Electrical Distribution Engineer, Principal

Job Description

FLSA Exemption Status \n

Exempt

The Electrical Distribution Engineer, Principal Engineer provides strategic technical leadership and advanced engineering expertise in the planning, design, operation, and maintenance of the electric system. This position serves as a subject matter expert and key advisor to leadership, ensuring the reliability, safety, and regulatory compliance of transmission and distribution infrastructure while supporting the utility’s mission of delivering safe, reliable, and cost-effective electric service to the community.

Essential Functions:

Leads the planning, design, and analysis of electric transmission and distribution systems, overhead and underground distribution, and related infrastructure.

Provides technical oversight and guidance on complex engineering projects, system upgrades, and capital improvement initiatives.

Performs and reviews advanced engineering studies, including load flow, short circuit, coordination, voltage regulation, and system reliability analyses.

Develops, maintains, and approves engineering standards, specifications, and construction designs to ensure system consistency and safety.

Serves as a technical advisor to leadership, operations, and field personnel on system performance, reliability, and engineering best practices.

Supports system reliability by leading incident investigations, conducting root cause analysis, and implementing corrective actions.

Ensures compliance with all applicable regulatory requirements and industry standards (e.g., NESC, IEEE, OSHA, and state/local/internal regulations).

Collaborates with operations, construction, maintenance, and external agencies to ensure efficient project execution and system performance.

Leads or supports long-term system planning, including load forecasting, infrastructure modernization, and grid resiliency initiatives.

Evaluates and implements emerging technologies, including smart grid applications, automation, and distributed energy resources.

Non-Essential Functions:

Will be required to respond under emergency conditions.

Performs other related duties as assigned.

May act in absence of manager.

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from an ABET-accredited institution.

Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering or related field preferred.

At least eight (8) years of progressively responsible experience in electric utility engineering including leading the planning, design, and analysis of electric transmission and distribution systems and providing technical oversight and guidance on complex capital projects.

OR an equivalent combination of education or experience.

Adaptability, Flexibility, Fostering Innovation

Contributes to Achieving GRU's Mission: GRU will provide safe, reliable, competitive utility services in an environmentally responsible manner and will actively contribute to the enhancement of the quality of life in our community

Customer Focus

Problem-solving, Analysis, & Reasoning

Professional Technical Competency

Self-Management

None

Advanced knowledge of power system engineering principles, practices, and standards.

Extensive knowledge of electric utility systems, protection schemes, and overhead/underground distribution systems.

Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.

Ability to lead complex technical initiatives and influence organizational direction.

Strong understanding of regulatory compliance and public utility operations.

Effective communication skills, including the ability to present technical information to non-technical stakeholders, leadership, and governing boards.

Ability to build collaborative relationships across departments and with external partners.

Demonstrated leadership, mentoring, and team development capabilities.

Familiarity with power system analysis tools (e.g., ETAP, CYME, Synergi, or similar).

Knowledge of and experience with grid modernization, renewable integration, and resiliency planning.

Demonstrated ability to mentor junior engineers and provide technical leadership across the organization.

Knowledge of public sector procurement processes and capital project management preferred.

\n
• Climbing - Occasionally
\n
• Driving - Often
\n
• Far Vision Acuity - Often
\n
• Fine Manipulation - Often
\n
• Foot or Leg Controls - Often
\n
• Gross Manipulation - Occasionally
\n
• Hearing - Often
\n
• Keyboarding - Often
\n
• Lifting or Carrying>50 lbs. - Rarely/Never
\n
• Near Visual Acuity - Often
\n
• Normal Color Vision - Often
\n
• Peripheral Vision - Often
\n
• Pushing or Pulling > 50 lbs.  - Rarely/Never
\n
• Reaching Above Shoulder Level - Occasionally
\n
• Reaching Overhead-Rarely/Never
\n
• Sitting - Often
\n
• Speaking - Often
\n
• Standing or Walking - Often
\n
• Stooping, Kneeling, or Crawling - Occasionally
\n

Required to work during emergency conditions.

Work requires performance of tasks outdoors under varying climatic conditions.