Engineering Technical Consultant - High Voltage Testing

Job Summary

The position is located in Petersburg, VA and will work on-site.  Relocation may be offered to the successful candidate. 

More extensively than ever before, the Electric Power Generation, Transmission and Distribution Industry has been exposed to significant technological challenges. Moreover, it is expected that the intensity of this trend will considerably accelerate with time. Subsequently, these challenges will force utilities to incorporate new technologies and utilize novel power equipment for ensuring successful, reliable, and efficient grid operations during ever changing operating conditions, natural events, and external threats. 

The advertised position, within Dominion Energy’s Electric Transmission (ET) Group, has been created to facilitate engineering support to the operation of the new 17,000 square High Voltage Laboratory (HVL), which is currently is in the final phase of its construction. The expected commissioning date is in early November 2024. 

The offices are in the associated Technical Support Building (TSB), which is connected to the HVL. TSB started its operation on April 1st, 2024. 

Both facilities will be instrumental in improving asset management and reliability of power equipment owned by Dominion Energy. The equipment that will be tested in the HVL includes power and instrument transformers, bushings, circuit breakers, GIS, cables, transmission line insulators, capacitors, etc. HVL will also be instrumental in performing HV tests for the Root Cause Analysis (RCA) of failed transmission and distribution equipment. 

The main test systems that will be used in the HVL include 3,200kV impulse generator, and 1,500kV AC, and 1,200kV DC test sets.

The incumbent will be involved in variety of task, including the design of support structures for testing HV power equipment, overseeing the fabrication of design structures by contractors, assistance in maintenance of selected auxiliary mechanical systems, assistance in transportation and setting the HV equipment for testing in the Laboratory. 

Apart to standard 5 days x 8 hours per day work schedule, we offer an option of working 9 hours a day with every second Friday off subject to change due to business needs. 

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Responsibilities include:
•    Perform work under the guidance and direction of the Manager - High Voltage Testing. 
•    Assist in overseeing all activities taking place in the HVL. 
•    Provide guidance to the technical staff and less experienced engineers in setting the test circuits. 
•    Develop test plans, procedures, and test schedules while ensuring efficient use of laboratory resources.
•    Provide leadership in setting the test circuits and provide guidance to the technical staff and less experienced engineers in performing these tasks. 
•    Master the operations of software for controlling all test systems.
•    Verify the electrical connections before commencing testing.
•    Develop and enforce policies and procedures to ensure safe operation of the HVL.
•    Work with laboratory staff on continuous improvements in the HVL operation.
•    In addition to conforming to national and international test standards, ensure compliance with all relevant federal and state regulations, as well as all required Dominion Energy work safety policies and guidelines.
•    Actively participate in the process of achieving ISO 17025 accreditation for the laboratory. 
•    Oversee the development of calibrations and preventive maintenance programs for the laboratory test equipment, auxiliary instrumentation, and specialized tools,
•    Coordinate maintenance activities.
•    Write or approve test reports. 
•    Lead routine calibrations of test equipment and instrumentation, and continuously update the records.
•    Take responsibility for software upgrades for the test equipment. 
•    Manage inventory of tools, instrumentation, consumables, and test articles, and if required initiate their procurement. 
•    If required, design accessories for connecting test objects to the test equipment and the ground.
•    If required, perform relevant literature searches. 
•    Identify an appropriate training for the technical staff.

Required Knowledge, Skills, Abilities & Experience

•    Minimum 7 years of directly related engineering and high voltage experience.
•    Experience in laboratory, production, or field testing of HV power equipment, or alternatively experience in supporting and/or maintaining HV substation’s equipment.
•    In-depth knowledge of engineering theories, principles, and practices and their applications to a broad variety of assignments.
•    Experience in using test standards, guidelines, and codes, such as IEEE, IEC, CIGRE, NETA, etc., and ability to interpret them.
•    Strong organizational leadership skills.
•    Strong planning and project management skills.
•    Strong oral and written communication skills, includes technical writing.
•    Experience in providing expert technical consultations to other engineers and management.
•    In depth knowledge of various computer applications, with the ability to manipulate personal computer applications and perform engineering calculations using applicable software programs (e.g. Matlab, Excel, etc.).
•    Ability to think analytically and solve complex technical problems.
•    Ability to interpret complex instructions, and to process information quickly and effectively.
•    Ability to effectively manage multiple tasks.
•    Skilled in the use of advanced engineering techniques.
•    Equally effective while working independently or in team environment.
•    Proven recognition by other engineers and management in the industry.

Desired Skills & Abilities
•    Experience with ISO 17025 accreditation process.
•    Experience in business/financial and contractual matters.
•    Ability to perform on occasions selected tasks on elevations up to 50ft using an articulated boom lift or a scissor-lift.
 

Education Requirements

Degree equivalent combination of education and demonstrated related experience may be accepted in lieu of preferred level of education:

Bachelor 

In order to be a titled Engineering Technical Specialist, you must meet one of the following criteria:

• 4-year Engineering Technology degree or 4-year degree in Engineering (not ABET-accredited); or
• 4-year degree in Physics, Math, Chemistry, Biology, Computer Engineering or other technical related discipline; or
• 4-year non-technical degree and post-graduate degree in Engineering Technology or Engineering (not ABET-accredited); or
• Equivalent combination of education and relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of preferred degree

Licenses, Certifications, or Quals Description

Working Conditions

Other Working Conditions

Test Description

No Testing Required