Senior Engineer (Regional Grid Planning - West Broad - Richmond, VA)

Job Summary

Perform engineering research, calculations, analysis, and design of systems in support of the electrical distribution grid. Apply engineering principles and procedures. Exercise judgment on details of work and in selection of engineering alternatives. This role does not function as a technician in modifying, operating or maintaining systems or equipment.

The successful candidate will be responsible to identify solutions to accommodate additional load, improve reliability and reduce risks to the electric distribution system. This role requires communication and leadership skills. Tasks include:

• Perform in a lead role to the team and serve as subject matter expert of the distribution system
• Utilize modeling programs to identify load and reliability issues on the electric distribution system.
• Develop project proposals to accommodate increased load, improve service reliability and power quality and reduce equipment failures.
• Enter project proposals into Copperleaf (SPOT – Strategic Planning & Optimization Tool)
• Review, understand, and conduct risk assessments to ensure adequate contingency plans are in place for substation transformers.
• Respond to customer, corporate and regulatory inquiries. Prepare supporting correspondence, reports and presentations.
• Support service restoration efforts for significant unplanned events as a packaging, resource, or restoration manager.
• Support preventive maintenance programs to include thermography of distribution system.
• Understand and provide input to annual facility load projections for both distribution circuits and transformers
• Understand protective device defeat at peak settings (DAP) for Loop Scheme automation
• Perform voltage study analysis using Synergi (Distribution Software) and recommend corrective actions on existing circuits or proposed circuits.
• Provide technical assistance to ROC and Operations on circuit or transformer planned outages or emergency outages when requested
• Provide technical support on Distribution driven substation projects; includes the development and monitoring of projects
• Work with Project Management on released projects and monitor the Project Control Tool (Financial Forecasting for Projects)
• Represent the company at external customer meetings and required operational activities.

Perform other duties as requested or assigned.

Required Knowledge, Skills, Abilities & Experience

The knowledge, skills, abilities and experience required for entry into this job include the following:

5-6+ years of relevant engineering experience; Full knowledge of engineering theories and principles; Skilled in use of advanced techniques and modification and extension of theories, precepts and practices of the field and related sciences and disciplines; Strong leadership skills with proven ability to serve as team project lead; Strong oral and written communication skills (includes technical writing); Strong personal computer skills; Ability to think analytically and solve complex problems; Ability to interpret codes, regulations and practices; 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.); Equally effective working independently or in team environment; Proven decision making skills; Ability to process information quickly and effectively manage multiple tasks; Strong planning, organizational and project management skills.

• Solid knowledge in the design and construction of electric distribution facilities and operation.

• Good understanding of underground distribution architecture (Cable, Duct Bank, Switches, Vaults)

• Proficient in or ability to learn computer application skills such as Synergi.

• Solid understanding of AC fundamentals and three-phase power systems.

• Ability to think analytically and solve technical problems.

• Ability to interpret technical literature such as national codes, industry guides/standards, regulations, and policies.

• Effective oral, interpersonal, and written communication skills.

• Solid team player and works well with others.

• Strong project management skills

• Strong ability to lead and communicate with Project Management on both Distribution and Substation projects.

• Self-motivator who has the ability to work cooperatively in a team environment but is also comfortable with working independently to get things done.

• Strong time management and organizational skills.

• Ability to react promptly to urgent matters while ensuring planned work doesn’t fall behind.

• Experience with interpreting technical drawings (i.e., wiring diagrams, logic diagrams, outline drawings, oneline diagrams)

• Valid driver's license

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.

Education Requirements

Required Degree (equivalency not accepted in lieu of required degree): Electrical Engineering with a power engineering emphasis strongly preferred.

Bachelor’s in Engineering

Preferred Discipline(s): BS Electrical Engineering

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

Licenses, Certifications, or Quals Description

Working Conditions

Other Working Conditions

Candidate will be required to support power restoration during major weather events.

Test Description

No Testing