Real-Time Distribution Systems Engineer
Portland General Electric
Software Engineering, Operations
Tualatin, OR, USA
At PGE, our work involves dreaming about, planning for, and realizing a smarter, cleaner, more enduring Oregon neighborhood. Its core to our DNA and we haven’t stopped since we started in 1888. We energize lives, strengthen communities and drive advancements in energy that promote social, economic and environmental progress. We’re always on the lookout for people passionate about leading and being a part of teams that are advancing innovative clean energy solutions that are also affordable and accessible to all.
Operate the grid. Modernize the grid. Shape the future.
Portland General Electric (PGE) is seeking an experienced, impact-driven Power Systems Engineer to join our Integrated Operations Center; the nerve center for real-time distribution grid management across Oregon.
In this role, you’ll provide critical engineering support for live grid operations, maintain and refine the as-operated system model, and help lead our journey toward a smarter, more automated grid. You’ll work directly with control room operators, planners, field engineers, and smart grid teams to ensure our grid is reliable, resilient, and ready for tomorrow.
This role is open to both career level Distribution Operations Engineers and early career Distribution Operations Engineers. Title and level will be determined based on your experience and demonstrated qualifications.
This position is open to two P-levels: Associate Operations Distribution Engineer (Grade 5 / P1 – Entry) and Operations Distribution Engineer (Grade 6 / P2 – Intermediate). The level at which an offer is made will be determined based on the selected candidate’s qualifications, skills, and experience.
Key Responsibilities
For All Levels
Maintain PGE’s as-operated distribution system model in our Advanced Distribution Management System (ADMS) and Outage Management System (OMS).
Refine and support advanced distribution applications including:
Distribution Power Flow (DPF)
Fault Location, Isolation, and Service Restoration (FLISR)
Load forecasting tools
Review system configurations, switching procedures, and planned outages for engineering soundness and reliability.
Provide real-time technical support to Distribution System Operators during outages and abnormal events.
Collaborate cross-functionally with engineers, field crews, and customer managers to ensure modeling reflects real-world conditions.
Qualifications
- Education Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering (ABET-accredited program preferred).
- Experience- Distribution Operations Engineer/p2: 2+ years in electrical/power engineering.
- Associate Distribution Operations Engineer/p1: Experience Typically two or fewer years in engineering.
Certifications
Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam strongly preferred; may be required based upon role.
Technical Skills
ADMS, OMS, and power system modeling platforms
Distribution protection schemes and automation
Voltage control equipment and clearance management
Utility safety and operations standards
Soft Skills
Strong analytical thinking, communication, collaboration, and the ability to translate technical insights into operational actions.
Preferred Qualifications
Direct experience supporting a utility control center or working in real-time operations.
Familiarity with SCADA integration, outage response procedures, and NESC or utility-specific design standards.
Exposure to smart grid initiatives, DER integration, and field validation processes.
Ability to mentor junior engineers or lead cross-functional teams on technical investigations.
Work Environment
Location: PGE’s Integrated Operations Center (Tualatin, OR)
Schedule: Full-time; occasional rotational or emergency support may apply
Travel: Minimal, limited to field or team coordination within service territory
Flexibility: Hybrid schedule may be available based on team needs and responsibilities
General Competencies
Proficiency by level:
P1: Working
P2: Intermediate
Engineering and economic principles and concepts
Engineering processes and procedures
Industry knowledge and technology trends
QA/QC process and procedures
Construction feasibility
Procurement and contract administration
Project controls and estimates
Applicable codes and standards related to distribution systems
Design of overhead and underground distribution facilities
Power flow and system analysis tools
Work management, GIS and outage management systems
Distribution protection schemes and coordination principles
Proficiency by level:
P1: Working
P2: Intermediate
Analytical thinking
Problem-solving
Decision-making
Organization and prioritization
Communication (written and oral)
Presentation skills
Utility industry knowledge
Physical, Schedule/Attendance, and Cognitive Demands
The following requirements apply to both P-levels of this position.
Cognitive
Ability to adhere to set response times, deadlines and time-sensitive tasks
Ability to follow accuracy standards
Ability to follow through on decision-making tasks
Ability to interact effectively and collaboratively within a team environment
Ability to communicate and problem solve when under stress
Ability to respond and adapt to frequent change
Ability to accept and demonstrate self-awareness when provided constructive
Feedback
Ability to discern feedback and acknowledge ownership of areas of improvement
Ability to avoid future mistakes by applying reasonable skills to new but similar work situations or tasks
Ability to successfully collaborate with peers, managers and others within the organization
Demonstrates sound memory
Ability to process new information to be applied consistently to work tasks
Schedule/Attendance
Ability to adhere to pre-established schedule
Ability to work long hours
Ability to work a variable schedule
Ability to report to work during severe inclement weather
Ability to consistently meet attendance standards
Ability to work shift schedule
Ability to work on-call schedule
Physical Capabilities:
Driving/travel/commute: Daily within service territory - Frequently (at least once a week or more)
Driving/travel/commute: Overnight inside/outside the service territory - Occasionally (one to two times a month or less)
Computer use (use computer regularly for entire work shift)
Lifting/pushing/pulling: up to 10 lbs.
Carrying: up to 10 lbs.
Unstable surfaces requiring balance (i.e., moving equipment, boats):
Walking distances and surfaces (long distances and over rough, uneven or rocky surfaces)
Environment - Indoor/Outdoor:
Office
Plant
Field
Actual total compensation, including a performance based incentive bonus, is commensurate with experience, skills, qualifications, education, training, and internal equity.
PGE believes in rewarding dedicated performance. We provide a total rewards package that is designed to reward your contributions to the company, and, at the same time, support your well-being and professional development, both now and into the future. To find out more, click here.
Join us today and power your potential!
Assisting with storms or other Company emergencies is a part of all positions at Portland General Electric.
PGE is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to fostering a workplace where employees feel connected, valued, and empowered to thrive. PGE will not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, religion, disability, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law.
PGE does not discriminate on the basis of disability. We recognize individuals have a variety of abilities to offer and we believe there is much to value and celebrate by incorporating different abilities into the work we do. One very important way we live this out is in our application and interview process. We work hard to support individuals who may need an accommodation to fully participate in these processes. If you feel you may need an accommodation, or would like to request one, please notify the Recruiter associated with the job posting. You may also make this request by contacting talentacquisition@pgn.com or by calling 503-464-7250. The Recruiter will provide information and next steps for the accommodation process.
To be considered for this position, please complete the following employment application by the posting close date. Posting closes at midnight (Pacific Time) on the closing date below. If no date is listed, job is open until filled.
May 3, 2026
