Substation Engineer

Substation Engineer - Level II-V

Position Summary

Be part of a Power Delivery team responsible for designing, developing, implementing, and maintaining electrical equipment within transmission and distribution facilities. This position is responsible for providing knowledge and expertise related to substations, transmission and SCADA automation and other supporting facilities within the Power Delivery Department.

Engineer III

Required Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or engineering technology field

3-5 years in discipline working in Utility or electric distribution

A valid State driver's license with no restrictions.

Preferred Qualifications

Master's degree

A Washington State Engineering in Training Certification

Professional Engineer (PE)

Engineer IV

Required Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or engineering technology field

6 years of relevant work experience (Utility Substations applications) or demonstrated equivalent

A valid State driver's license with no restrictions.

Preferred Qualifications

Master's Degree

A Washington State Engineering in Training Certification

Professional Engineer (PE).

Essential Functions

Engineer III:

Support capital execution of projects as it relates to Substation design, materials, equipment. Lead the development of processes focusing on operations and engineering practices that drive strong reliability and performance with assistance.

Knowledgeable about equipment that ranges from, but is not limited to, High/Medium/Low Voltage Distribution systems, Control Systems, Transformers, SCADA Systems, Protective Relay Equipment, High/Medium/Low Voltage circuit breakers, Battery Systems, as well as other supporting equipment that is required for the safe and reliable operation of substations.

Coordinate with different stakeholders and provide basic input to substation project plans. Collaborate with responsible groups and facilitate smooth transition of the design to implementation with support.

Develop design requirements relating to the application of equipment in substations.

Develop technical specification and standards for ordering equipment and parts and utilize new technology and best practices during design with assistance.

Provide technical expertise as needed.

Engage with manufacturers and suppliers (plant/factory visits, project site visits) and represent Substation Engineering department on new equipment and vendor evaluations.

Engage in industry forums, and events (IEEE, SEE, CIGRE, etc.).

Facilitate Substation equipment specification and drawings review, coordinate with manufacturers and vendors to make sure they adhere to the company requirements.

Review existing materials, components, and design standards for process improvements, cost savings, etc.

Research, design and support the implementation of new and upgraded equipment throughout the substation, with moderate guidance from supervisor and peers.

Project management support that include budget forecasts, scheduling, coordination, construction/commissioning for small-sized projects.

This position will have a basic understanding in skills related to best industry practice, Utility Standards, Codes or other Legal Standards that will be used to support electrical engineering projects and that are required for the safe and reliable operation of the equipment.

Research and have an understanding related to impacts to FERC, NERC and CIP compliance standards.

A fully skilled candidate for the Engineer III will have some of the following knowledge, skills & abilities:

Knowledge of substation components and their functions

Familiar with substation design principles and practices for major substation equipment, transmission lines and distribution feeder configurations

Ability to read, interpret, and modify one-line diagrams, AC & DC schematics, substation plan and elevation drawings

Generate, interpret, review and revise existing/new drawings. Experience with AutoCAD is a plus

Developing planning, organizational and project management skills

Self-motivator who is equally effective working independently or who can work cooperatively in a team environment

Moderate troubleshooting, maintenance experience and optimization techniques related to substations, transmission, and distribution systems.

Developing knowledge related to regulatory requirements that include FERC/NERC Standards.

Technical writing and ability to draft reports associated with performance of critical equipment and their impacts to operations and maintenance.

Engineer IV:

Lead capital execution of projects as it relates to Substation design, materials, equipment. Lead the development of processes focusing on operations and engineering practices that drive strong reliability and performance.

Lead the Substation project team towards establishment of technical qualifications and policies. Review the specifications of the equipment and ensure the equipment design is per the District requirement.

Coordinate with different stakeholders and provide direct input to substation project plans. Collaborate with responsible groups and facilitate smooth transition of the design to implementation.

Develop design requirements relating to the application of equipment in substations. Assist with interpretation and communication of company policies and procedures to internal stakeholders and external project support partners.

Develop technical specification and standards for ordering equipment and parts and utilize new technology and best practices during design.

Provide technical expertise and/or team leadership as needed. Develop training for engineers/partner groups and assist less experienced colleagues in planning, conceptual/detail engineering, and the field.

Engage with manufacturers and suppliers (plant/factory visits, project site visits) and represent Substation Engineering department on new equipment and vendor evaluations.

Engage in industry forums, and events (IEEE, SEE, CIGRE, etc.). Support the project team at commission meetings and community open houses.

Facilitate Substation equipment specification and drawings review, coordinate with manufacturers and vendors to make sure they adhere to the company requirements.

Review existing materials, components, and design standards for process improvements, cost savings, etc. Perform independent and/or collaborative research to find innovative and cost-effective engineering solution to operational problems.

Serve as a management consultant on engineering problems and issues. Control technical, financial, and service commitments to internal and external customers.

Strong Project Management Support that include budget forecasts, scheduling, coordination, construction/commissioning for medium/large-sized projects.

This position will be an expert in utilizing skills related to best industry practice, Utility Standards, Codes or other Legal Standards that are required for the safe and reliable operation of the equipment.

Perform work on systems with the highest level of risk to regulatory compliance. Extremely familiar with the understanding related to impacts to FERC, NERC and CIP compliance standards.

A fully skilled candidate for the Engineer IV will have most of the following knowledge, skills & abilities:

Thorough understanding and knowledge of substation components and their functions

Firm understanding of the substation design principles and practices for major substation equipment, transmission lines and distribution feeder configurations

Ability to read, interpret, and modify one-line diagrams, Substation plan and elevation drawings

Generate, interpret, review and revise existing/new drawings. Experience with AutoCAD is a plus

Strong planning, organizational and project management skills

Self-motivator who is equally effective working independently or who can work cooperatively in a team environment

Ability to process information quickly and effectively manage multiple tasks

Advanced troubleshooting, maintenance experience and optimization techniques related to substations, transmission, and distribution systems.

Vast knowledge related to Regulatory requirements that include FERC/NERC Standards.

Technical writing and ability to draft reports associated with performance of critical equipment and their impacts to operations and maintenance.

Permanent