Application Guide

How to Apply for Power Systems Engineer – Distribution Planning & Data Analytics III

at Electric Power Engineers

🏢 About Electric Power Engineers

Electric Power Engineers (EPE) is a consulting firm focused on enhancing grid reliability and resiliency for a sustainable energy future. As a remote-first company, EPE offers flexibility while working on cutting-edge distribution planning and data analytics projects for utilities across the US. Their emphasis on DER integration and data-driven solutions makes them a leader in modernizing the grid.

About This Role

This role combines traditional distribution planning with advanced data analytics, requiring you to study DER impacts and develop Python/SQL-based tools for automation. You'll analyze AMI, SCADA, and EV data to inform load forecasting and mitigation strategies, directly contributing to a more resilient and sustainable grid. Mentoring junior team members adds a leadership component to this technical position.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might start with reviewing AMI or SCADA data in Python to identify load trends, then running DER impact studies in CYME or openDSS. You'd collaborate with team members on mitigation strategies, mentor a junior engineer on a data analysis task, and wrap up by documenting findings and preparing deliverables for a client utility.

🎯 Who Electric Power Engineers Is Looking For

  • Has 4+ years of hands-on distribution planning experience at a utility or consulting firm, with deep knowledge of CYME, Synergi Electric, or openDSS.
  • Is proficient in Python and SQL for building data pipelines, automating analyses, and creating tools that streamline power system studies.
  • Understands DER integration challenges (solar, storage, EV) and can evaluate their impact on distribution systems using both modeling and data analysis.
  • Possesses a Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering (Master's preferred) and thrives in a mentoring role, ensuring high-quality deliverables and team growth.

📝 Tips for Applying to Electric Power Engineers

1

Tailor your resume to highlight specific distribution planning projects where you used CYME, Synergi Electric, or openDSS, including metrics like system capacity or reliability improvements.

2

Showcase your Python/SQL skills with concrete examples: e.g., 'Built a Python script to automate load flow analysis for 500+ feeders, reducing study time by 40%'.

3

Emphasize any experience with DER impact studies, EV load forecasting, or AMI/SCADA data analysis, as these are central to the role.

4

In your cover letter, mention your familiarity with the company's focus on grid resiliency and sustainability, and how your work aligns with EPE's mission.

5

Prepare a portfolio or GitHub repository with sample Python/SQL scripts for distribution system analysis to demonstrate your technical proficiency.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Your relevant distribution planning experience with specific tools (CYME, openDSS) and how you've applied them to solve real-world utility challenges.", "Your data analytics expertise: how you've used Python/SQL to extract insights from AMI, SCADA, or DER data to drive planning decisions.", "Your understanding of DER integration and its impact on distribution systems, including examples of mitigation measures you've recommended.", "Your leadership and mentoring experience, showing how you've helped junior engineers grow while delivering high-quality projects on time."]

Generate Cover Letter →

🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • Review EPE's recent case studies or white papers on distribution planning and DER integration to understand their approach and methodologies.
  • Look into their company culture and remote work policies—check their website or Glassdoor for insights on work-life balance and team collaboration.
  • Investigate their client base (e.g., which utilities they serve) to tailor your examples to similar challenges those clients face.
  • Explore any recent news or blog posts about EPE's involvement in grid modernization or sustainability initiatives to show your interest during the interview.

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Describe a distribution planning study you led, including the tools used, data analyzed, and the outcome (e.g., feeder reconfiguration, capacitor placement).
2 How do you approach modeling high-penetration DER scenarios in CYME or openDSS? Walk through your process for evaluating voltage, thermal, and protection impacts.
3 Explain a Python or SQL project where you automated a repetitive task or built a tool for distribution analysis. What was the business impact?
4 How do you ensure data quality when working with AMI or SCADA data? Give an example of cleaning or validating data for load forecasting.
5 Tell me about a time you mentored a team member. How did you help them improve their technical skills or project delivery?
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Submitting a generic resume that doesn't highlight distribution planning or data analytics—this role is a hybrid of both, so emphasize both skill sets.
  • Underestimating the importance of mentoring: even if you're not a manager, the job description expects you to mentor others, so be ready to discuss your experience.
  • Failing to demonstrate hands-on proficiency with the specific software (CYME, Synergi Electric, openDSS) and programming languages (Python, SQL). Generic 'familiarity' won't suffice.

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Electric Power Engineers!