Overhead Distribution Technical Leader II

Job Title:

Location:

Job Summary and Description:

EPRI is seeking an experienced engineer or applied researcher to help lead research focused on overhead electric distribution systems. We are looking for someone with a strong technical foundation in the electric power industry who is also motivated to continue learning, explore new technologies and approaches, and help address emerging challenges facing electric utilities.

The work is varied and applied. Our researchers collaborate with utilities, manufacturers, laboratories, universities, and other technical experts to identify important research questions, develop and conduct research, evaluate technologies and practices, and translate the results into practical information that utilities can use.

In this role, you will help shape EPRI’s overhead distribution research portfolio, work with utility members to identify and develop new research opportunities, lead technical projects, and participate directly in laboratory and field research. The work spans areas such as overhead structures, conductors, connectors, inspection and monitoring technologies, materials, asset management, reliability, resilience, and emerging technologies. Expertise in all these areas is not required. We are looking for someone who brings relevant experience, strong technical judgment, and the interest and ability to continue developing expertise throughout their career.

Key Responsibilities and Requirements:

• Works independently on technical activities without direct supervision.
• Regularly demonstrates responsibility for highly specialized technical objectives or problems where the relationships between cause and effect are difficult to establish and little or no precedence exists, and the use of creative and imaginative thinking is required.
• Maintains familiarity with the progress and problems in assigned technical areas.

Additional Requirements:

• Has developed relationships with primary advisors to a research area.
• Provides assistance to the EPRI sales staff in Member Services and EPRI International.
• Effectively communicates strategies and results, expressing thoughts clearly and concisely both verbally and in writing, to subject matter experts, program members and advisors through guidelines, reports, meetings, webcasts, workshops and conferences.
• Regularly communicates and coordinates work activities across programs.
• May provide oversight of a project team to assure technical and financial milestones are met.
• Organizes the external and interdepartmental activities ensuring completion of the project/product on schedule and within budget.
• Supports the planning and execution of complex project work within the technical department to meet member/client objectives; prepares and presents research reports.
• Manages small or medium (less complex) projects including budgets and resources without direct people management responsibilities.
• Influences project teams in the engineering aspects of the technical work.
• Increased interactions and coordination of EPRI work with national and international technical networks (e.g, manufacturers, consultants, academia and research organizations)
• Begins to lead proposal efforts and new promotional work.
• Develops research or services opportunities of value to EPRI members that fit EPRI’s mission and capabilities. This will include solving customer problems, producing insights and information vital to the members, and delivering information in a manner that members and customers can and will apply.
• Continues to provide guidance and mentorship to junior staff.

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Civil Engineering, or a related engineering discipline required.
• 10+ years of relevant engineering, testing, research, or utility industry experience.
• Familiarity with utility distribution infrastructure and associated equipment.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving capabilities.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively both independently and within a collaborative team environment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Work Environment:

• This role offers a balance of hands-on laboratory testing, technical analysis, and collaboration with utilities and other industry stakeholders. Periodic fieldwork, site visits, and travel will be required to support research activities, utility assessments, and industry meetings.
• Candidates located near EPRI’s Charlotte, NC office or the Lenox, MA laboratory are preferred. Remote candidates may also be considered if they are within reasonable commuting distance of the Lenox laboratory.
• Regular travel to Lenox, MA will be an important part of the role, particularly to support hands-on testing, research activities, and performance evaluations of overhead distribution assets.
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Research has shown that candidates who don’t tick all the boxes often don’t apply. We welcome candidates who demonstrate initiative, a willingness to learn, and can work independently. If you tick some of the boxes, consider applying regardless – we look forward to talking with you.

About Us

Together Shaping the Future of Energy

EPRI provides thought leadership, industry expertise, and collaborative value to help the electricity sector identify issues, technology gaps, and broader needs that can be addressed through effective research and development programs for the benefit of society.

If you need help during the application process, please contact us at applyhelp@epri.com.