Lead Engineer - Advanced Automation & Integration Standards

Position Summary The Lead Engineer – Advanced Automation & DER Protection / Integration Standards serves as an enterprise technical authority supporting the integration of Distributed Energy Resources (DER) into Duke Energy’s distribution system. This role provides leadership across automation, system protection, and control, supporting DERMS‑enabled grid operations, microgrids, defined control areas, energy storage systems, and other non‑wire alternatives. Responsibilities Serve as a Lead Subject Matter Expert (SME) for advanced automation and/or system protection and control for DER‑enabled distribution systems. Lead development and governance of standards related to DERMS integration, automation, and system protection. Translate project‑based requirements into repeatable, enterprise‑ready automation and protection standards. Lead the development, governance, and lifecycle management of standards supporting DERMS visibility, monitoring, and remote control interfaces; edge control RTUs for planned islanding and microgrid operation; high‑speed switching and advanced reliability automation systems. Establish standardized automation architectures, including enterprise RTU designs and 80%‑engineered templates; control applications, logic frameworks, and integration models. Direct advanced system integration and validation activities to ensure reliable coordination with SCADA/ADMS, field devices, and enterprise platforms. Serve as the standards owner for automation systems supporting behind‑the‑meter generation, large customer special loads, and evolving grid‑edge use cases. Own and lead the Operational & Automation Standards Control Hardware‑in‑the‑Loop (CHIL) Lab, including standards validation strategy, remote lab access and testing governance, and technical oversight of production and pre‑production automation testing. Partner with the Grid Automation & Innovation (A&I) team on production CHIL lab alignment, advanced testing strategy, and technology readiness. Provide strategic coordination with the Grid Systems team to transition devices and automation solutions from development into commissioning and production. Lead vendor engagement and collaboration with the Emerging Technology Office to evaluate, pilot, and mature advanced automation and embedded edge‑control technologies. Mentor and technically guide senior and mid‑level engineers, strengthening enterprise bench depth in automation and grid integration. Provide engineering and technical expertise in the identification, analysis and resolution of complex problems in the area of expertise with the ability to visualize long‑term results and assess impacts on a system‑wide basis. Support development of the Engineering Guidebook for Integration of Distributed Energy Resources. Lead or support planning for protection standards associated with intentional islanding, black start, and abnormal grid conditions. Serve as a technical liaison for internal and external stakeholders including IEEE and EPRI and act as a technical mentor across automation, protection, and grid integration disciplines. Required/Basic Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Engineering. Eight (8) years of related work experience. Professional Engineer registration. Desired/Preferred Qualifications Experience with DER automation, DER protection, microgrids, or energy storage systems. Familiarity with IEEE 1547, IEEE 2030, IEC 61850, and related standards. Experience with SCADA and control protocols such as DNP, Modbus, or IEC 61850. Modeling and analysis experience using CYME, PSCAD, Mathcad, Simulink, or similar tools. Familiarity with IEC 61131 programming language. Familiarity/experience utilizing and programming SEL RTACs. Experience serving as technical lead or SME for enterprise automation or DER integration programs. Experience with DERMS, microgrids, high‑speed switching, and Control Hardware‑in‑the‑Loop testing environments. Familiarity with industry standards and advanced automation protocols. Skilled in engineering theories and principles, research and evaluation of engineering and design issues, and making sound recommendations. Good written and oral communication skills; principles of project management. Experience in the utility industry and department‑specific experience applicable to the hiring department. Working Conditions Hybrid – Work will be performed from both remote and onsite locations after the onboarding period. Hybrid employees should live within a reasonable commute to the designated Duke Energy facility. Office, Lab, Field Specific Requirements: Must have obtained a Bachelor of Science in Engineering from an ABET accredited program and PE; minimum of 8 years of engineering experience. Nuclear may require either Professional Engineer registration, a Master’s Degree in a technical discipline, SRO certification, an RO or SRO license, or Technical Nuclear certification. A Master’s degree in Engineering will be considered in lieu of the B.S. Engineering degree. Travel Requirements 15-25% travel; relocation assistance provided as applicable. Union position: No. Visa sponsored: No. Represented/Union Position: No. Equal Employment Opportunity Statement Duke Energy is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, including but not limited to lactation, religion, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, citizenship, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, genetic information, medical condition, military status, or protected veteran status. Duke Energy complies with all applicable state, federal and local laws, regulations and ordinances prohibiting discrimination. #J-18808-Ljbffr Duke Energy