Electric Distribution Planning Engineer (Hybrid)

Before learning more about this opportunity, please note:

Relocation assistance to Colorado Springs is available to the successful candidate
This position offers a hybrid work schedule to support work-life balance
This job is a level three engineer (out of five), providing opportunity to grow and develop beyond this position

Shape the Future of Colorado Springs' Electric Grid!

Are you an electrical engineer who wants to make a visible impact on the future of our power grid and our community? Do you enjoy solving complex system and planning challenges while collaborating with experts across other engineering functions? If so, come join our Electrical Distribution Planning team that oversees the planning, analysis, and modernization of our growing electric distribution system serving over 500,000 customers! You'll contribute to our near-term and long-range distribution planning initiatives for our 12.5kv and 34.5kv distribution systems using advanced modeling and forecasting tools.

What Makes This Job Great?

Working on high-impact projects that directly shape our grid reliability
Working alongside other experienced engineers to drive grid modernization, electrification, EV readiness, and DER integration
Using advanced modeling, data analytics, and scripting tools to drive decision-making

What Else Will You be Doing?

Performing distribution system analyses (using Synergi-Electric) related to loading, voltage performance, phase balancing, reactive power, protection coordination, and contingency planning
Developing and evaluating system improvement alternatives, including cost estimates and justifications to support capital planning and investment decisions
Creating and supporting long-range distribution plans that anticipate customer growth, electrification, EV adoption, and DER integration
Supporting and maintaining Synergi-Electric system models, including data validation, troubleshooting, database integrity, and Python-based automation
Contributing to distribution planning studies and forecasting using LoadSEER and related tools
Supporting updates to distribution planning, protection, and design guides to reflect evolving grid needs
Reviewing distribution designs and influencing engineering standards, criteria, and best practices

Who You Are

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering is required
Experience in electric distribution planning, standards, protection, or design is required
Possession of an Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certification and/or a Professional Engineer (PE) license is valued
Experience using Synergi-Electric or a similar distribution modeling software is valued
Experience with and interest in data analysis, SQL queries, and/or Python scripting is helpful

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

Exerts up to 10 lbs. of force occasionally and/or small amount of force frequently to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time but may involve walking or standing for brief periods of time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally, and all other sedentary criteria are met. Positions in this class typically require talking, hearing, seeing and repetitive motions within an office working environment.

Our Commitment to Our Employees

Our people are the heart and soul of Colorado Springs Utilities. They keep the lights on, gas flowing, water coming in, and wastewater leaving. We don't just say people are important – we prove it! That’s why we are honored to invest in protecting the health and financial security of our employees and their families through our rich benefits program.

Time Off to Recharge

Vacation – Start with 13 days annually, increasing to 24 days with tenure
Personal Leave –3 days per year
Paid Holidays –12 paid holidays per year
Sick Leave – 12 days per year for personal or family health needs
Vacation Buy – Option to purchase up to 40 additional hours annually

Health & Wellness – Benefits elected are effective the first of the following month

Medical Plans: Three comprehensive options, including a $0 premium High-Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) with Health Savings Account (HSA) eligibility
Zero Health: Access to hundreds of medical services at no cost
Dental & Vision: Two dental plans and one vision plan
Family Building-Benefits: Support for fertility, preservation, adoption, and surrogacy
Wellness Program: A voluntary program that rewards you for prioritizing self-care! If you're enrolled in a our medical plan, you and your spouse can earn up to $600 in HRA or HSA contributions by completing healthy activities
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA): Pre-tax contributions for healthcare and dependent care expenses
Health Savings Account (HSA): Available with HDHP

Financial & Retirement Security

Pension Plan: Colorado PERA provides retirement benefits and peace of mind
Supplemental Retirement Plans: PERAPlus 401(k), MissionSquare Roth IRA, and 457 plans
Disability Coverage: Short-Term and Long-Term Disability insurance available
Life Insurance: Employer-paid coverage with optional supplemental plans
Long-Term Care Insurance: Available for purchase to support extended care needs

Additional Support

Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential support for mental health, stress, legal, financial, and work-life balance
Tuition Reimbursement: Up to $5,250 annually to support continued education
Public Service Loan Forgiveness: As a qualifying employer, your student loan payments may be eligible for loan forgiveness