Balance of Station SME Lead Engineer – Equipment Engineering

Charlotte, NC; Plainfield, IN; Cincinnati, OHSenior8+ years

Important Application Submission Information

In order to ensure your application is successfully received before the job posting expires, please submit your application by 11:59 PM on Wednesday, September 2, 2026

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Position Summary:

The Lead Engineer is at the specialist level of the Engineering classification hierarchy. Employees at this level solve complex problems, manage work , and provide leadership to others in engineering areas of specialization, with minimal supervision and increased latitude for un-reviewed work. The Lead Engineer serves in lead roles providing guidance to others. They are also expected to have advanced skills and have the ability to work independently. The DEC/DEMW Balance of Station (BOS) Lead Engineer’s primary focus in Equipment Engineering is providing strategic programmatic direction regarding substation equipment including arrester & insulators, batteries/chargers, coils (wave trap/reactor), instrument transformers, gang operated switches, capacitors, etc. This includes providing technical expertise internal and to the industry, leadership, and guidance to personnel in engineering design, construction, planning, and maintenance in regard to equipment ratings, applications, design, installation, and replacement support. This includes approval of new equipment/parts, project equipment support, design support regarding replacement parts, warranty resolution coordination with manufacturers, equipment specification development, and support to the field construction and maintenance organizations. This is to ensure that Transmission equipment is approved for design engineering use as well as maintained and managed in a cost-effective manner while achieving targeted reliability/performance levels. The Lead Engineer collaborates closely with Supply Chain regarding purchase blankets, bid packages, warranties, and approval of manufacturers and factories.

Responsibilities:

Develops and maintains equipment specifications that take into account design standards, reliability, maintenance, costs, industry standards, enterprise-wide strategy and regulatory requirements.
In conjunction with Supply Chain personnel develops bid packages and selects manufacturers and product offerings for equipment purchases for Transmission equipment.
Establishes working relationships with industry organizations such as Doble Engineering, IEEE, SEE, EEI, NATF, CEATI, Cigre, etc. for industry trends and practices; and establishes working relationships with counterparts within other Duke regions to share information regarding equipment.
Reviews and adds/retains vendors on the approved bidders list which involves approving the factory and design qualifications of the vendor.
Performs equipment inspections, witnesses testing at manufacturer’s plants, and design reviews for equipment to ensure the equipment meets the specifications. Supports the day-to-day procurement of this equipment and management of item numbers and designs unique to item numbers, creating new item numbers when appropriate and developing change management plans to ensure design engineering is aware of design changes. This requires a high level of knowledge and understanding of how equipment is designed and what quality attributes are essential to the reliable operation of the equipment through its design life.
Provides leadership, strategic direction, and technical expertise to field engineers (Tech Support), design engineers, standards engineers, and craftsmen regarding equipment issues. Negotiates and coordinates repairs related to warranty work with vendors.
Evaluates new designs and new equipment for use on the Duke Energy system to improve reliability, reduce costs, and eliminate regulatory issues. If a pilot is warranted for new designs/equipment, serves as the sponsor of the pilot in regard to evaluating the performance of the equipment when it first is installed on the system.
Supports development and maintenance of the Equipment rating methodology (ERM) document for BOS equipment.
Provides engineering/technical expertise and guidance in the identification, analysis and resolution of complex problems in area of expertise with the ability to visualize long-term results and assess impacts on a system-wide basis.
Ensures accomplishment of business goals and objectives through effective planning, organizing, estimating, scheduling and monitoring of work activities where only limited standardization exists; handles differing situations which require searching for solutions within area of expertise.
Prepares thorough and accurate technical reports, correspondence, documentation, calculations and sketches with the ability to conduct analysis and recommend process enhancements and standards relative to area of assignment.
Conducts engineering and related studies with full technical responsibility for planning and coordinating complex projects; applies extensive technical expertise to manage projects and disseminate knowledge to enhance the organizational unit's competitive position.
Possesses and applies a broad knowledge of principles, practices, and procedures; demonstrates ability to analyze and recommend enhancements to business processes and develops standards relevant to area of assignment. Keeps abreast of new developments, technologies procedures and equipment.
Develops positive working relationships to effectively coordinate work activities. Demonstrates effective oral and written communication skills. Maintains accurate records and files.
Supports the company's goals and represents the company positively and professionally.
Coaches and mentors other engineering and non-degreed engineering professionals.

Required/Basic Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering
In addition to required degree, eight (8) years related work experience
Professional Engineer

Additional Preferred Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or Mechanical Engineering
In addition to desired degree, 10 years or more related utility industry work experience
Skilled in engineering theories and principles
Skilled in the practices of researching engineering and design issues, evaluating alternatives, making sound recommendations and preparing and presenting recommendations.
Good written and oral communication skills.
Skilled principles of project management.

Working Conditions

Hybrid – Work will be performed from both remote and onsite locations after the onboarding period. However, hybrid employees should live within a reasonable commute to the designated Duke Energy facility.
Field sites and/or plant visits will be required.

Specific Requirements

Must have obtained Bachelor of Science in Engineering from an ABET accredited program and PE
Minimum of 8 years of engineering experience
A Master's degree in Engineering will be considered in lieu of the B.S. Engineering degree.

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Travel Requirements

5-15%

Relocation Assistance Provided (as applicable)

Represented/Union Position

Visa Sponsored Position

No. This is not a Visa Sponsored Position. This role requires the ability to work lawfully in the U.S. without employment-based immigration sponsorship, now or in the future.