Consulting Engineer (Integrated Grid Planning)

Hawaiian Electric is seeking a Consulting Engineer for Integrated Grid Planning in Hawaii. The role involves leading the Renewable Energy Zones initiative, managing grant-funded projects, and enhancing planning methodologies. Responsibilities include developing strategies for resource planning, mentoring engineers, representing the company in technical forums, and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. A Bachelor’s degree in engineering and knowledge of electric utility planning principles are required.
Leads the Renewable Energy Zones (REZ) initiative and facilitates the execution of the Integrated Grid Plan (IGP) by formulating strategies and directing plan execution. Designs and manages grant‑funded projects, serves as principal investigator for grant applications, and collaborates with internal and external technology experts to improve planning methodologies and operations for long‑term planning.


Job Responsibilities

Supports the evolution of the IGP division’s technical capabilities to keep pace with industry best practices.
Supports and develops new strategies, products, services and processes including:

Planning requirements across forecasting, resource, transmission and distribution planning, non‑wires solutions, microgrids, resiliency solutions, grid modernization, and grid transformation to meet 100% RPS requirements and other State objectives.


Develops new and advanced IGP analysis techniques, models, identifies training opportunities, and evaluates new applications.
Represents the company as a technical expert in studies and regulatory technical sessions.
Presents to technical audiences, participates in industry forums, and contributes to industry standards to meet company requirements.
Develops the technical capabilities of the IGP division through mentoring, new analytical techniques, and new strategies.
Mentors and develops planning engineers.
Leads and facilitates development of Renewable Energy Zones and other large initiatives borne out of the Integrated Grid Planning process.
Develops schedules, identifies risks, addresses barriers related to the execution of the IGP process.
Leads and facilitates development of grant applications related to Integrated Grid Planning and Distribution System Planning initiatives.
Collaborates with divisions/departments to integrate needs and insights into future planning.
Monitors relevant reliability issues in other jurisdictions and industry organizations (NERC, NREL, ERCOT, EPRI, AEMO, etc.) to ensure the company’s Integrated Grid Planning processes, criteria, and standards are aligned with the industry or in some cases, leading the industry.
Assists in development of regulatory documents.
Stays abreast on all related regulatory activities within the company to ensure consistency in work products.
Ensures that cross‑functional and related initiatives are aligned in regulatory filings.
Participates in company emergency response activities as assigned, including any activities required to prepare for such emergency response.

Basic Qualifications
Knowledge Requirements

A Bachelor of Science degree in engineering from an accredited engineering school, or in a related electric utility planning discipline.
Thorough knowledge of the fundamental principles and practices of electric utility planning at all levels (generation, transmission, distribution). Includes, but is not limited to, forecasts, resource adequacy, resource modeling (capacity expansion, production simulation), stability analysis (frequency, rotor angle, voltage), short circuit analysis, control theory and modeling, system operations, generating unit characteristics (drum type, combined cycle units, combustion turbines, internal combustion engines), machine fundamentals (generators, exciters, governors, synchronous condensers, wind turbines, inverter systems, etc.) and their impacts to dynamic simulations, Electro‑Magnetic Transient (EMT) and powerflow simulation tools (PSCAD, PSSE, Synergi, ASPEN) and concepts.
Thorough knowledge of the regulatory landscape and relevant company initiatives that impact system reliability.
Thorough knowledge of applicable federal, state, and industry (NERC, IEEE, EPRI, AEMO, NREL, etc.) standards and codes that affect electrical system reliability.
Working knowledge of project management (i.e., PMP) concepts.
Understanding of the planning process, challenges, and solutions to meeting a 100% renewable energy future, including understanding resource planning analyses, complex transmission planning analyses and system impact studies.
Strong understanding of computers, mainframe systems, and software applications including MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SAP, and databases.

Skills Requirements

Demonstrated advanced analytical, strategic thinking, and problem‑solving skills.
Demonstrated skills in innovation in planning or engineering analyses.
Ability to conceptualize new ideas and apply them to develop new analysis methodologies and techniques.
Effective leadership skills.
Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal skills to effectively communicate with all levels of the organization and the public sector. Must be able to effectively mentor and train staff engineers.
Demonstrated self‑starter who proactively identifies and addresses potential challenges or requirements for the project, program, or initiative.
Demonstrated management of large, high‑visibility projects/programs/initiatives, and the ability to work with teams of engineers.

Experience Requirements

Extensive experience (10+ years) in resource planning, transmission planning, distribution planning, system operation, generating unit characteristics and performance, protection system concepts, modeling, and implementation/execution of plans and projects.
Professional Engineer License in relevant discipline.

Preferred Requirements

Possess Advanced degree in engineering, project management, or business‑related field.
Registered Project Management Professional.
Two or more years of supervisory or management experience.

Location and Compensation
Location: Honolulu – Oahu
Hiring Range: $109,900.00 to $142,600.00 (based on skills and qualifications)


EEO Statement
Hawaiian Electric Companies is an equal opportunity employer, including disability and protected veteran status. Hawaiian Electric Companies complies with all applicable laws, including Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Any request for reasonable accommodation needed during the application process should be communicated by the candidate to the HR Service Center at (808) 543-4848.