Engineer / Senior Engineer Distributed Energy Resources (DER) Interconnection (Richmond, VA)

Job Summary

This position will be hired at the intermediate or senior level.

Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) are rapidly evolving and becoming increasingly prevalent across the electric utility industry. From applications with peak shaving and microgrids to solar and reactive power support, BESS technology is at the forefront of our operations. Distribution Technical Operations is seeking an experienced engineer to join our team in Richmond, Virginia, to oversee the operation of BESS connected to Dominion’s distribution system. The successful candidate will stay up-to-date with industry standards and best practices and develop new standards and procedures related to BESS.This role requires regular field visits and provides coverage to all connected DER resources in Dominion Energy's Virginia and North Carolina service territory, as well as off-system locations. 

This role requires engineering leadership and providing technical expertise for all job responsibilities including:

•    Troubleshooting intelligent electronic devices OED), automated control systems, instrument transformers, recloser units, by providing consultation, inspection, programming, testing, and recommendations.
•    Troubleshooting DER connections experiencing excessive harmonics, flicker, and/or resonance issues.
•    Ensuring IEEE Std. 1547, UL1741, IEEE 519, and NESC requirements are upheld as well as other regulatory and compliance related projects, initiatives, and activities.
•    Providing technical support in the development and review of specifications, work scopes, bids, test procedures, alarm response procedures, commissioning plans, and vendor reports.
•    Providing superior customer service and interface with internal and external customers, DER developers, DER operators, DER owners, and various Dominion Energy departments.
•    Investigating technologies that will improve operations and performance, and technologies that will assist in providing control system maintenance information and analysis.
•    Supporting the development of processes that are technically and/or operationally focused, in support of project.
•    execution processes, construction processes, and goals for engineering and design standards that drive strong reliability performance.
•    Supporting technical teams with the establishment of technical requirements representing a global approach to the standardization of engineering and design requirements.
•    Reviewing existing materials, components, and design standards for process improvements and cost savings.
•    Developing a strong understanding of company procurement processes and procedures. Serve as the business unit representative during the purchase of distribution materials and components. Represent the business unit and serve as a liaison with Supply Chain Management.
•    Representing the company and engaging in industry forums and events as needed or requested, including the Southeastern Electric Exchange (SEE) and the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI).
•    Providing technical expertise and engineering leadership in designing, implementing, and troubleshooting network systems associated with control systems, including cellular, T1, Ethernet, fiber, 4-wire analog, and serial radios.
•    Leading the development and/or analysis of protective relay settings, automation control schemes, fault events, communication events, etc.
•    Participating in storm restoration and other operational activities.

Job responsibilities may require extended hours, and extended travel to the furthest reaches of Dominion Energy's service territory. Some instances may require overnight travel.

Job Responsibilities

• Commissioning, Operation, and Maintenance: Responsible for overseeing the commissioning work of new BESS and ensuring the third-party vendors are performing regular maintenance to ensure optimal performance.
• Troubleshooting and Corrective Activities: Working with stakeholders and third-party vendors, identify and resolve issues with BESS.
• Field Visits: Perform field visits regularly to review installation, maintenance, and operation of BESS.
• Safety and Reliability: Lead oversight work, ensuring that all tasks are performed with the highest emphasis on safety and reliability.
• Collaboration: Work closely with construction project manager to facilitate the successful deployment and integration of energy storage systems into grid infrastructure.
• Engineering and Analysis:
  • Perform and/or review engineering calculations, analysis, research, and design.
  • Provide cost analyses and develop recommendations for management review.
  • Exercise independence in evaluating, selecting, and applying engineering techniques, procedures, and criteria.
• Leadership and Collaboration:
  • Participate in trade and industry organizations and benchmarking activities.
  • Provide support during severe storm events.
  • Perform other duties as requested or assigned

Required Knowledge, Skills, Abilities & Experience

Engineer:2+ years of relevant engineering experience.

Senior Engineer: 5+ years of relevant engineering experience.

• Strong electrical engineering background, preferably in electric power systems. Other engineering or technical backgrounds may be considered if combined with a strong electric power background.
• Experience with the operations of BESS and similar technologies.
• Knowledge and application of engineering theories, principles, concepts, and fundamentals.
• Competency in applying engineering principles, fundamental concepts, practices, and procedures requiring some evaluation, originality, and/or ingenuity to achieve project objectives.
• Planning, organizational, and project management skills.
• Ability to develop and exercise leadership skills.
• Effective decision-making skills.
• Effective oral and written communication skills (including technical writing).
• Ability to think analytically and solve complex problems.
• Ability to interpret codes, regulations, and practices.
• Equally effective working independently or in a team environment.
• Ability to process information quickly and manage multiple tasks effectively.
• Dedication to continuous improvement and identifying best practice opportunities.
• Strong understanding and application of safe working practices surrounding electrical equipment.

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 degree in Engineering (non-ABET accredited), 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.

Basic Qualifications

Engineer:

     2+ years of relevant engineering experience.

Senior Engineer:

     5+ years of relevant engineering experience.

Education Requirements

Required Degree (equivalency not accepted in lieu of required degree):

Bachelor's In Engineering

Preferred Discipline(s):

Electrical Engineering, Power Systems, Renewable Energy, or a related field.

Other disciplines may be substituted for the preferred discipline(s) listed above.

Working Conditions

Other Working Conditions

Please note that 50% of the time, this is an office only position. This work does not require extensive field time, and if it were raining or the weather were particularly bad, you’d normally be able to reschedule a field visit to a time with better weather. Dominion Energy will work with you to ensure you have the appropriate personal protective equipment for any site visits.