Optimization Engineer I/II – DCC Grid

Duke Energy Corporation

. Serve Duke Energy Progress customers through volt/var management .

Posted 10/15/2026full-timeGarner • North Carolina • United StatesJuniorMid-LevelWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in volt/var management and distribution system optimization, with a strong focus on implementing strategies for energy savings and voltage reduction. Proficient in utilizing tools like Power BI, SQL, and Python to enhance system performance and data integrity.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Volt/Var ManagementDistribution System OptimizationPower BISQLPython

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Engineering PrinciplesSystems AnalysisData Integrity MaintenanceEmergency Voltage Reduction ProgramsSmart Grid Integration

Soft Skills

Written CommunicationOral CommunicationCollaboration

Tools & Technologies

DMSDSCADAGISEM1EM2

Certifications & Qualifications

Bachelor of Science in EngineeringPassing Grade on Engineering Fundamentals Exam

Industry Keywords

Utility IndustryVoltage OptimizationCapacity PlanningDemand ResponseConservation Voltage Reduction

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

PythonSQL

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Serve Duke Energy Progress customers through volt/var management
Develop and implement volt/var strategy and governance
Collaborate with ECC, Transmission, Generation, Planning & Regulatory, Capacity Planning, and other partners
Provide peer support and direction for DCC Operators, Grid Techs, and Engineers
Perform systems analysis and coordinate activities with Capacity Planning Engineers
Serve as the Distribution subject matter expert on volt/var issues
Support capacitor, power factor goal, and regulator operations
Provide technical assistance to field partners and other groups to maintain a levelized voltage profile
Support volt/var direction for the Distribution System Demand Response peak-shaving tool
Improve the Load Volt/var Management module in the Distribution Management System for Conservation Voltage Reduction requirements
Develop, test, implement, and continuously improve EM1 and EM2 Emergency Voltage Reduction programs
Integrate and model future Smart Grid projects
Monitor distribution-system optimization within DMS/DSCADA
Research corrective actions, develop recommendations, and implement changes to improve DMS operating modes
Maintain data integrity for GIS synchronization, DMS load allocation, DER generation modeling, and Distribution Power Flow configuration
Implement CVR and DSDR and report energy-savings benefits
Validate smart-grid device controller functionality and DMS compatibility
Support DMS upgrades through validation testing in test and production environments
Research inconsistencies between actual measurements and power-flow calculations
Maintain DMS readiness for peak-shaving and EM1/EM2 voltage-reduction operations
Develop and maintain operating procedures, training materials, and system models
Identify and address limitations affecting voltage optimization and emergency voltage-reduction capabilities

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor of Science in Engineering from an ABET accredited program, or a master's degree in Engineering in lieu of a Bachelor of Science in Engineering
Engineer II: minimum of two (2) years of engineering experience
Understanding of basic engineering theories and principles
Understanding of basic practices of researching engineering and design issues, evaluating alternatives, making sound recommendations, and preparing and presenting recommendations
Ability to deal with individuals from various socio-economic, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds
Good written and oral communication skills
Passing grade on the Engineering Fundamentals Exam
Understanding of basic principles of project management
Experience in the utility industry
Experience with Power BI, SQL, Python, and PI
Must live within a reasonable commute to the designated Duke Energy facility, not greater than 50 miles one way
Must report to the assigned Duke Energy facility as required and directed, averaging 3 full workdays per regular workweek
Must be able to work lawfully in the U.S. without employment-based immigration sponsorship, now or in the future
Must possess all basic/required qualifications

Benefits

Comp & perks

Friendly work environment
Opportunities for growth and development
Recognition for your work
Competitive pay and benefits
Relocation assistance may be provided as applicable
Hybrid work arrangement
5–15% travel