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Distribution Grid Planning Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

isone

Electric Grid Planning Engineer

Kinston, NC · Hybrid

$86K - $115K/yr

... grid. The Capacity Requirement and Accreditation group within System Planning seeks an innovative engineer or Analyst to meet these exciting challenges. NOTE: This role is currently located in ...

isone

Electric Grid Planning Engineer

Kinston, NC · Hybrid

$86K - $115K/yr

... grid. The Capacity Requirement and Accreditation group within System Planning seeks an innovative engineer or Analyst to meet these exciting challenges. NOTE: This role is currently located in ...

Alliantenergy

Engineer II - Grid Planning

Madison, WI · On-site

As an Engineer II on the Grid Planning team, you'll play a key role in defining where and how new ... distribution. You'll collaborate closely with internal teams and industry partners while ...

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Distribution Grid Planning Engineer information

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$16

$44

$70

How much do distribution grid planning engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for distribution grid planning engineer in the United States is $44.03, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $34.86 and $51.92 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a distribution grid planning engineer do?

A Distribution Grid Planning Engineer is responsible for designing and optimizing electrical distribution networks that deliver electricity from substations to consumers. They analyze current grid performance, forecast future energy demands, and plan upgrades or expansions to ensure reliability and efficiency. Their work involves coordinating with utility companies, using specialized software for modeling, and ensuring compliance with safety and regulatory standards. These engineers play a crucial role in integrating renewable energy sources and supporting the transition to smarter, more resilient power grids.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a distribution grid planning engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Distribution Grid Planning Engineer, you need a solid background in electrical engineering, power systems analysis, and grid design, usually supported by a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or a related field. Familiarity with power flow modeling tools like CYME or PSS®SINCAL, GIS systems, and industry standards is typically required, and certifications such as a Professional Engineer (PE) license can be advantageous. Strong analytical thinking, communication skills, and the ability to collaborate across teams help distinguish top performers in this role. These skills are crucial for ensuring reliable, safe, and efficient operation and expansion of electrical distribution networks.

What are the main challenges faced by distribution grid planning engineers when integrating renewable energy sources into the grid?

Distribution Grid Planning Engineers often encounter challenges related to maintaining grid stability and reliability when integrating renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind. These energy sources can introduce variability and unpredictability, requiring careful modeling and advanced planning to ensure power quality and balance. Engineers must also collaborate closely with utility operations, regulatory bodies, and renewable developers to address technical constraints and comply with evolving standards. Proactively addressing these challenges helps ensure a resilient and efficient distribution network.

What is the difference between Distribution Grid Planning Engineer vs Distribution System Engineer?

AspectDistribution Grid Planning EngineerDistribution System Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Electrical Engineering, relevant certificationsBachelor's in Electrical Engineering, relevant certifications
Work EnvironmentPlanning departments, utility companies, consulting firmsOperational sites, utility companies, maintenance teams
Industry UsageDesigning and planning distribution networksMaintaining and optimizing existing distribution systems

The Distribution Grid Planning Engineer focuses on designing and planning the future distribution network, while the Distribution System Engineer works on maintaining and improving existing systems. Both roles require similar credentials and often collaborate within utility companies to ensure reliable power distribution.

What cities are hiring for Distribution Grid Planning Engineer jobs?

Cities with the most Distribution Grid Planning Engineer job openings:

What states have the most Distribution Grid Planning Engineer jobs?

States with the most job openings for Distribution Grid Planning Engineer jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Distribution Grid Planning Engineer jobs?

For Distribution Grid Planning Engineer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Distribution Grid Planning Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 99% Full Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $91,574 per year, or $44 per hour.

Engineer I, Engineer II, Engineer III Grid Planning

Cedar Rapids, IA • On-site

Alliant Energy
Utilities • 1 - 5K employees
Learn more about Alliant Energyexternal

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 16 days ago

Alliant Energy rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 24 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Bring YOUR energy to Alliant Energy!
At Alliant Energy, our purpose is to serve customers and build stronger communities. We are passionate about powering beyond the market challenges of today, while powering what's next in energy. When our employees say "I am energy", it means they take pride in the work we do when disaster strikes, as well as all the days in between. We want you to be safe, happy and healthy. That's why we prioritize safety, offer volunteer opportunities and provide competitive pay, comprehensive health and retirement benefits, tuition reimbursement and paid time off.
Engineer I - Grid Planning, Engineer II - Grid Planning, Engineer III - Grid Planning:
From early-career engineers to seasoned planning leaders, we're building our Grid Planning team-join us at the level that fits your experience and help design the grid of tomorrow.
***This position can be hired as either an Engineer I Grid Planning, Engineer II Grid Planning or an Engineer III Grid Planning depending on experience***
What you will do
  • What You Will Do (Developmental Progression)
    Safety, Risk & Compliance
    • Foundational: Learns and follows safety standards; develops awareness of risk and regulatory requirements.
    • Intermediate: Identifies and mitigates unsafe conditions, applies risk methodologies, and interprets regulations to address system issues.
    • Advanced: Leads safety and compliance efforts, proactively mitigates complex risks, and influences standards and practices.

