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Real-Time Distribution Systems Engineer
- Portland General Electric (Tualatin, OR)
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At PGE, our work involves dreaming about, planning for, and realizing a smarter, cleaner, more enduring Oregon neighborhood. Its core to our DNA and we haven’t stopped since we started in 1888. We energize lives, strengthen communities and drive advancements in energy that promote social, economic and environmental progress. We’re always on the lookout for people passionate about leading and being a part of teams that are advancing innovative clean energy solutions that are also affordable and accessible to all.
Operate the grid. Modernize the grid. Shape the future.
Portland General Electric (PGE) is seeking an experienced, impact-driven Power Systems Engineer to join our Integrated Operations Center; the nerve center for real-time distribution grid management across Oregon.
In this role, you’ll provide critical engineering support for live grid operations, maintain and refine the as-operated system model, and help lead our journey toward a smarter, more automated grid. You’ll work directly with control room operators, planners, field engineers, and smart grid teams to ensure our grid is reliable, resilient, and ready for tomorrow.
This role is open to both Distribution Operations Engineers and Senior Distribution Operations Engineers. Title and level will be determined based on your experience and demonstrated qualifications.
Key Responsibilities
For All Levels
+ Maintain PGE’s as-operated distribution system model in our Advanced Distribution Management System (ADMS) and Outage Management System (OMS).
+ Refine and support advanced distribution applications including:
+ Distribution Power Flow (DPF)
+ Fault Location, Isolation, and Service Restoration (FLISR)
+ Load forecasting tools
+ Review system configurations, switching procedures, and planned outages for engineering soundness and reliability.
+ Provide real-time technical support to Distribution System Operators during outages and abnormal events.
+ Collaborate cross-functionally with engineers, field crews, and customer managers to ensure modeling reflects real-world conditions.
For Senior-Level Candidates
+ Act as technical lead or SME on complex real-time switching sequences, system protection issues, and voltage regulation strategies.
+ Lead or support grid automation and system modeling projects to enhance operational efficiency and reliability.
+ Serve as engineering SME for large or staged construction projects, coordinating modeling and energization steps.
+ Resolve configuration anomalies in ADMS and OMS through engineering review and stakeholder collaboration.
+ Guide improvement efforts across power flow calculations, automation logic, and operational strategy.
Qualifications
**Education** Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering (ABET-accredited program preferred).
**Experience** - _Distribution Operations Engineer_ : 2+ years in electrical/power engineering.
- _Senior Level_ : 5+ years in engineering OR 4+ years with PE license.
Certifications
Professional Engineer (PE) license **strongly preferred** . Valid driver’s license required.
Technical Skills
- ADMS, OMS, and power system modeling platforms
- Distribution protection schemes and automation
- Voltage control equipment and clearance management
- Utility safety and operations standards
Soft Skills
Strong analytical thinking, communication, collaboration, and the ability to translate technical insights into operational actions.
Preferred Qualifications
+ Direct experience supporting a utility control center or working in real-time operations.
+ Familiarity with SCADA integration, outage response procedures, and NESC or utility-specific design standards.
+ Exposure to smart grid initiatives, DER integration, and field validation processes.
+ Ability to mentor junior engineers or lead cross-functional teams on technical investigations.
Work Environment
+ Location: PGE’s Integrated Operations Center (Tualatin, OR)
+ Schedule: Full-time; occasional rotational or emergency support may apply
+ Travel: Minimal, limited to field or team coordination within service territory
+ Flexibility: Hybrid schedule may be available based on team needs and responsibilities
Functional Competencies:
Advanced knowledge of engineering and economic principles and concepts.
Advanced knowledge of other engineering disciplines and Advanced ability to interpret engineering deliverable content as assigned.
Advanced knowledge and application of engineering processes and procedures.
Advanced industry knowledge and technology trends.
Advanced knowledge of company QA/QC process and procedures.
Working knowledge of construction feasibility.
Working knowledge of procurement and contract administration.
