Substation Electrical Engineer

Actalent is currently seeking a qualified Electrical Engineer for a consultant position with Bonneville Power in Vancouver, WA.

This Electrical Engineer position will support the Substation Design (TEEC) organization in the Transmission Services (T) business line at Bonneville Power Administration (BPA). This Electrical Engineer 2 will review, check, and design electrical drawings for electrical power substations; review and check electrical drawings for electrical facilities; conduct Station Service system analysis and short circuit & Arc Flash studies.

• Review, check, and design electrical drawings for new substations (69kV-500kV) and recommend changes and additions to existing substations and other electrical facilities.
• Review, check, and design electrical drawings for new substations below 69kV and recommend changes and additions to existing substations and other electrical facilities.
• Provide professional engineering expertise in the design of protective relay schemes, SCADA/metering schemes, RAS schemes, and/or high voltage outdoor design.
• Develop and update standards and specifications for at least two design disciplines including: Protective Relay, SCADA/Metering, RAS, and Outdoor engineering design.
• Coordinate and provide technical consultation on the application of BPA and industry standards in procurement and application of substation equipment.
• Define need, justify project solution, and perform research and development activities of new multi-discipline equipment, design concepts, and systems.
• Facilitate and promote the development of state-of-the-art applications and appropriate advancement of technology used on the BPA system.
• Provide expert consultation for all technical aspects of substation design schemes and equipment. Investigate and analyze problems associated with complex applications of substation equipment, both high voltage and low voltage, and provide clarification / technical direction to contract design firms or technicians.
• Assist with the development and interpretation of engineering policies, design standards, technical requirements, application policies, and installation procedures for systems and equipment used in substation designs.
• Conduct Station Service system analyses.
• Conduct short circuit and Arc Flash studies.
• Facilitate pre-construction planning, engineering, and design efforts for installation of substation equipment and other electrical systems in BPA substations.
• Provide input and recommendations for engineering requirements and technical design parameters in the development of substation equipment and facilities, while verifying they meet all functional, operational, maintenance, reliability, and safety requirements.
• Coordinate with BPA internal and external technicians to facilitate the completion and issuance of designs on schedule.
• Make recommendations on the application of the National Electrical Code and the National Electrical Safety Code to substation work and other related projects.
• Select and apply the appropriate quantitative analytical techniques to model and analyze the effects of Substation Design strategies.
• Coordinate and facilitate planning and organization of substation design projects including troubleshooting design problems, resolving problems, and recommending appropriate design methods.
• Perform print verification and project planning in BPA energized substations, including the examination of open cabinets in substations, while ensuring that the minimum approach distance for the appropriate voltage is always strictly adhered to.
• Visit existing BPA substations and proposed substation sites while unescorted (voltages in substations can range from 120 volts to 500,000 volts) to verify design prints, meet with electricians or for on-site coordination and other construction meetings.
• Escort BPA employees and /or contractors that do not hold permits for access to BPA substations.
• Mark documents and maintain filing system(s), files, emails, and records in accordance with compliance requirements. Share and disperse documents only to appropriate personnel (those with a Lawful Government Purpose (LGP) to know). Mark and maintain all official records in accordance with the Information Security (INFOSEC) and Information Governance & Lifecycle Management (IGLM) standards and procedures. Validate official records are accurately maintained for auditing purposes.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering or directly related engineering discipline.
• 5 years of previous work-related experience and knowledge of electrical engineering concepts, principles, and practices applicable to components and facilities found on a regional transmission system.
• Knowledge of professional engineering theory and techniques sufficient to provide technical leadership in the design of the physical components of substations.
• Experience in electrical substation projects for new substations, capacity additions, line/position extensions, reliability/automation improvements, equipment relocations/replacements, maintenance, and as built.

Preferred Skills

• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing sufficient to develop and deliver briefings, status/staff reports, and correspondence to managers to foster understanding and acceptance of findings and recommendations and to represent the organization in contacts with external and internal clients.
• Knowledge of substation protection schemes.
• Knowledge of Remedial Action Scheme (RAS).
• Experience in QA/QC for electrical substation projects.
• Experience with Short Circuit and Arc Flash Study.
• Experience with software programs, but not limited to:
• Easy Power for arc flash studies
• Bluebeam Revu or Adobe Pro
• MicroStation or AutoCAD
• Experience with File Structure System ProjectWise.

We reserve the right to pay above or below the posted wage based on factors unrelated to sex, race, or any other protected classification. 

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. This role may be eligible for the following: 

• Medical, dental & vision
• 401(k)/Roth 
• Insurance (Basic/Supplemental Life & AD&D) 
• Short and long-term disability 
• Health and Dependent Care Spending Accounts (HAS & DCFSA) 
• Transportation benefits 
• Employee Assistance Program 
• Time off/Leave (PTO, Vacation, or Sick Leave)
• 5 days of PTO annually in addition to paid sick leave provided by Washington state law, federal or local ordinances
• 11 Federal Holidays  

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

At Actalent, diversity and inclusion are a bridge towards the equity and success of our people. DE&I are embedded into our culture through:

• Hiring diverse talent
• Maintaining an inclusive environment through persistent self-reflection
• Building a culture of care, engagement, and recognition with clear outcomes
• Ensuring growth opportunities for our people

Actalent is an equal opportunity employer.

About Actalent

Actalent connects passion with purpose. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts that drive scale, innovation, and speed to market. With a network of almost 30,000 engineering and sciences consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia, and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. An operating company of Allegis Group, the global leader in talent solutions, Actalent launched as a new specialized engineering and sciences services and workforce solutions brand in 2021.

Salary : $45 - $55