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Distribution Grid Planning Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

ICF

Distribution Planning Engineer

Fairfax, VA · On-site +1

Distribution Planning Engineer Location: Remote US Ready to make a difference? We are a relentlessly client-focused group who are re-imagining, re-designing, and re-engineering the way electric ...

isone

Electric Grid Planning Analyst

Kinston, NC · Hybrid

$86K - $115K/yr

... grid. The Capacity Requirement and Accreditation group within System Planning seeks an innovative ... Bachelor's degree in engineering, Mathematics, Statistics, Economics, Operations Research, Energy ...

isone

Electric Grid Planning Analyst

Kinston, NC · Hybrid

$86K - $115K/yr

... grid. The Capacity Requirement and Accreditation group within System Planning seeks an innovative ... Bachelor's degree in engineering, Mathematics, Statistics, Economics, Operations Research, Energy ...

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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.

Senior Power Controls & Grid Planning Engineer

Remote

Sargent & Lundy
Civil Engineering Construction • 1 - 5K employees
Learn more about Sargent & Lundyexternal

$134K - $205K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 6 days ago

Sargent & Lundy rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

121st of 454 rated engineering

Job description

Description
This is a remote/virtual position. Candidate can be based anywhere within the United States.
Overview:
Sargent & Lundy Consulting (SLC) works on behalf of clients to support electric power projects. We evaluate and optimize technical, commercial, environmental, and financial aspects of the projects for a variety of clients.
Responsibilities:
In this role, you will help work on large, isolated power systems integrating equipment such as gas turbines, BESS, reciprocating engines, and other generating technologies with large dynamic electrical loads.
We are seeking a Controls & Grid Integration Planning Engineer to support Owner's Engineer and design teams on large, isolated power systems integrating equipment such as gas turbines, reciprocating engines, BESS, Solar PV, with large dynamic loads. The role will provide independent technical oversight of plant control philosophies, ensuring that OEM, EPC, and system integrator designs collectively deliver stable, resilient, and compliant operation under steady-state, transient, and islanded conditions. The engineer will review and challenge dynamic studies, control narratives, plant controller strategies, and protection philosophies without directly performing detailed PSS®E or PSCAD modeling. Responsibilities include validating integration between GT controls, BESS EMS/PPC systems, SCADA, and overall coordination strategies (frequency response, voltage control, inertia management, black start, load rejection, and large motor/data center step loads).
The position requires strong cross-disciplinary leadership, risk identification capability, and the ability to translate complex control interactions into clear recommendations for owner and lender stakeholders.
Your responsibilities will include engineering design reviews, technical due diligence, project development support, and conceptual design. Particular experience in electrical design of thermal power projects is desired.
You will have the opportunity to travel within the United States as well as internationally.
Qualifications
We do not sponsor employees for work authorization in the U.S. for this position.
Essential skills and experience:
  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering
  • 12+ years' experience in power generation controls, grid integration, or utility-scale plant systems
  • Demonstrated experience with islanded or isolated grids
  • Strong understanding of dynamic performance studies (transient stability, EMT, frequency response), even if not the primary modeler
  • Familiarity with gas turbine control systems (e.g., Mark VIe or equivalent) and BESS plant/energy management systems, power plant controllers
  • Experience reviewing EPC deliverables, grid code compliance documentation, and performance guarantees
  • Knowledge of protection coordination and system-level control architecture
  • Strong communication skills for engagement with developers, OEMs, lenders, and regulatory bodies
  • Experience in development support and conceptual design of thermal power projects:
    • Simple cycle gas turbines,
    • Combined cycle projects,
    • Coal fired generation, or
    • Reciprocating engines (RICE)

Valued but not required skills and experience:
  • Master's degree in electrical engineering is a plus.
  • Experience in technical due diligence and owner's engineering design reviews of thermal power projects is a plus.
  • General understanding of power station operations and performance reviews is a plus.
  • General understanding of process design at electric power generation facilities is a plus.
  • Contract development experience is a plus.
  • Reliability modeling experience is a plus.

AI & Automation at Sargent & Lundy
In this role, we expect people to be willing or able to lead others who use modern tools:
  • You are expected to lead others in taking engineering problems from issue to solution by setting expectations for using data and modern tools such as automation and AI to improve workflows, reduce rework, and deliver cost-effective designs.
  • Leaders in these roles often direct automation and process-improvement work, for example, how teams automate calculations, summarize technical documents, or generate design documentation and guiding when and how AI or agentic AI tools are used while ensuring results are checked.
  • Overseeing engineers who program or script (e.g., Python, MATLAB, advanced Excel) to automate engineering tasks, with review of automated outputs, is valued but not required.
  • We also value additional learning, such as a minor, certificate, or other experience in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Software Engineering, or related fields that enables effective oversight of automation and agentic AI-enabled engineering workflows.

Award-Winning Benefits
At Sargent & Lundy, we care about the health and well-being of our employees. Our commitment extends beyond the workplace, offering comprehensive healthcare plans and generous paid time off to support our team members in every aspect of their lives. We understand the importance of work-life balance, which is why we are proud to provide competitive, award-winning benefits. Our dedication to employee satisfaction has earned us the prestigious Top Workplaces Culture Excellence Award for compensation and benefits in 2022, 2023, and 2024.
Health & WellnessFinancial BenefitsWork-Life Balance
  • Health Plans: Medical, Dental, Vision
  • Life & Accident Insurance
  • Disability Coverage
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Back-Up Daycare
  • FSA & HSA
  • 401(k)
  • Pre-Tax Commuter Account
  • Merit Scholarship Program
  • Employee Discount Program
  • Corporate Charitable Giving Program
  • Tuition Assistance
  • First Professional Licensure Bonus
  • Employee Referral Bonus
  • Paid Annual Personal/Sick Time (PST)
  • Paid Vacation
  • Paid Holidays
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Paid Bereavement Leave
  • Flexible Work Arrangements

Compensation Range
$134,546 - $205,557
Transparency Statement
Sargent & Lundy discloses compensation ranges that comply with all local and state regulations. The total compensation package for eligible positions will include a base salary or an hourly rate and a comprehensive benefits package, reflecting our commitment to rewarding performance and supporting the overall well-being of our employees. Individuals may also be eligible to participate in our yearly discretionary bonus.
Equal Opportunity
Sargent & Lundy is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any protected status as defined by applicable law.

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About Sargent & Lundy

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Sargent & Lundy is one of the most experienced full-service architect-engineering firms in the world. Founded in 1891, the firm is a global leader in power and energy with expertise in grid modernization, renewable energy, energy storage, nuclear power, and fossil fuels. Sargent & Lundy delivers comprehensive project services--from consulting, design and implementation to construction management, commissioning and operations/maintenance--with an emphasis on quality and safety. The firm serves public and private sector clients in the power and energy, gas distribution, industrial, and government sectors.

Industry

Civil engineering construction

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Chicago, IL, US

Year founded

1891

Social media

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