Principal Engineer - Distribution Planning

Principal Engineer - Distribution PlanningReports to: Manager - Distribution PlanningLocation: In Office, Rochester NYThe base salary range for this position is dependent upon experience and location, ranging from: $128,320 - $160,400What We Offer:Competitive benefits and growth opportunitiesGenerous performance‑based bonuses12% 401(k) matchComprehensive health, dental, and vision insuranceTuition reimbursementProfessional development and clear career‑advancement pathwaysFor more information, please visit: Benefits - AvangridJob SummaryIndependently lead and perform highly complex distribution system studies including voltage, thermal, N‑1, reliability, resiliency, and power quality assessments. Serve as a recognized technical authority in Distribution Planning, providing expert guidance on system design, DER interconnections, and long-term system strategy.Lead development and execution of comprehensive planning studies and capital plans (including 10-year outlooks), identifying system deficiencies and recommending innovative and cost-effective solutions, including Non-Wires Alternatives (NWA).Drive technical excellence by mentoring engineers, leading cross-functional initiatives, and influencing internal and external stakeholders, including regulatory and industry forums. Act as a key contributor to strategic planning, policy development, and continuous improvement of planning methodologies, tools, and processes.Represent the organization in industry groups and support regulatory proceedings, providing expert analysis and testimony when needed.Support storm restoration efforts and may act on behalf of the Manager when required.Behavioral Skills and RequirementsLeadership CompetenciesProvide enterprise-level technical leadership across distribution planning activities and initiativesLead and influence cross-OpCo and cross-functional teams on high-impact, complex programsServe as a recognized Subject Matter Expert (SME) internally and externallyMentor, coach, and develop engineers; actively shape team technical capabilitiesDrive alignment across departments, balancing technical, financial, and regulatory objectivesCommunicate complex technical topics clearly to executives, regulators, and external stakeholdersDemonstrate strong ownership, autonomy, and accountability in ambiguous and evolving environmentsBehavioral CompetenciesDevelop self & othersEmpower to growCollaborate and shareBe a role modelFocus to achieve resultsBe agileTechnical Skills and RequirementsThe following skills and associated competency levels are desired of those candidates seeking a position in Distribution Planning. However, offsetting industry and other relevant technical skills will be considered for candidates without previous experience in these Distribution Planning activities (e.g. T&D Engineering, P&C, etc.).Technical Skills/CompetenciesTheoretical Engineering knowledge: Planning, Operations and Engineering Design, Analytics, Modeling & Calculation (e.g. sym. Components, per unit, etc.), Understanding the Business ModelPractical Engineering Experience/Application: Planning, Operations and Engineering Design, Construction, (e.g. field experience, standardization, develop business case and defend in front of stakeholders)Engineering documentation: Ability to adequately document and interpret engineering documentation, review and approve engineering work done by othersKnowledge of Regulatory and Compliance Environment: Local, State and Federal Regulatory Standards and Requirements (NERC, NPCC, ISO, PUC, etc.)Functional Job Specific CompetenciesPower System Studies - Knowledge & Interpretation of Study Assumptions and Results: (e.g. Comprehensive Area Studies, Power Flow, DER, Voltage, Contingency, phase imbalance, Power Factor correction, Short Circuit, reliability, resiliency, Capacity, distribution automation, etc.)Software Proficiency - Power System Analytics: (e.g. CYME, PSSE, ASPEN, etc.)System Planning & Capital Strategy: Experience developing and prioritizing multi-year capital investment plans aligned with system needs, reliability, and regulatory driversInnovation & Non-Wires Alternatives (NWA): Ability to evaluate alternative solutions and contribute to innovative planning approaches and process improvementsEducation & Experience Requirements:BSEE requiredAdvanced degree (MSEE or equivalent) preferredPE License preferred10+ years of relevant experience in Distribution Planning, Reliability, or DER integrationDemonstrated expertise in complex system studies, planning strategy, and cross-functional leadershipExperience engaging with regulatory bodies and industry organizations strongly preferred#LI-Onsite#LI-VF1Company:ROCHESTER GAS & ELEC CORPMobility InformationPlease note that any applicant who is not a citizen of the country of the vacancy will be subject to compliance with the applicable immigration requirements to legally work in that country.At Avangrid we provide fair and equal employment and advancement opportunities for all employees and candidates regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, protected veteran status or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law.If you are an individual with a disability or a disabled veteran who is unable to use our online tool to search for or to apply for jobs, you may request a reasonable accommodation by contacting our People and Organization department at View email address on click.appcast.io employees may be assigned a system emergency role and in the event of a system emergency, may be required to work outside of their regular schedule/job duties. This is applicable to employees that will work in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, and New York within Avangrid Network and Corporate functions. This does not include those that will work for Avangrid Power.Avangrid employees may also be assigned a NERC Reliability Standards compliance role supporting Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP) and/or Operations and Planning (O&P) responsibilities. This is applicable to employees that will work in electric transmission, operations, and cyber security business areas in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, and New York within Avangrid Network and Corporate business areas. NERC Reliability Standards compliance roles and responsibilities may include additional access protections, training, audit engagement, and required evidence retention, and will be communicated by the employee’s management.Job Posting End Date:September-5-2026SummaryLocation: United States Of America, New York, RochesterType: