Engineer I or II - Distribution Coordination and Protection (Richmond, VA)

Job Summary

*There is one position which will be filled at the level commensurate with the successful candidates education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities.

This role provides in depth study of protective device coordination and circuit protection for Dominion Energy’s Electric distribution system.  The individual in this role will size and provide settings for distribution line protection equipment to meet engineering guidelines including time-current curve separation, magnetizing inrush current, fault reach, and peak loads.   The role is responsible for developing settings files for various relay-controlled equipment to ensure proper isolation of sustained and temporary faults, while in some cases also operating to automate restoration of electric service.

Engineer I: Entry or developmental level position providing engineering support in designated company area, or specific engineering discipline. Perform engineering calculations, analysis, research and design. Under direction of supervisor or work leader, performs routine assignments designed to develop professional engineering work knowledge, gain familiarity with techniques, approaches, practices and the nature of engineering systems, equipment, etc. and to develop the ability to apply fundamental engineering principles and techniques, procedures and criteria in carrying out sequence of related engineering tasks. 

Engineer II: This role is fully competent in all conventional aspects of the subject matter.  First and Second level position in the engineering series provides engineering support in designated company area, or specific engineering discipline. Performs and/or reviews engineering calculations, analysis, research and design. Provides cost analysis as needed and develops recommendation based on calculations (e.g. cost for equipment upgrade) for management review.  Engineer II distinguishes from Engineer I by increased complexity in application of engineering skills required.  Under direction of supervisor or work leader, exercises independence in evaluating, selecting and applying standard or well-defined engineering techniques, procedures and criteria.  Uses independent judgment in prioritizing and making moderately complex adaptations and modifications.  Assignments have clear and specified objectives and require investigation of a limited number of variables.

Responsibilities for both roles include:

• Utilize power distribution modeling software such as Synergi to perform short circuit and coordination studies 
• Work closely with stakeholders, both internal and external to Dominion Energy, to provide optimal and safe device coordination while balancing reliability and customer needs with protection of distribution assets
• Provide circuit protection and device coordination support for the integration of distributed energy resources such as solar and wind, EV charging stations, and battery storage onto the Dominion Energy distribution system
• Provide three phase/symmetrical component advice to Electric Distribution Grid Planning and other groups for nonstandard designs
• Support Regional Operations Centers in addressing protection needs during planned and unplanned switching events
• Work with peers in System Protection Engineering to provide equivalent model information and ensure multifaceted projects affecting substation and distribution line protection progress effectively
• Provide direction, expertise, and advice on complex protection challenges
• Assist in storm restoration efforts as called upon primarily supporting night packaging functions

Required Knowledge, Skills, Abilities & Experience

*Note: A partial year of related work experience of 6 months or greater will be considered one year towards the qualifications

Engineer I: 0 to 3 years of relevant engineering experience required

Engineer II: 3+ years of relevant engineering experience required 

• Proficient knowledge of the electric distribution system
• Knowledge of the electric transmission system
• Knowledge and application of power engineering theories and principles, concepts, and fundamentals including protective device coordination
• Ability to perform engineering calculations using applicable software programs
• Ability to interpret various engineering, construction, and equipment manuals
• Ability to adapt to emerging priorities and manage a high volume workload
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment
• Effective oral and written communicator
• Self-starter and self-motivated
• Effective planner, organizer, leader, decision maker, and multi-tasker
• Ability to think analytically and solve complex problems
• Successful candidate will operate a Dominion Energy vehicle or a vehicle on behalf of Dominion Energy; A valid driver's license is required
• Being able to work storm restoration duty (or other major event) is required; These events can extend into evenings and weekends.
• To military applicants: Military service members and veterans with ranks from E3-E5, W1-W2, or O1-O3, plus appropriate equivalent combination of education and years of experience as outlined (above/below).

Education Requirements

Education Level:

Bachelor's degree in Engineering is required (Upcoming graduates up to December 31st, 2021 can be considered)

Preferred:  Electrical/Power Engineering

REQUIRED ENGINEERING CRITERIA: 

 
For placement of a candidate in the Engineer job series, the following criteria must be met: 

• Possess a 4-year engineering degree from an ABET accredited engineering program based on the year that the engineering program was accredited by ABET, or 

• Possess a 4-year engineering degree from an institution outside of the U.S. which is accredited through the country's own engineering accrediting body under the Washington Accord as a full signatory, and is a degree that was recognized by the country's accrediting body on or after the date that full signatory status was achieved, or 

• Possess a 4-year engineering degree from a non-ABET accredited program and a postgraduate engineering degree from an institution where the undergraduate degree in the same engineering discipline is ABET accredited based on the year the engineering program was accredited by ABET, or 

• Possess a 4-year degree in Physics, Chemistry, Math or Engineering Technology and a post-graduate engineering degree from an institution where the undergraduate degree in the same engineering discipline is ABET accredited based on the year the engineering program was accredited by ABET, or 

• Holds or has previously held a valid U.S. Professional Engineer license.

Licenses, Certifications, or Quals Description

Working Conditions

Other Working Conditions

Test Description