Grid Planning Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Electric Distribution Grid Planning Strategic Initiatives and Grid Modeling Analytics ("SIGMA"), Graduate Engineering Intern
600 Canal Place, Richmond, VA.

Description
This graduate internship opportunity is intended for a student pursuing a graduate degree in electrical engineering with a focus or strong coursework in electric power engineering. The intern will provide technical support to the Distribution Grid Planning Strategic Initiatives and Grid Modeling Analytics ("SIGMA") team, with emphasis on power system analysis, distribution grid modeling, data analytics, and Python-based automation. Assignments will be structured with clear objectives and performed under the guidance of experienced engineers and team leadership.

The graduate intern will be part of a team that provides technical support for Grid Planning, Grid Resiliency, Grid Modernization, and Integrated Distribution Planning activities. The intern will support development of distribution system studies, data analysis, and modeling efforts used for long-range integrated distribution grid planning.

Candidate should have a strong academic background in electrical engineering, preferably with graduate-level coursework or research in electric power systems, power flow analysis, distribution systems, renewable energy integration, forecasting, or related fields. Proficiency in Python coding is required, including the ability to develop scripts for data analysis, automation, model processing, visualization, and engineering workflow improvement.

Perform other duties as requested or assigned.

Support engineering assignments related to distribution grid planning, system modeling, and data analytics under the guidance of experienced engineers

Develop and maintain Python scripts to automate data processing, model preparation, engineering calculations, and reporting workflows

Apply power engineering concepts to support load flow analysis, voltage analysis, reliability studies, forecasting, and distribution system modeling activities

Effectively utilize the proper resources to develop solutions and devise new approaches to problems encountered in work assignments

Maintain and manage data for distribution grid load and DER forecasting: conduct discussions with users and other stakeholders to understand data requirements, query and clean data from other systems, integrate to other systems, work directlyin database to analyze and modify model inputs and outputs, apply other data analytics tools to interpret study results

Power system modeling: load flow and voltage analysis, predictive reliability analysis, and time series simulations including dynamic and transient analysis

Analyze multiple infrastructure interdependencies related to thermal, voltage and reliability criteria

Perform/support evaluation, design, engineering, and support activities related to traditional utility solutions and non-wires alternatives

Currently pursuing a graduate degree in electrical engineering, power systems engineering, or a closely related field.
Strong academic or research background in electric power systems, distribution systems, grid planning, renewable integration, or related power engineering topics.
Proficiency in Python coding required, including experience with data analysis, automation, scripting, and visualization libraries or tools.
Familiarity with power system analysis concepts such as load flow, voltage analysis, distribution planning criteria, DER impacts, or reliability assessment preferred.
Experience working with large datasets, engineering models, databases, or analytical tools preferred.
Understands and can apply knowledge of configuration management.
Planning, organizational and project management skills.
Ability to develop and exercise leadership skills.
Effective decision-making skills.
Effective oral and written communication skills (includes technical writing).
Ability to think analytically and solve complex problems.
Ability to interpret codes, regulations and practices.
Equally effective working independently or in a team environment.
Ability to process information quickly and effectively manage multiple tasks.
Full knowledge of engineering theories and principles
Proficient at analyzing all aspects of three-phase AC power flow
Knowledge of substation equipment/operations, relay operations, and power station preferred.
Exposure to power system modeling or analytical software such as Synergi Electric, CYME, PSS/E, PSCAD, ASPEN, MATLAB, OpenDSS, or similar tools preferred.
Demonstrated resourcefulness in developing advanced system models from diverse and indirect data and information sources preferred.
Ability to use Python to improve engineering workflows, automate repetitive tasks, process model inputs/outputs, and communicate results through clear visualizations or summaries.
Must be dedicated to continuous improvement and identifying best practice opportunities.

Currently pursuing an ABET accredited graduate degree in Electrical Engineering, Power Systems Engineering, or a closely related engineering field.

Power engineering coursework, research, or project experience preferred; proficiency in Python coding required.

Must have a 3.0 GPA or above.

Must be graduating in Fall 2027 or Spring 2028.