Method Engineer Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

PacifiCorp is seeking customer-centric candidates to grow and sustain our commitment to a culture of customer service excellence, environmental sustainability and diversity, equity and inclusion.

As an Engineer in Pacific Power's Distribution System Planning team, you will hold a key role in enhancing the efficiency and reliability of the electrical distribution system. This role requires a solid foundation in distribution system planning, wires and non-wires solution development, toolset evaluation, data analysis, stakeholder engagement, and hosting capacity analysis. You will design, analyze, and optimize the distribution system to meet the evolving needs of the communities Pacific Power serves while incorporating innovative, cost-effective solutions.

• Distribution Planning: Develop near and long-term plans for the distribution system that align with company objectives and regulatory requirements. Assess system needs and identify solutions to address capacity, voltage, and reliability issues.
• Develop Wires and Non-Wires Solutions: Assess system constraints and identify cost-effective solutions, including traditional infrastructure and non-wires alternatives (e.g., DERs, energy efficiency, storage, demand response, and microgrids), to meet capacity and reliability needs.
• Pilot Proposal Development: Lead the development and execution of pilot initiatives that test innovative planning approaches and non-wires solutions. Define success metrics, monitor performance, and communicate results to inform future planning and investment decisions.
• Hosting Capacity Analysis: Perform hosting capacity assessments to determine the ability of the distribution system to integrate additional DERs such as solar and energy storage. Identify system constraints and recommend mitigation strategies.
• Data Analysis: Analyze distribution system data, including AMI and SCADA time-series data, to support planning and operational decisions. Develop and enhance analytical tools and use cases using internal and third-party platforms. Promote adoption of data-driven decision-making across the organization.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Collaborate with internal teams and external stakeholders, including regulators, local governments, and community organizations, to support effective and transparent distribution planning.
• Regulatory Compliance: Adapt distribution planning processes and outputs to evolving regulatory requirements to ensure ongoing compliance.
• Innovation: Stay informed about emerging technologies, trends, and best practices in the field of distribution system planning to continuously improve company systems and processes.

In addition to the above, the Engineer II responsibilities include:  

• Develop moderately complex electrical engineering studies, plans, specifications, calculations, evaluations, design documents, and performance assessments.  
• Determine methods and techniques for obtaining results.
• Guide and direct associate level engineers, technicians and drafters.
• Recommend alternative solutions to management in area of specialty on engineering solutions to meet business needs.
• Maintain project timelines and budgets.
• Analyze and design engineering methods. 

In addition to the above, the Senior Engineer responsibilities include: 

• Act as a lead/expert in the work group; train and mentor associate and career level engineers, technicians and drafters.  

• Minimum Requirements (all levels):

  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering from an accredited college/university.
  • Familiarity with distribution system analysis concepts, including load flow and system constraints
  • Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
  • Ability to review scientific literature and incorporate knowledge into ongoing projects.
  • Strong technical writing and presentation skills.
  • Familiarity with relevant industry standards (IEEE, IEC, NEC, NESC etc.).
  • Demonstrated leadership and/or project management skills.

  Engineer I Requirements:

  • Foundational understanding of distribution system planning concepts.
  • Exposure to data analysis and power systems modeling software tools.

  Engineer II Requirements:

  • A minimum of 2 or moreyears of experience in distribution system planning, or related field
  • Experience performing load flow analysis and identifying thermal and voltage constraints
  • Proficiency in data analysis and modeling, including working with time-series data
  • Ability to independently execute planning studies and support solution development (wires and non-wires)
  • Experience presenting technical information to internal stakeholders

  Sr. Engineer  Requirements:

  • A minimum of five or more years of experience in distribution system planning and analysis, or related professional experience.
  • Advanced expertise in load flow analysis, system modeling, and constraint mitigation
  • Strong analytical background with experience leveraging AMI, SCADA, or similar datasets
  • Ability to lead complex studies and develop recommendations, including non-wires solutions
  • Demonstrated leadership in project execution, mentoring, or cross-functional initiatives
  • Strong technical writing and presentation skills, including communication with external stakeholders

• Experience with hosting capacity analysis methods and tools
• Experience with distribution automation or grid modernization projects, including integration of advanced controls and system monitoring capabilities.
• Knowledge of distributed energy resource (DER) interconnection processes for small generators (<20 MW)
• Experience with data analysis and scripting tools such as SQL, Python, or JavaScript
• Experience supporting or interacting with regulatory processes, including technical filings or stakeholder engagement.

At PacifiCorp, we understand that living a healthy lifestyle isn't just about your physical health - your mental, financial, and social wellbeing also play an important role. That's why we offer a wide range of benefits designed to help you live a more balanced lifestyle

Our benefits include:

    Medical, dental, and vision insurance

    401k with match fixed contributions, including a Roth and saving option. For union employees, matching contributions vary by union. For nonunion, PacifiCorp makes a fixed contribution equal to 4% of your eligible pay each year for new hires. In addition, PacifiCorp matches 100% of the first 6% you contribute.

    Life insurance

    Additional voluntary benefits, including pet insurance

    Tuition Assistance

    Mass Transit Pass for employees in our Portland and Salt Lake City Offices.

Work Life Balance

    Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) - Time off varies by employee type (Union or Non-Union)

    Paid short-term disability leave and long-term disability insurance

    Paid Parental Leave

    Paid Bereavement Leave

    Employee Assistance Program supporting mental and emotional wellbeing

For more information, please visit: https://careers.pacificorp.com/content/New-Benefits-Page/?locale=en_US

Req Id: 114716
Company Code: Pacificorp #PM25
Primary Location: PORTLAND
Department: Power Delivery
Schedule:Days
Hiring Range: $77,200-$140,250 
Personnel Subarea: Exempt
This position is eligible for an annual discretionary performance incentive bonus of up to 12.00% of salary.

This position is eligible for an annual discretionary performance incentive bonus of up to 12.00% of salary. 

Employees must be able to perform the essential functions of the position with or without an accommodation.

At PacifiCorp, we celebrate diversity, equity and inclusion. PacifiCorp is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion or religious creed, age, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status (except as required by law), gender (including gender identity and expression), sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, genetic information, physical or mental disability, medical condition, veteran or military status, familial or parental status, marital status or any other category protected by applicable local, state or U.S. federal law.

Unless otherwise required by law, all offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of a background check and drug screening including for marijuana. While marijuana is legal in several states, including Oregon, a positive test for positions in Oregon may disqualify a candidate. The company complies with the laws of Washington and California and only obtains and considers positive tests for marijuana in safety-sensitive positions or those covered by U.S. Department of Transportation regulations.