Lead Engineer – Advanced Automation & Integration Standards

Duke Energy Corporation

. Serve as a Lead Subject Matter Expert (SME) for advanced automation and/or system protection and control for DER-enabled distribution systems .

Posted 5/9/2026full-timeCharlotte • Florida, North Carolina • 🇺🇸 United StatesSeniorWebsite

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

Switching

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Serve as a Lead Subject Matter Expert (SME) for advanced automation and/or system protection and control for DER-enabled distribution systems
Lead development and governance of standards related to DERMS integration, automation, and system protection
Translate project-based requirements into repeatable, enterprise-ready automation and protection standards
Lead the development, governance, and lifecycle management of standards supporting: DERMS visibility, monitoring, and remote control interfaces, Edge control RTUs for planned islanding and microgrid operation, High-speed switching and advanced reliability automation systems
Establish standardized automation architectures, including: Enterprise RTU designs and 80%-engineered templates, Control applications, logic frameworks, and integration models
Direct advanced system integration and validation activities to ensure reliable coordination with SCADA/ADMS, field devices, and enterprise platforms
Serve as the standards owner for automation systems supporting behind-the-meter generation, large customer special loads, and evolving grid-edge use cases
Own and lead the Operational & Automation Standards Control Hardware-in-the-Loop (CHIL) Lab, including: Standards validation strategy, Remote lab access and testing governance, Technical oversight of production and pre-production automation testing
Partner with the Grid Automation & Innovation (A&I) team on production CHIL lab alignment, advanced testing strategy, and technology readiness
Provide strategic coordination with the Grid Systems team to transition devices and automation solutions from development into commissioning and production
Lead vendor engagement and collaboration with the Emerging Technology Office to evaluate, pilot, and mature advanced automation and embedded edge-control technologies
Mentor and technically guide senior and mid-level engineers, strengthening enterprise bench depth in automation and grid integration
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
Support development of the Engineering Guidebook for Integration of Distributed Energy Resources
Lead or support planning for protection standards associated with intentional islanding, black start, and abnormal grid conditions;
Provide technical oversight and governance of Control Hardware-in-the-Loop (CHIL) testing environments
Serve as technical liaison for internal and external stakeholders including IEEE and EPRI
Act as technical mentor to engineers across automation, protection, and grid integration disciplines

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor's degree in Engineering
eight (8) years related work experience
Experience with DER automation, DER protection, microgrids, or energy storage systems
Familiarity with IEEE 1547, IEEE 2030, IEC 61850, and related standards
Experience with SCADA and control protocols such as DNP, Modbus, or IEC 61850
Modeling and analysis experience using CYME, PSCAD, Mathcad, Simulink, or similar tools
Familiarity with IEC 61131 programming language
Familiarity/experience utilizing and programming SEL RTACs
Experience serving as technical lead or SME for enterprise automation or DER integration programs
Experience with DERMS, microgrids, high-speed switching, and Control Hardware-in-the-Loop testing environments

Benefits

Comp & perks

friendly work environment
opportunities for growth and development
recognition for your work
competitive pay and benefits

ATS Keywords

✓ Tailor your resume

Applicant Tracking System Keywords

Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.

Hard Skills & Tools

DER automationDER protectionmicrogridsenergy storage systemsSCADADNPModbusIEC 61850IEC 61131 programming languageControl Hardware-in-the-Loop testing

Soft Skills

leadershipmentoringtechnical guidancestrategic coordinationproblem-solvingcommunicationcollaboration

Certifications

Bachelor's degree in Engineering