Job PurposeThe DER ("Distributed Energy Resource") Communications Workstream Lead is responsible for defining, standardizing, and governing the communications standards, technical interfaces, and integration patterns that enable secure, reliable, interoperable, and scalable integration of Distributed Energy Resources within the DERMS ecosystem. This role requires strong technical knowledge and practical experience with DER communications protocols such Modbus, DNP3, OpenADR, and IEEE 2030.5. In addition, a strong candidate will be familiar with industry trends associated with smart inverter controls under IEEE 1547. The role ensures that DER communications designs are vendor-neutral, interoperable, aligned with network operations and DERMS platform capabilities, and consistent with regulatory requirements, enterprise architecture standards, and distribution engineering needs. The role will also support the development and refinement of flexibility use cases by ensuring that communications requirements are clearly defined, technically feasible, and scalable across jurisdictions, programs, and DER technologies.
Key Accountabilities- Lead the development and governance of DER communications standards that address protocol selection, interface requirements, device integration, gateway architecture, cybersecurity considerations, and interoperability across DER technologies and manufacturers.
- Define and maintain approved DER communications protocols and interface requirements, including DNP3, OpenADR, IEEE 2030.5 related communications requirements.
- Collaborate with IT counterparts to establish standardized DER communications designs, reference architectures, and configuration patterns to support consistent deployment across jurisdictions, programs, and DER use cases.
- Translate DER use case requirements, including Electric Vehicles, Energy Storage Systems, Photovoltaics, and flexible interconnection applications, into communications requirements that support monitoring, dispatch, control, telemetry, and operational visibility.
- Ensure DER communications designs are scalable, secure, and aligned with DERMS platform capabilities and network control needs.
- Establish governance processes to manage updates to communications standards, equipment listings, and designs as technologies and regulatory requirements evolve.
- Collaborate closely with Architecture, Engineering, Security, Product, Integrations, and Distribution Standards teams to ensure communications standards are consistently applied across the DERMS program.
- Identify and manage risks related to DER communications, including interoperability, cybersecurity, vendor dependency, and operational reliability.
Qualifications- Bachelor's degree in Engineering or 5+ years' relevant and progressive experience.
- Strong project management, time management, and problem-solving skills.
- Effective collaboration and partnership capabilities.
- Photovoltaic or Energy Storage industry background preferred.
- Power Systems engineering background in utility industry preferred.
- Control Systems background preferred.
- Valid driver's license and acceptable driving record.
More InformationSalary:MA: $156,000.00 - $183,000.00 USD annuallyUpstate NY: $139,000.00 - $163,000.00 USD annuallyNational Grid utilizes an assessment that evaluates the job qualifications/characteristics using AI or statistically based scoring. For more information, please view NYC Local Law 144.
This position has a career path which provides for advancement opportunities within and across bands as you develop and evolve in the position; gaining experience, expertise and acquiring and applying technical skills. Candidates will be assessed and provided offers against the minimum qualifications of this role and their individual experience.
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