Engineer I - Renewable Engineering (DER Integration Engineer)

Engineer I - Renewable Engineering (DER Integration Engineer)

Job Purpose

The Engineer, Grid Modernization and Renewable Integration will serve as a strategic technical leader within MGE's Energy Production team, advancing electrification, grid modernization, and distributed energy resources (DERs) in support of MGE's net-zero carbon goal. This individual will provide subject-matter expertise and manage complex projects in transportation and building electrification, renewable generation, battery storage, and related technologies. The role requires technical proficiency, cross-functional collaboration, and the ability to align customer-focused initiatives with regulatory, operational, and financial objectives.

Core Responsibilities

Note: This is not an all-inclusive listing

• Lead evaluation and deployment of electrification and renewable technologies, grid-interactive devices, and customer energy platforms.

• Set technical direction for pilots and programs, ensuring scalability and alignment with decarbonization goals.

• Design and implement programs across residential, commercial, and industrial sectors in collaboration with internal departments.

• Oversee MGE-owned EV charging, wind, solar, and battery storage assets to ensure safety, interoperability, and performance.

• Manage vendor selection, contract negotiations, and technology partnerships.

• Represent MGE in statewide/national forums and build long-term partnerships with customers, municipalities, and stakeholders.

• Provide technical support for major customer projects and collaborate on community education initiatives.

• Communicate technical and regulatory concepts for executives, regulators, and public audiences.

• Document and update EV, PV, storage, and wind MGE specifications and standards.

Behavioral Competencies

Note: These are in addition to MGE's Core Competencies

• Tech Savvy - Anticipates and adopts innovations in digital and technology applications.

• Manages Complexity - Makes sense of complex, high-quantity, and sometimes contradictory information to solve problems.

• Strategic Mindset - Sees ahead to future possibilities and translates them into strategies.

• Communicates Effectively - Tailors messages to diverse audiences.

• Persuades - Uses compelling arguments to gain support and commitment.

• Plans and Aligns - Prioritizes work to meet commitments aligned with organizational goals.

Skills

• Power systems engineering and renewable integration (advanced).

• Distribution planning, DER modeling, and grid modernization tools (intermediate-advanced).

• Regulatory and compliance knowledge (intermediate).

• Project management and stakeholder engagement (intermediate-advanced).

• Data analysis, modeling, and simulations (advanced).

• Strong written, verbal, and presentation skills (advanced).

• Vendor management and contract negotiation (intermediate-advanced).

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Power Systems, Civil or Structural Engineering, or related field required.

• Professional Engineer (PE) license or ability to obtain preferred.

• Advanced degree (MS) in renewable energy, power systems, or related discipline desirable.

Preferred Experience

• Experience in utility engineering, renewable integration, or grid modernization.

• Demonstrated experience in DER interconnection studies, distribution planning, or renewable project implementation.

• Experience with regulatory agencies, standards bodies, and cross-functional technical teams preferred.