• Distribution Planning Engineer

    Actalent (Birmingham, AL)


    Distribution Planning Engineer

     

    Join a dynamic team in the Distribution Department as a Planning Engineer, where you will collaborate with higher-level engineers and the customer planning team to analyze the grid system. You will work closely with customers to ensure studies are approved and partner with an engineer to validate and sign off on projects. Your expertise in load flow studies, voltage drops, and interconnectivities will be pivotal in advancing engineering and science initiatives.

    Responsibilities

    + Develop and review DACR Phase 3 models, scopes, and device spreadsheets in alignment with AEP standards.

    + Create CYMDIST base cases and self-contained scheme models for distribution automation.

    + Conduct coordination and arc-flash studies following AEP Overcurrent Protection Guidelines.

    + Design and document recloser placements, tie configurations, and control upgrades.

    + Develop and maintain block diagrams, settings spreadsheets, and load limit analyses.

    + Execute QA/QC reviews using the DACR Engineering Checklist, verifying milestones at 50%, 70%, and final design completion.

    + Coordinate with AEP engineers, planners, and field personnel to ensure constructability and adherence to DACR technical specifications.

    + Support data governance and document storage in Smartsheet, STORMS, and the ADS SharePoint repositories.

    + Configure and validate protection settings for Smart Switches, G&W Vipers, SEL Relays/Controls, and other automated devices.

    + Support communication integration for telemetered reclosers, including radio and antenna upgrades.

    + Assist with verification for breaker relay changes and protection updates.

    Essential Skills

    + Proficiency in CYMDIST, ASPEN OneLiner, PI Vision, Voyager, and S&C Tripsaver.

    + Experience with Smartsheet, STORMS, EEMS, ADS Repository, DAE Database, Central Station, CRM, TLMR.

    + Familiarity with Atlas, GridzlyBear, ArcGIS, AutoCAD, Revu Bluebeam, Electric Office.

    + Advanced skills in Excel and SharePoint.

    + Bachelor’s degree in Electrical or Power Systems Engineering from an ABET-accredited university.

    + 3–6 years of experience in utility or EPC distribution automation, protection, or reliability engineering.

    + Knowledge of distribution design standards and CYME/ASPEN workflows.

    + Strong understanding of protective device coordination, relay settings, and feeder automation logic.

    Pay and Benefits

    The pay range for this position is $50.00 - $65.00/hr.

     

    Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:

     

    • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

     

    Workplace Type

     

    This is a fully remote position.

     

    Application Deadline

     

    This position is anticipated to close on Nov 3, 2025.

    About Actalent

    Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

     

    The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

     

    If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing due to a disability, please email [email protected] (%[email protected]) for other accommodation options.