Lead Engineer - Advanced Engineering Studies (Large Load)

Position Summary This position will serve as the technical lead for Advanced Engineering Studies within Grid Strategy & Advancement (GSA). The role will support coordination with external consultants performing large load integration studies, as well as developing internal processes, modeling requirements, and study criteria to support Duke Energy's rapidly growing large load interconnection portfolio. Additionally, this role will support the GSA Application engineering team that leads early stage project developer interaction and commissioning activities. The successful candidate will serve as Duke Energy's internal technical authority for advanced studies for large loads – interfacing with external consultants, data center developers, customers, and internal stakeholders; defining modeling information requirements for large load interconnections; establishing criteria for scenarios requiring advanced studies (including dynamic stability, EMT, and model validation studies); and developing study methodologies and internal processes that mature the new group's operating model. The role will support development of internal special study capabilities, mentor more junior engineers as the group expands, and represent Duke Energy in external industry forums on large load study practices. Responsibilities Serve as Duke Energy's senior internal technical authority for large load engineering and special studies, with technical responsibility for planning, coordinating, and overseeing complex studies executed internally or by external consultants Coordinate directly with external consultants performing large load studies, including scope development, technical direction, deliverable review, quality oversight, and knowledge transfer back to Duke Develop and maintain Duke's modeling information requirements for large load customers, including specifications for dynamic models, control system data, and supporting documentation needed for system impact studies Establish and document criteria for determining when advanced studies (e.g., dynamic stability, electromagnetic transient, sub-synchronous oscillation, harmonics) are required for large load interconnection requests Develop internal processes, methodologies, work instructions, and quality acceptance criteria to mature the Engineering Studies team's operating model Provide technical guidance and review across all large load study types, partnering with the Dynamic Stability sub-group and (as it stands up) the Model Validation sub-group on integrated study deliverables Support Duke's interface with the Large Loads Technical Standards Committee, including contributions to the Technical Interconnection Requirements (TIR) and ride-through criteria development Represent Duke Energy in external industry forums (EPRI, IEEE, NERC working groups, peer-utility benchmarking) on large load study methodology, modeling requirements, and emerging issues Prepare thorough and accurate technical reports, correspondence, documentation, and presentations suitable for internal leadership, customer, regulatory, and industry audiences Coach and mentor professionals within the Advanced Engineering Studies team Support the company's goals and represent the company positively and professionally with customers, consultants, and utility peers Maintain accurate records and files, and ensure documentation supports compliance with applicable NERC Reliability Standards Basic/Required Qualifications Graduation from a four-year college or university with a Bachelor of Science in Engineering from an ABET-accredited program. A Master’s degree in engineering will be considered in lieu of the B.S. engineering degree. Professional Engineer Minimum of 8 years of engineering experience Additional Preferred Qualifications Master's degree in Electric Power Systems Engineering or related discipline Experience in the electric utility industry, with focus on transmission planning, generator/load interconnection studies, or system impact studies Direct experience leading or supporting large load (e.g., data center, industrial) or inverter-based resource interconnection studies Experience with transmission planning and dynamic analysis software such as PSSE, PSCAD, TARA, or equivalent Experience coordinating, directing, or overseeing technical work performed by external consultants Knowledge and familiarity with NERC Reliability Standards (TPL, MOD, etc.) and applicable FERC Orders Experience developing modeling requirements, study methodologies, technical specifications, or internal engineering processes Demonstrated effective verbal and written communication skills, including experience presenting to senior leadership, regulators, and external stakeholders Demonstrated ability to collaborate across multiple internal departments and with external organizations (customers, consultants, peer utilities, industry groups) Demonstrated effective interpersonal skills and conflict management skills Self‑motivated with demonstrated ability to self‑manage, set priorities, and establish goals Proficient in researching engineering and design issues, evaluating alternatives, making sound recommendations, and preparing and presenting recommendations Demonstrated champion for working safely in an injury‑free culture Demonstrated experience standing up or scaling a new technical capability or work program Working Conditions Hybrid Mobility Classification – work will be performed from both remote and onsite locations after the onboarding period. Hybrid employees should live within a reasonable daily commute to the designated Duke Energy facility. Travel Requirements 15‑25% Please note that in order to be considered for this position, you must possess all of the basic/required qualifications. This is not a Visa Sponsored Position. This role requires the ability to work lawfully in the U.S. without employment‑based immigration sponsorship, now or in the future. #J-18808-Ljbffr Duke Energy