Job Purpose

The Principal Engineer provides technical leadership for the development, maintenance, and continuous improvement of design and engineering standards, electrical operating procedures, and material specifications for Distribution Line work. This role ensures standards align with strategic business objectives, applicable codes and regulations, safe work practices, reliability requirements, and operational needs for new and existing overhead and underground distribution lines across National Grid's U.S. service territory.

Key Accountabilities
• Develop and maintain standard designs, drawings, material specifications, and equipment specifications for National Grid's distribution, sub-transmission, and streetlight systems.
• Lead technical initiatives and project teams with minimal management direction, ensuring deliverables are completed in alignment with business priorities, customer needs, and engineering expectations.
• Provide technical support to Engineering, Design, Operations, Construction, and other stakeholder groups on standards, materials, equipment applications, and field implementation questions.
• Mentor, motivate, and support engineers by sharing technical expertise, reviewing work products, and helping develop engineering judgment and standards knowledge.
• Serve as the department's technical authority for assigned subject areas, providing guidance on standards interpretation, equipment selection, and distribution line engineering practices.
• Identify, investigate, and qualify approved manufacturers of equipment and materials, and monitor supplier performance, reliability, service, representation, and industry contribution.
• Engage subject matter experts, field personnel, vendors, and cross-functional stakeholders in technical discussions to support standards development, training, and implementation.
• Participate in conferences, seminars, and industry forums related to emerging technologies, materials, construction practices, and industry standards to keep distribution standards current and forward-looking.
• Investigate equipment problems and failures with manufacturers and vendors, and recommend corrective and preventive actions, standards updates, material changes, or procurement improvements based on investigative findings.
• Support incident analysis requests as a technical team member and complete assigned action items in a timely manner.
• Travel as required to support manufacturer qualifications, field reviews, stakeholder meetings, training, and conference participation.
• Prepare clear written and oral reports documenting technical issues, investigative findings, engineering recommendations, and implementation actions.
• Participate in emergency storm response in accordance with the assigned storm role, as needed.

Qualifications
• Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical, Civil/Structural, or Mechanical Engineering from an ABET-accredited engineering program.
• Minimum of 10 years of relevant and progressively responsible engineering experience, preferably in distribution engineering.
• Knowledge of electrical equipment, equipment application, operation, construction practices, and utility distribution systems.
• Working knowledge of industry standards, safety standards, and current electrical design codes, especially the National Electrical Safety Code (NESC).
• Demonstrated time management, organizational, and prioritization skills for large-scale projects involving multiple stakeholders.
• Well-developed verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to interface effectively with people at all levels across the organization.
• Demonstrated computer skills, including the use of standard and specialized engineering programs.
• Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record that meets National Grid's Safe Driver Policy.
• Ability to travel throughout service territories and work extended hours when business needs require, including system emergencies, storm duties, meetings, and training across New England and Upstate New York.
• Registered Professional Engineer license or other specialized engineering certification.

More Information

Salary - $173,000 - $203,000

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.