Consultant - Distribution Planning – 1898 & Co

At 1898 & Co., a part of Burns & McDonnell, we help shape the future of electric distribution systems across North America. Our Grid Modernization & Distribution Planning team partners with utilities to improve grid performance, reliability, and resiliency while preparing the grid for future challenges such as distributed energy resources, electrification, and digitalization. As part of Burns & McDonnell, we combine deep engineering expertise, data driven insights, and consulting experience to deliver innovative and practical solutions.

We are seeking a Distribution Planning Consultant who is passionate about electric distribution systems, grid modernization, and the technical challenges shaping the future of the distribution grid. This role will contribute directly to project execution by performing distribution system studies, supporting grid technology evaluations, analyzing technical and economic alternatives, and helping clients make informed planning decisions. The ideal candidate will have a strong technical foundation in distribution system studies, modeling, and grid technologies, along with the ability to support high-quality client deliverables and collaborate across multidisciplinary project teams.

• →Perform a broad range of distribution planning studies and consulting services such as load flow, reliability, system impact, hosting capacity, and distributed energy resource impact analyses for electric distribution systems.
• →Execute distribution system planning studies using industry standard software such as CYME, Synergi, Windmil, SKM, ETAP, or equivalent modeling tools.
• →Evaluate distribution system performance, simulations, equipment loading, voltage conditions, reliability impacts, and recommended facility upgrades or reconfiguration solutions.
• →Analyze non-wire alternatives and distributed energy resource integration strategies, incorporating technical and economic considerations into client recommendations.
• →Support evaluations of operational technologies and grid device integration, including outage management systems and distribution management systems, to help assess client needs and planning impacts.
• →Analyze engineering, financial, and economic data to develop actionable insights for distribution planning and grid modernization projects.
• →Conduct risk assessments and support technical evaluations related to grid performance, reliability, resiliency, modernization, and future distribution system needs.
• →Develop technical reports, documentation, and presentations summarizing study assumptions, findings, results, and recommendations.
• →Support project managers with client deliverables, proposal development, project execution, and business development efforts for distribution planning, grid modernization, and DER integration consulting services.
• →Participate in client meetings, technical reviews, planning sessions, conferences, and industry forums to support distribution planning engagements and represent 1898 & Co. thought leadership.
• →Collaborate with adjacent business lines to support integrated client solutions.
• →Contribute to the technical accuracy, quality, and consistency of deliverables through documentation, QA/QC support, and adherence to company quality standards.
• →Comply with all company safety policies, quality standards, and project delivery expectations.
• →Perform other duties as assigned.

• →Bachelor's degree in engineering from an ABET accredited program or related degree and 3 years of related experience required.
• →Or master's degree in engineering or business and 2 years of experience required.
• →Prior experience associated with electric utility operations, planning, or consulting.
• →Experience with distribution planning software such as CYME, Synergi, Windmil, SKM, ETAP, and equivalent.
• →Experience with evaluating system performance, simulation of power flows and developing solutions and upgrades of electric distribution facilities.
• →Ability to execute various distribution planning studies.
• →Knowledge of operational technologies and grid device integration such as outage and distribution management systems (OMS/DMS).
• →Knowledge of utility electric distribution system planning, design, construction, operations and maintenance of distribution facilities.
• →Knowledge of evaluating non-wire alternative solutions to traditional system reconfiguration and/or upgrade solutions.
• →Knowledge in standard engineering, construction, and operation techniques, principles, and procedures associated with power distribution facilities.
• →Strong attention to detail, facilitation, team building, collaboration, organization and problem-solving skills.
• →Ability to work methodically and analytically in a quantitative problem-solving environment.
• →Demonstrated leadership skills.
• →Proven ability to lead, educate, and train a team of consultants and analysts in regard to distribution planning studies.
• →Ability to independently solve difficult problems that require adaptation and modification of standard techniques, procedures, and criteria.
• →Excellent written and oral communications skills.
• →Demonstrated critical thinking skills.
• →Ability to perform under pressure and tight deadlines and to be effective in on-site work environments.
• →Ability to manage multiple projects concurrently, including identification of critical path items to ensure deliverable deadlines are met.
• →Ability to focus on the big picture to effectively and efficiently provide services that meet client needs, while also having the ability to identify and analyze details that are critical to project outcomes.
• →Willingness to learn new service offerings as client needs and the market changes to the service offerings provided by our group.
• →Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PPT).
• →Professional Engineer (PE) License preferred.