Power Grid Research Engineer

Job Function:

Engineering

Location:

US, IL, Bolingbrook

Innovating since 1905, G&W Electric has grown into a global leader in engineered electrical power grid solutions. Working with us means joining a worldwide team of passionate manufacturing professionals striving to continually improve the technologies the world depends on to deliver safe, reliable electricity. Our culture is focused on employee success, so we foster an entrepreneurial environment that encourages everyone to thrive.

Position Summary:

The Power Grid Research Engineer is focused on designing and planning distribution networks using G&W Electric’s advanced equipment and technology. Key responsibilities include system modeling and analysis to optimize network performance, integrating renewable energy sources, and enhancing grid resilience and power quality. The role also involves staying updated on smart grid solutions, collaborating on research projects, and maintaining compliance with industry standards. Additionally, the position requires managing network improvement projects, providing technical support, and engaging in continuous learning to stay abreast of developments in power distribution engineering. Protection studies are also a part of the role, ensuring safe and reliable network operations through comprehensive analysis and fault management.

Key responsibilities:

• Distribution Network Design and Planning: Collaborate with our expert team to design and plan distribution networks, leveraging G&W Electric’s cutting-edge switchgear equipment, voltage and current sensors, and cable accessories. Integrate our products to enhance network performance and reliability.
• System Modeling and Analysis: Utilize advanced power system analysis software, incorporating G&W Electric’s products, to model and simulate distribution networks. Analyze load flow, voltage levels, fault conditions, and other parameters to identify potential improvements and ensure optimal system operation.
• Renewable Energy Integration: Evaluate the integration of renewable energy sources into our distribution networks, utilizing G&W Electric’s current-limiting fuses and distribution automation solutions. Develop strategies to accommodate distributed generation, storage systems, and other clean energy technologies.
• Grid Resilience and Power Quality: Implement measures, including the use of G&W Electric’s reclosers and distribution automation solutions, to improve grid resilience, ensuring minimal downtime during outages and adverse weather conditions. Conduct power quality assessments to maintain stable and efficient network operations.
• Smart Grid Solutions: Stay at the forefront of smart grid technologies, including G&W Electric’s distribution automation solutions, and recommend innovative approaches to optimize grid operations, enhance demand response capabilities, and support energy management initiatives. Utilize G&W Electric’s expertise in microgrid design to analyze and plan microgrid systems, integrating renewable energy sources, energy storage, and smart control systems to achieve sustainable and resilient energy solutions.
• Research Collaboration: Work closely with our research team to explore and develop system-level solutions for power distribution networks. Engage in collaborative research projects to address emerging challenges and opportunities in the energy sector.
• Maintain current knowledge of industry regulations and standards pertaining to distribution networks and G&W Electric’s product offerings. Stay updated with and actively participate in relevant industry standards, such as IEEE, related to T&D networks. Apply these standards and best practices in the design and operation of distribution systems to maintain compliance and ensure the highest level of quality and safety.
• Project Management: Lead or contribute to distribution network improvement projects that incorporate G&W Electric’s products, collaborating with internal and external stakeholders to achieve successful project outcomes within defined timelines and budgets.
• Technical Support: Provide technical support, utilizing your knowledge of G&W Electric’s products, to operations teams during emergencies, outage restoration, and troubleshooting events. Demonstrate your problem-solving skills to resolve issues efficiently.
• Continuous Learning: Demonstrate a strong commitment to professional growth by staying informed about the latest developments in power distribution engineering, especially those related to G&W Electric’s product portfolio and research findings. Participate in training sessions and conferences to enhance your knowledge and skills.
• Protection Studies: Run comprehensive protection studies using advanced software tools to ensure the safe and reliable operation of distribution networks. Analyze protective device settings, coordination, and fault analysis to enhance system protection and minimize downtime during faults.

Required Qualifications:

• Master’s or PhD degree in Electrical Engineering
• Proven experience (2 years) in power system engineering, with a focus on distribution networks and utilizing products like G&W Electric’s portfolio.
• In-depth knowledge of distribution system design, operation, and protection principles, with expertise in G&W Electric’s products being advantageous.
• Proficiency in power system analysis software (e.g., PSS/E, ETAP, DigSILENT) and distribution planning tools.
• Familiarity with smart grid technologies, renewable energy integration, and energy storage systems, especially when applied with G&W Electric’s solutions.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills with the ability to handle complex technical challenges.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams and research professionals.
• Project management experience is desirable.
• A passion for sustainability and a commitment to advancing clean energy initiatives.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience working with popular data analytics tools like Pandas, NumPy, Scikit-learn (Python), or R, showcasing the ability to efficiently analyze and manipulate various measurements and relevant data.
• Familiarity with data analysis techniques, including time series analysis and regression modeling, enabling the extraction of deeper insights from power system models and datasets.
• Equipped with knowledge of data visualization tools like Matplotlib (with extensions such as Plotly, Seaborn, etc.) or Tableau, facilitating the effective communication of analytical findings to team members and utility partners.

Physical Demands / Working Conditions:

• General Office Environment, PC use
• Light Lifting (occasional 25 lbs or less)

Why join us? G&W enjoys a long reputation for product quality, innovation and world-class customer service to the power industry. We have established this reputation by believing that our greatest asset is our employees. We owe our success to the initiative and talents of highly skilled individuals within our team-based organization. Our goal is to set the standard for customer satisfaction by ensuring a superior level of service, performance and innovation. As a global organization and industry leader, we are committed to cultivating an engaging work environment that embraces our core values and develops our talent. Our continuous focus on growth and innovation means that you become part of a company that provides challenging opportunities, rewards excellence and combines your individual expertise to achieve a higher level of shared success. As part of our organization, you also help power the world!

G&W Electric is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. All employees and applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local law. G&W Electric participates in the E-Verify process for all new hires.

*G&W Electric participates in the E-Verify process for all new hires.

VEVRAA Federal Contractor