    Customer Focus & Problem Solving
    • Foundational: Learns customer needs and supports identification of basic issues and solutions.
    • Intermediate: Proactively identifies and resolves moderately complex problems aligned to customer needs.
    • Advanced: Anticipates needs and leads resolution of complex system and operational challenges.

    Communication, Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement
    • Foundational: Builds relationships and develops communication skills with support.
    • Intermediate: Communicates technical concepts clearly, facilitates discussions, and collaborates across teams.
    • Advanced: Leads stakeholder engagement, influences decisions, and drives alignment across functions.

    Technical Application, Standards & Continuous Improvement
    • Foundational: Applies engineering standards and processes to solve routine problems with guidance.
    • Intermediate: Applies standards independently and recommends process improvements.
    • Advanced: Leads technical direction, shapes standards, and drives continuous improvement initiatives.

    Planning, Financial & Work Management
    • Foundational: Learns budgeting, planning, and basic financial concepts (capital vs. O&M).
    • Intermediate: Supports budgeting and multi-year planning; develops moderately complex scopes of work with cost, sequencing, and prioritization.
    • Advanced: Leads planning and budgeting efforts, manages complex scopes, and guides investment decisions.

    Systems Analysis, Modeling & Technical Studies
    • Foundational: Learns system modeling tools and performs basic analyses with support.
    • Intermediate: Builds moderately complex models and supports technical studies, including interconnection and power quality.
    • Advanced: Leads complex system analysis, modeling, and technical decision-making.

    Agreements, Projects & Organizational Contribution
    • Foundational: Develops understanding of agreements, project processes, and team roles.
    • Intermediate: Supports development of agreements, contributes to cross-functional work, and executes moderately complex projects.
    • Advanced: Leads agreement development, cross-functional initiatives, and delivers strategic outcomes aligned to organizational goals.

Requirements:
Engineer III Grid Planning:
  • Bachelor's Degree Engineering program that is accredited through the Engineering Accreditation Commission Required
  • 5 years of related experience

Engineer II Grid Planning:
  • Bachelor's Degree Engineering program that is accredited through the Engineering Accreditation Commission Required
  • 2 years of related experience

Engineer I Grid Planning:
  • Bachelor's Degree Engineering program that is accredited through the Engineering Accreditation Commission Required

Preferred Experience:
  • Project management experience, along with ability to deal with subcontractors and cross-functional teams; may have expertise in a particular area of the discipline.
  • Previous technical and/or professional experience
  • An internship or co-op in engineering

Key Skills
  • Cost Optimization • Data Analysis • Feasibility Studies • Grid Interconnection Studies • Power Engineering • Power Flow Analysis and Modeling • Power Systems Performance Monitoring • Power Systems Planning • Short Circuit Simulation and Analysis • Standards Compliance • Transient Analysis

Our people are passionate about what they do, the product they sell, and the customers they serve. If you're looking for an opportunity to be a part of a work family that values collaboration, innovation and dedication, we're the right company for you.
Alliant Energy offers a comprehensive total rewards package including competitive compensation and benefit programs. Information on these benefit programs is available on our Careers site.
Pay Range:
This position is eligible to participate in the annual incentive program. The final salary offered will generally fall within this range and is dependent on various factors including but not limited to the responsibilities of the position, experience, skill set, internal pay equity and other relevant qualifications of the applicant.
It's not just what we do; it's how we do it.
Live Safety. Everyone. Always | Make Things Better | Care For Others | Do The Right Thing | Act For Tomorrow | Think Beyond. Be Bold
Alliant Energy and its subsidiaries are committed to creating a culture of belonging and is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer where an applicant's qualifications are considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other basis prohibited by law.
All candidates selected for employment with Alliant Energy will be required to successfully complete a background check, and a drug screen where applicable.
Disclaimer:
The above information on this description has been crafted to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not crafted to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.
Applicants in need of a reasonable accommodation for any part of the hiring process, please email talent@alliantenergy.com.

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