Senior Distribution Planning Engineer – DER Integration

Job Type: Full-Time

About Us

CARIAN is a purpose-driven, woman-owned consulting and advisory firm dedicated exclusively to the power sector. We partner with leading electric and gas utilities to provide strategic advisory and disciplined execution across program management, business intelligence, and field execution oversight. Guided by integrity, trust, excellence, and accountability, our team helps deliver complex capital programs and build the resilient energy infrastructure that communities depend on.

Position Overview

CARIAN is seeking a Senior Distribution Planning Engineer – DER Integration to contribute to distribution system planning, studies, and distributed energy resource (DER) integration initiatives across a major electric utility in New Jersey.

This role focuses on hosting capacity analysis, distribution system modeling, power flow and power quality studies, DER screening methodologies, and planning and operational studies. The ideal candidate will bring strong electric utility distribution engineering experience and advanced proficiency with CYME, with the ability to evaluate DER impacts and support reliable integration across the distribution system.

Key Responsibilities

Perform CYME-based Hosting Capacity Analysis and support automation of study workflows
Conduct distribution power flow analysis and validate circuit models against field conditions
Perform power quality analysis using AMI, SCADA, monitoring devices, and field measurements
Develop and document workflows for Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 DER screening processes using CYME and Power BI
Develop methodologies and technical criteria for advanced Level 3 screening studies, including determining when EMTP or transient analysis is required
Support development of Power BI dashboard strategies to assist planners with DER screening and hosting capacity processes
Collaborate with engineering, planning, operations, and technology stakeholders to support DER integration using CYME, DERMS, and other utility software platforms
Prepare technical reports, study documentation, methodologies, and standard operating procedures
Support distribution planning and system operational studies related to DER integration and grid modernization initiatives

Qualifications

Experience Level: 5+ years
Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Power Systems Engineering, or related discipline
Minimum 5 years of electric utility distribution engineering, distribution planning, power system studies, or DER integration experience
Advanced proficiency with CYME, including advanced analysis modules
Experience performing hosting capacity analysis and distribution system modeling
Experience performing distribution power flow and power system studies involving DER integration
Strong understanding of electric utility distribution systems and planning practices
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
Strong written and verbal communication skills supporting cross-functional collaboration
Strong technical documentation and report writing capabilities
Valid driver’s license

Preferred

• Experience with EMTP or other transient analysis tools
• Experience developing DER screening methodologies
• Experience with DERMS implementation or grid modernization initiatives

Experience with Python and SQL

• Experience with Power BI dashboard development and analytics
• Prior experience supporting investor-owned utilities

Why CARIAN

• Purpose-driven work – Help deliver infrastructure that powers communities
• Industry reputation – Trusted by leading utilities for our reliability and results
• Career growth – Opportunities to support major grid modernization programs and expand technical leadership capabilities
• Collaborative culture – Join a team that values delivery excellence and long-term relationships
• Competitive total rewards – Strong compensation, full benefits, 401(k) match, and meaningful work

Equal Employment Opportunity

CARIAN is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We hire and develop talent based on qualifications, performance, and business needs. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic. As a women-owned firm dedicated to the power sector, we are committed to building a team that reflects professionalism, expertise, and integrity at every level.

Compensation

The base salary range for this role is $104,000 – $156,000 annually. This range represents a good-faith estimate at the time of posting; actual compensation will depend on experience, qualifications, and other factors permitted by law. In addition to base salary, the role includes eligibility for bonus incentives, a comprehensive benefits package, and a company 401(k) match.