The professionals behind distribution: design engineers, planning engineers and DER studies specialists

Distribution Design Engineers · Distribution Planning Engineers · DER Studies Engineers

The professionals behind distribution: design engineers, planning engineers and DER studies specialists

Different professionals, connected responsibilities

Distribution design engineers, distribution planning engineers and distributed energy resource (DER) studies engineers contribute to the same electrical network. Their work can overlap, but they often spend their days solving different problems. Understanding those responsibilities helps explain how a distribution engineering team operates and which professional a firm needs to add.

Distribution design engineers develop the physical solution

A distribution design engineer may prepare overhead extensions, underground conversions, feeder upgrades or make-ready packages. Responsibilities can include developing drawings and design documentation, applying utility standards, coordinating equipment requirements and responding to review comments. Some roles emphasize production; others include checking work and coordinating packages across a program. A design lead may guide technical decisions, review deliverables and help less experienced engineers develop their skills.

Distribution planning engineers evaluate the network

Planning engineers examine system conditions and the implications of change. Depending on the role, their work can include developing or reviewing feeder models, assessing loading and voltage performance, evaluating scenarios and explaining where upgrades may be needed. CYME and Synergi Electric are examples of tools used in distribution analysis. The professional’s responsibility includes interpreting the results and communicating the implications to the people making engineering and investment decisions.

DER studies engineers assess proposed connections

DER studies specialists evaluate the system effects of resources such as solar or battery storage. The assignment may involve thermal, voltage or protection impacts within a utility’s interconnection process. Their work can help identify constraints, additional study needs or potential upgrades. They may coordinate with planning, protection and design colleagues as the proposal develops. The precise study scope and division of responsibilities depend on the utility, firm and project.

Experience can grow into technical and team leadership

In a smaller practice, one engineer may cover parts of design and studies. A larger organization may divide those responsibilities among specialists. As engineers advance, assignments can expand into technical review, mentoring, client discussions and leadership of a design or studies team. Those responsibilities should be explicit when a firm defines a senior role: leading technical analysis, developing staff and managing a client relationship each require attention.

Build a team that can carry the work between disciplines

A distribution team needs to connect the analysis, the recommended changes and the resulting design. For hiring leaders, that means identifying the capability the existing team needs next: design delivery, planning depth, DER studies or technical leadership. AECIQ helps AEC firms research employed professionals with relevant discipline, technical and geographic experience, then focus engagement around the opportunity. Book a demo around your distribution hiring need, or watch the self-guided demo below.

Technical background: Primary reference. Role responsibilities vary by firm, utility and project.