needs to develop and create detailed designs, material lists, drawings, work sketches and, work order packages
- Coordinate and collaborate with Planners, New Service engineers and, line construction personnel to establish feasibility and develop cost estimates and schedules
- Support engineering and design issues through construction, provide timely information
- Apply and interpret safety codes and laws such as the National Electrical Safety Code and franchise requirements
- Monitor schedule and budget and proactively inform the customer of the status
- Establish and manage consulting contracts and direct related efforts
- Identify and define property rights and permitting needs
- Specify and direct the collection of field data
- Establish agreements/contracts with customers, generally based on templates or prior examples
- Represent Tacoma Power in interacting directly with customers, citizens, developers and contractors and, franchise grantors
- Support and assist the Joint Use effort and the impacts on existing installations
- Develop technical specifications and participate in bid awards for major materials
Skills: Engineering Analysis, Transmission and Distribution Design, Cross-Functional Collaboration, Construction Support, Safety Code Compliance, Schedule and Budget Monitoring, Contract Management, Customer and Stakeholder Interaction.
5. Accountabilities for Distribution Engineer Cover Letter
- Provide leadership, guidance and instruction to staff members.
- Prepare proposals and engineering/project cost estimates.
- Coordinate multiple projects with clients and/or internal stakeholders
- Regularly meet and correspond with clients or outside personnel.
- Assess feasibility or soundness of proposed applications when data is insufficient, or testing is advisable.
- Prepare distribution line construction packages.
- Possess a working knowledge of project schedules.
- Prepare calculations and equipment specifications.
- Perform Data analysis, supporting decision-making processes in Operations and Transport
- Lead by example in LEAN practices and behaviors, supporting Lean ambitions
- Lead and support projects of different size and impact, within and where needed outside of DC Operation
Skills: Leadership and Staff Guidance, Proposal and Cost Estimation, Project Coordination, Client Communication, Feasibility Assessment, Construction Package Preparation, Project Scheduling, Data Analysis and Decision Support.
What Are the Qualifications and Requirements for Distribution Engineer in a Cover Letter?
1. Knowledge And Abilities for Distribution Engineer Cover Letter
- Experience in commercial or industrial solar systems using a wide variety of technologies to optimize for efficiency, cost, and client ROI
- Strong fundamentals in solar and energy storage technology, National Electrical Code/California Electrical Code, commercial and industrial energy systems, and infrastructure
- California State Certified General Electrician a plus
- Ability to transport materials and equipment to complete assigned job tasks (up to 50 pounds frequently and up to 100 pounds with assistance)
- Ability to operate office equipment including computers and determine the accuracy of work
- Ability to interact with co-workers and participate in meetings
- Ability to work on ladders and lifts
- Ability to work in outdoor weather conditions
- Experience in the distribution electric utility engineering field including overhead and underground design (Pacific Gas and Electric Co. experience)
- Engineer-In-Training (EIT) certification
- Proficient use and knowledge of computers and software applications desired (MS Office products)
Qualifications: BA in Electrical Engineering with 5 years of Experience
2. Experience and Requirements for Distribution Engineer Cover Letter
- Experience with utility distribution equipment and planning
- Experience with power system transmission or distribution analysis tools such as OMS, DMS, EMS, and CYME or other similar software.
- Excellent oral, team building, and written communication skills, including the ability to explain sophisticated technical concepts in simple terms to both technical and non-technical personnel, including internal and external customers.
- Experience in the area of power system engineering analysis including knowledge of applicable laws, standards, codes, and analysis software such as CYME
- Experience preparing detailed engineering studies and reports.
- Experience with planning, analyzing, designing, evaluating, implementing, and satisfying project requirements.
- Ability to accurately analyze information, make strategic decisions/recommendations, and guide others’ decision-making by identifying the anticipated benefits, consequences, and impacts of alternatives.
- Ability to demonstrate strong ethics, influence and negotiation, leadership, interpersonal skills, communication, and the ability to optimally handle stress and engage in continuous learning.
- Proficient in Autocad
- Knowledgeable in pole loading software such as OCalc or SpidaCalc
- Knowledgeable in transformer sizing, secondary voltage calculations, (pole guying and anchors)
Qualifications: BS in Civil Engineering with 6 years of Experience
3. Skills, Knowledge, and Experience for Distribution Engineer Cover Letter
- Knowledge of CSA/IEC/NESC Standards and Codes and major utility Engineering Standards
- Knowledge of electrical design including the selection and installation of conductors, insulators, switchgear, circuit breakers, fuses and other distribution equipment
- Knowledge of smart infrastructure equipment such as automatic feeder switches, remote sensing switching, remote sensing cap banks and other smart equipment
- Knowledge of PV’s and EV’s
- Strong verbal and written communication skills
- Able to collaborate and communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders
- Able to apply sound engineering judgment to resolve technical issues
- Able to take on responsibility for high-profile projects
- Knowledge of structural, civil and geotechnical aspects of distribution engineering
- Knowledge of overhead systems design and the use of PLS-CADD
- Knowledge of interconnecting DER’s and modeling interconnection studies
- Experience in power system analysis (such as voltage drop, equipment loading, steady-state voltage rise, etc.) using software such as CYME, ETAP, EasyPower, and SKM.
Qualifications: BA in Mechanical Engineering with 4 years of Experience
4. Requirements and Experience for Distribution Engineer Cover Letter
- Ability to use computer software programs (e.g., e-mail, word processing, spreadsheet, and project management).
- Ability to work effectively in a diverse work environment.
- Demonstrated effective interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
- Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly and concisely with all levels within the organization and external stakeholders.
- Experience and/or interest in sustainable design/LEED
- Strong computer skills, AutoCAD, Microsoft Office and electrical design software
- Experience with an architectural/engineering or engineering consulting firm
- Experience with AutoCAD
- Experience with GIS applications
- Experience with Jira application
- Experience mentoring junior staff
- Experience working in a utility or consulting environment and managing multiple projects with competing priorities
Qualifications: BS in Industrial Engineering with 5 years of Experience
5. Education and Experience for Distribution Engineer Cover Letter
- Experience may be substituted for the education requirement as well as additional education may be substituted for work experience.
- Ability to interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
- Ability to speak and write clearly
- Strong interpersonal skills, and responds well to questions.
- Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.
- Ability to understand and apply mathematical concepts used in engineering.
- Ability to solve practical problems using logic and reasoning to compare solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
- Ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce sense answers.
- Ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules and conclusions.
- Knowledge of basic computing skills and mobile technology including iPads.
- Ability to input information to programs accurately and timely.
- Ability to adapt to changes in the work environment and competing demands
- Ability to change methods to best fit situations
Qualifications: BA in Environmental Engineering with 4 years of Experience