Substation Electrical Engineer

GENERAL FUNCTION

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Electrical Engineer with a specialization Substations and Distribution grid operations with emphasis on Protection and Controls and SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) systems and integration to ADMS/OMS/GIS systems. In this role, you will be responsible for ensuring the reliability, safety, and efficiency of our electrical substations and distribution grid.

This position involves the development, analysis, design, testing and deployment of power system and operational technologies. The key functions of the position include power system protection, status and control systems, system integration initiatives, power system studies, project cost estimating, budget and project management, and engineering and operations process/performance standards development. Additionally, the position will provide analytical and administrative assistance to the Engineering Manager and other staff as assigned. The position works with all other departments of the Company, as necessary, to gather, analyze, document, and report or recommend actions to improve system reliability or operational posture.

Salary range: $119,401 - $149,157/year

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

This is a non-supervisory position, functioning in an analytical capacity as an electrical engineer; however, the incumbent may be required to serve as back-up for the Engineering Manager and/or Field Operations Manager. The position may also be required to rotate with other management staff based on company business needs.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES/ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Protection and Controls Expertise:
  • Design, implement, maintain and troubleshoot protection schemes for electrical substations to safeguard against overcurrent, overvoltage, and other potential electrical faults.
  • Develop and optimize control systems to enhance grid stability, fault detection, and corrective actions.
• ADMS/SCADA/Substation HMI System Management:
  • Manage and configure ADMS/SCADA/HMI systems for real-time monitoring and control of substation equipment, ensuring accurate data acquisition and reporting.
  • Oversee wireless and wired communications devices and basic networking to support ADMS/SCADA/HMI systems.
• Substation Equipment Maintenance:
  • Oversee the maintenance and testing of protection and control devices, including relays, circuit breakers, and switches.
  • Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues related to substation equipment and controls.
• Project Management:
  • Lead and collaborate on substation upgrade projects, ensuring the integration of protection, controls, and SCADA systems into existing infrastructure.
  • Manage project timelines, budgets, and resources effectively.
• Regulatory Compliance:
  • Stay up-to-date with industry standards, regulations, and compliance requirements related to power engineering, protection, and SCADA systems.
  • Ensure that the substations meet all necessary safety and compliance standards.
• Technical Documentation:
  • Maintain accurate records of substation design, modifications, and operational procedures.
  • Create technical documentation and reports for management and regulatory purposes.

OTHER KEY RESPONSIBILITIES/ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Interpersonal skills:
   • Develop effective working relationships with PLC field and office personnel.
   • Develop effective working relationships between PLC and technology vendors and support and foster a high-performance work environment.
   • Create systems and methodologies that will integrate enterprise-wide initiatives (ADMS/SCADA/OMS, CIS, AMR, GIS, et) while effectively communicating inter-department.
   • Manage financial aspects of assigned projects, provide business cases for new projects and show after project financial analysis as needed for project close out by working closely with the accounting and power resources department as necessary.
   • Foster cross-functional relationships to identify and pursue beneficial cost-reduction opportunities and integration opportunities.
   • Assist in testing, commissioning and troubleshooting of systems, including coordinating field crews and consultants as needed.
   • Participate in the relationship with Multi-Agency Coordinating Council (MACC) for emergency management as it relates to the distribution grid, City of Gig Harbor, Pierce County Public Works, Bonneville Power Administration, Tacoma Power, and regulatory agencies as necessary under the direction of the Engineering Manager and Field Operations Manager.
   • Assist with coordinating Operations and Engineering Department updates to the PLC website, social media or other Member Services, Marketing and PR related material as needed.
   • Assist in the planning, organizing, communicating, and coordinating administrative activities of the Operations and Engineering Department as it pertains to assigned projects.
2. Participate in developing department goals, objectives and budget statements. Provide administrative and analytical documentation, reports and recommendations by monitoring and tracking the implementation of these statements and comparing results against standards, objectives, performance indications, and the budget.
3. Perform Supervisor On-Call duties when/if required.
4. Maintain regular and predictable attendance; may perform other related duties as required. Be available for emergencies and after hours needs.
5. Work with the Operations and Engineering staff to facilitate technology application and integration.
6. Analyze, evaluate and document information to be used in the establishment of standards and performance criteria.
7. Assist the Operations Superintendent in coordinating, documenting and monitoring of company electrical system technologies. Maintain pertinent records and documentation to support recommendations for action and ensure accuracy of actions taken.
8. Participate in evaluating and coordinating recommendations for new equipment, materials, systems, procedures/methods, standards, technologies, performance measures, and staff training to improve operational efficiency and effectiveness. Remain current in technology related to the Company’s electrical system to ensure periodic updating and modification is considered.
9. Participate in pre-construction meetings and coordinate with engineering, local, state, and city agencies or other agencies as necessary.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Extensive knowledge of the concepts of electric utility procedures, operations, techniques, materials, and standards.
• Strong working knowledge of engineering principles as they apply to electric utility protection, status and control.
• Ability to work with widely diverse activities and disciplines, in a variety of work centers, to coordinate the documentation, evaluation, and utilization of data.
• Working knowledge of and ability to work with work order systems and construction standards, and use and development of project management reports.
• Thorough knowledge of accounting principles, financial statements and analysis is required in order to track budgets, prepare cost analyses, and evaluation of construction projects.
• Ability to clearly communicate effectively in both oral and written communication.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Proficient project management skills.
• Working knowledge of Electrical Workers Safety Rules and WISHA/OSHA Rules as it relates to substation and distribution grid activities
• Skill in using office productivity software and project management software.

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Work is performed in both the office and outside field environment. Individuals will be subjected to all weather conditions and may occasionally be scheduled to be available for after-hours and/or weekend work. This position requires frequent driving and field inspections of electric utility systems and facilities in a service area of about 100 square miles. Work site visits will involve maneuvering through rough, uneven terrain in all types of seasonal conditions. The position requires considerable oral, written and verbal communication skills, and deals with visually presented material. As a result, persons with severe limitations in eyesight, hearing and/or speech may be incapable of performing this job.

RECRUITING REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering or a related field required, Master’s preferred.
• Four years’ electric utility work experience in operations and engineering is strongly preferred.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license is highly desirable.
• Proven experience in electrical substation engineering, with a focus on protection and controls and ADMS/SCADA/Substation HMI systems.
• In-depth knowledge of power system protection principles and practices.
• Proficiency in SCADA software and hardware systems.
• Strong project management and communication skills.
• Familiarity with IEEE/NERC/ANSI industry standards and guidelines
• Valid Washington State driver’s license.

SOFTWARE EXPERIENCE DESIRED:

Any experience with the following operational technologies, systems, devices or their equivalent from other vendors are highly preferred:

• Survalent ADMS/OMS
• Schweitzer engineering laboratories; SEL-651R, BlueFrame, AcSELerator, Event File collection, SEL-451, SEL-487B, SEL-735, SEL-751, SEL-2411, SEL-2414 SEL-3530 / RTAC and associated HMI
• Milsoft Engineering Analysis, IVR, OMS
• Doble test sets for injection testing
• Advanced metering infrastructure and metering technologies: Aclara meters, or Verizon Grid Wide
• ESRI
• AutoCAD
• NISC

BENEFITS

Please click here for a detailed description of the company's benefits offerings.