Advanced knowledge of process and procedures for project controls and estimates.
Advanced knowledge of applicable codes and standards related to the design and operation of the electrical distribution system.
Working skill designing overhead and underground distribution facilities, including relevant civil and electrical subsystems.
Advanced knowledge of real-time and off-line power flow and power system analysis software applications.
Advanced knowledge of work management, asset management, GIS and outage-management software applications.
Advanced knowledge of distribution protection schemes and device-coordination principles.
General Competencies:
Advanced accuracy skills. Advanced analytical thinking skills.
Working knowledge of the utility industry.
Advanced organization and prioritization skills.
Advanced problem-solving skills.
Advanced decision-making skills.
Advanced written and oral communication skills.
Advanced presentation skills.
Physical and Cognitive Demands:
Consistent use of relevant principles to solve practical problems and to deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.
Cognitive Ability to adhere to set response times, deadlines, and time-sensitive tasks Ability to follow accuracy standards
Ability to follow through on decision-making tasks
Ability to interact effectively and collaboratively within a team environment
Ability to communicate and problem solve when under stress
Ability to respond and adapt to frequent change
Ability to accept and demonstrate self-awareness when provided constructive feedback Ability to discern feedback and acknowledge ownership of areas of improvement
Ability to avoid future mistakes by applying reasonable skills to new but similar work situations or tasks
Ability to successfully collaborate with peers, managers, and others within the organization
Demonstrates sound memory
Ability to process new information to be applied consistently to work tasks
Schedule/Attendance:
Ability to adhere to pre-established schedule, including start/stop time and break/lunch schedule
Ability to work long hours
Ability to work a variable schedule
Ability to report to work and perform work during periods of severe inclement weather
Ability to consistently meet attendance standards for regular, reliable, predictable, full-time attendance.
Ability to work shift schedule
Ability to work on-call schedule
Physical Capabilities:
+ Driving/travel/commute: Daily within service territory - Frequently (at least once a week or more)
+ Driving/travel/commute: Overnight inside/outside the service territory - Occasionally (one to two times a month or less)
+ Computer use (use computer regularly for entire work shift)
+ Lifting/pushing/pulling: up to 10 lbs.
+ Carrying: up to 10 lbs.
+ Unstable surfaces requiring balance (i.e., moving equipment, boats):
+ Walking distances and surfaces (long distances and over rough, uneven or rocky surfaces)
Environment - Indoor/Outdoor:
+ Office
+ Plant
+ Field
Compensation Range:
$81,450.00 - $135,750.00
Actual total compensation, including a performance based incentive bonus, is commensurate with experience, skills, qualifications, education, training, and internal equity. While we anticipate the selected candidate for this position will fall towards the middle or entry point of the compensation range, the decision will be made on a case-by-case basis.
PGE believes in rewarding dedicated performance. We provide a total rewards package that is designed to reward your contributions to the company, and, at the same time, support your well-being and professional development, both now and into the future. To find out more, click here (https://portlandgeneral.com/hrcs5511) .
Join us today and power your potential!
Assisting with storms or other Company emergencies is a part of all positions at Portland General Electric.
PGE is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace and is an equal opportunity employer. PGE will not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, religion, disability, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law.
PGE does not discriminate on the basis of disability. We recognize individuals have a variety of abilities to offer and we believe there is much to value and celebrate by incorporating different abilities into the work we do. One very important way we live this out is in our application and interview process. We work hard to support individuals who may need an accommodation to fully participate in these processes. If you feel you may need an accommodation, or would like to request one, please notify the Talent Acquisition Specialist (Recruiter) associated with the job posting. You may also make this request by contacting [email protected] or by calling 503-464-7250. The Recruiter will provide information and next steps for the accommodation process. Our Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) team is also available for support. You can contact them at [email protected] .
To be considered for this position, please complete the following employment application by the posting close date. Posting closes at midnight (Pacific Time) on the closing date below. If no date is listed, job is open until filled.
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