Project Engineer

Project Engineer
The Project Engineer completes technical work and directs others in the planning, designing, development, procurement and construction of electric generation projects, and additions, changes, or maintenance to projects. The position directs, coordinates, and exercises functional authority for planning, organization, control, integration, and completion of engineering projects of moderate size and complexity. Accountable for project engineering decisions as Owners Engineer or oversees contractors who provide Owners Engineering on projects. Review engineering design completed by design engineers and engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contractors to assure the design meets the project requirements. Provide and manage technical support for capital projects from conceptual development to completion. This position will be focused on optimizing overall operations by supporting operations and maintenance activities with excellence, accountability, and best practice-based solutions.

Candidates must reside in the state of Montana as this position is primarily office based and located in Great Falls, MT with travel to generation facilities located in Kevin, Montana and Ethridge, Montana, and travel to company offices in Palm Beach Gardens, FL and Calgary, Alberta Canada. Office and fieldwork required.

Project Engineer Responsibilities

• Supports engineering services for the planning, design and construction of electric substations, battery, solar, wind and natural gas generation, and for transmission interconnections. Conducts electrical engineering studies and investigations and prepares oral and written reports. Works as a liaison to coordinate the planning, design, and construction of new electric generation equipment with key stakeholders.
• Manages outside engineering services to accomplish the assigned work. Reviews engineering studies, plans, specifications, calculations, evaluations, design package from EPC contractors for compliance with engineering principles, company standards, and contract requirements and specifications.
• Supports project management with the scheduling, design, estimates, engineering specifications, drawings, materials procurement, construction contracts, cost tracking and project cost projections. May manage multiple electrical contractors on a project site to support planned and unplanned maintenance, and new construction. Provides technical input to assist in the development of project planning.
• Tracks and manages required maintenance and testing for existing electrical equipment at substations and for battery, solar, wind or natural gas generation facilities. Monitor and ensure regulatory compliance inspections, testing, and documentation are conducted in accordance with established procedures, standards, and protocols, and the applicable compliance reporting is accurate and submitted on time. Supports Asset Management in the performance of regular and systematic operational and compliance audits and assessments to ensure the compliance record is always complete and audit ready. Ensure the timeliness and accuracy of monthly operation reports.
• Develop detailed design specifications and prepare bid packages for external engineering services and similar contracts to support the needs of the business.
• Responsible for overseeing the specification, design, and maintenance of electrical equipment such as transformers, breakers, and protective relays. Oversee installation, inspection, and commissioning of new equipment.
• Conduct site inspections to ensure adherence to engineering standards. Review and evaluate equipment performance, analyze tests performed by operations and maintenance teams for compliance with engineering principles, company standards and compliance standards (FERC, NERC, WECC). Support the preparation of annual production, revenue, and expense budgets and related analyses. Support Asset Management by tracking and explaining variances to the budget and create recurring reports on project performance for management review.
• Support the Request for Information (RFI) and Request for Quote (RFQ) Request for Proposal (RFP), and the authorization for expenditures (AFE) request process.
• Provides engineering assistance to other departments and technical leadership to staff and recommends alternative solutions to management in area of specialty on engineering solutions to meet business needs. Interface with wind farm staff and the BA (Balancing Authority) Operations Center staff to identify and execute opportunities to improve the operational and commercial performance of operating assets. Monitor operational and generation performance metrics.
• Subject matter expert for regulatory compliance (FERC, NERC, WECC) and support the Generation Owner/Generation Operator (GO/GOP) NERC compliance program.

Project Engineer Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering from an accredited institution.
• A minimum of five years of industry experience in industrial power systems or electric utility power systems; including experience performing highly technical work of a specialized nature with exposure to business/financial and contractual matters.
• Advanced technical degree or professional engineer (PE) license is preferred.
• Demonstrated knowledge and application of principles in electrical engineering, federal laws, regulations, and National Electric Codes.
• Knowledge of relevant policy, procedures, laws, and regulations, with the ability to analyze and evaluate complex proposals and submit written comments.
• Advanced project management skills with the ability to act as a team leader, maintain project timelines, budgets, and deliver on commitments.
• The demonstrated ability to lead projects and work with others effectively in a diverse working environment.
• Advanced computer skills including competency with spreadsheets, word processors, presentation tools or a demonstrated ability to learn such skills.
• Strong communication skills with the demonstrated ability to communicate complex information accurately and understandably in written and verbal form.
• Effective oral and written communication skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills, a customer service focus, and the ability to work both independently or as a member in a team-oriented environment and to recognize when collaboration with or input from others is necessary. This includes the ability to provide instruction, guidance, and information to others.
• Ability to read and interpret complex technical documents.
• Effective analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills; ability to analyze complex issues and formulate a strategic plan.
• Ability to travel overnight as required.

Physical Demands/Work Environment

• Required to work indoors in an office setting for extended periods.
• Must be able to work in various weather conditions, including cold temperatures, snow, rain, and heat.
• Occasional lifting, carrying, and/or moving items up to 35 pounds at times.
• Must be able to climb a wind turbine generator and follow boundary limits and required safety PPE when working around high voltage electrical equipment.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and the ability to obtain a valid passport.
• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Salary: $100,000-$118,000K (DOE)

Benefits
Benefits are available to eligible full-time employees and can include coverage for medical, dental, life insurance, long term disability, 401k with employer match, and wellness programs.

About VanderHouwen
VanderHouwen is an award-winning, Women-Owned, WBENC certified professional staffing firm. Founded in 1987, VanderHouwen has been successfully placing experienced professionals throughout the Pacific Northwest and nationwide. Our recruitment teams are highly specialized in either Technology and IT, Engineering, or Accounting and Finance career markets. Our recruiters value building meaningful, professional relationships with each candidate as well as developing honed knowledge of companies' staffing needs and workplaces. Partner with us to land your next exciting career.

VanderHouwen is an Equal Opportunity Employer and participates in E-Verify. VanderHouwen does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable local, state or federal civil rights laws.