The Electric Standards Distribution Automation (DA) Engineer/Specialist develops and maintains Company Electric Standards associated with the materials, construction practices, and engineering processes of the NIPSCO Distribution Automation system. This includes AMI metering, overhead and underground DA equipment, volt/VAR optimization, and engagement with the overall Grid Modernization strategy, among others. This position must manage all assignments in accordance with national standards and codes, ensuring safe, constructible, and cost-effective construction practices for the electric system. The engineer/specialist must communicate effectively with all major stakeholders including Power Delivery, Design Engineering, Major Projects, and equipment manufacturers and their representatives. 

Principles Duties and Responsibilities 

Standards Creation and Revisions 

• Engage stakeholders, subject matter representatives (SMR), subject matter experts (SME), and Company peers in evaluating the merits and challenges of each new standard or standards revision, in order to achieve a level of consensus that addresses aspects related to technical needs, safety, compliance, cost, and operational needs. 

• Research, interpret, and apply state, local, and federal codes and policies as they relate to NIPSCO Electric Standards. 

• Produce deliverable work product in the form of Construction Standards, Material Standards, Engineering Guides, Material Alerts, and other guidance materials. 

• Facilitate Electric Standards Core Team meetings on different Electric Standards or Standards Evaluation (SEAS) requests. 

• Provide technical expertise and guidance in the identification and resolution of problems in area of expertise. 

• Support Corrective Action Program (CAP) to resolve Condition Reports (CR), as assigned. 

Materials Approvals and Failure Investigations   

• Coordinate Material Standard changes with Supply Chain, Engineering, and other stakeholders.   

• Perform new product evaluations by attending demonstrations, auditing manufacturing facilities, and organizing trial installations with Line Operations, Engineering, and Training groups. 

• Meet routinely with manufacturers and distributors to stay current with changes in materials in our industry. 

• Conduct material failure investigations and root cause analysis, when appropriate. 

• Provide support for materials inventory management and non-standard material acquisition. 

• Lead approval process for material/equipment approval requests.    

• Aid in efforts to address material and equipment issues that have wide impact.   

• Other duties as assigned. 

Business/Compliance 

• Complete Learning Management System (LMS) Modules prior to due date. 

• Comply with all Safety Standards and Practices. 

• Submit timesheets and expense reports on their due date. 

• Understand Incident Reporting Procedures. 

• Review Electric Outage Reports to recognize failure trends and make recommendations on remediation. 

• Work a flexible schedule, including overtime, as needed to meet engineering needs. 

• Provide support to Operations during electric system interruptions and outages, including storm restoration. 

Required Qualifications for Position  

• Completion and approval of Electric Standards advancement criteria to reach level 2 status, or equivalent industry experience. 

• Graduate from a college or university with a Bachelor of Science degree in a four-year ABET accredited Engineering program OR four-year ABET accredited Engineering Technology program. 

• 2-4 years of experience in related field.  

• Knowledge of computer applications, i.e., AutoCAD, Microsoft Teams, and Microsoft Office. 

• Knowledge of electrical, mechanical, and/or civil engineering. 

• Understanding of basic engineering/technical theories and principles. 

• Understanding of basic practices of researching technical design issues, evaluating alternatives, and making sound recommendations.   

• Good written and oral communication skills. 

• Valid driver’s license. 

• Comfort and ability to lead meetings with large audiences. 

• Ability to work effectively in diverse teams. 

• Support Company goals and represent the company positively and professionally. 

Preferred Additional Qualifications for Position  

• Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) and/or Professional Engineer (PE) licensure  

• Project management capabilities and Project Management Professional (PMP) certification  

Disclaimer  

The preceding description is not designed to be a complete list of all duties and responsibilities required of the position.