Protection Engineer II-V (Depends on Experience) at Grant County Public Utility District (Grant PUD)

Closing Date to Apply: Open Until Filled 

Number of Positions: 1

Salary:

Engineer II: $77,105.60- $118,768.00

Engineer III: $91,811.20- $147,804.80

Engineer IV: $103,168.00- $180,523.20

Engineer V: $115,960.00- $202,904.00

Typically, selected candidates are hired at a salary rate between the minimum and midpoint of the range.

Benefits: This link below will provide you with Grant PUD’s benefit that may be available if hired, different employee types are eligible for different benefits.

Grant PUD — Unified Insurance Program (uip-wa.org)

Grant County PUD will administer a background check and reference check as part of the hiring process, if selected for this position. 

Position Summary

Be part of a Power Delivery team ensuring the safe, and reliable protection of our transmission and distribution system.  This position focuses on the design testing, and commissioning of protective relay systems for substations. Responsibilities include providing technical guidance, reviewing designs, supporting field demolition and construction, and leading onsite commissioning and troubleshooting of protection system.  

Essential Functions

Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class; employees may be assigned duties which are not listed below; reasonable accommodations will be made as required. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement and is subject to change at any time by the employer. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

Engineer II:

• Support capital execution of projects as it relates to low impact Substation design, materials, and equipment.
• Participate in processes focusing on operations and engineering practices that drive strong reliability and performance.
• Basic understanding 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.
• Research and support the implementation of new and upgraded equipment throughout the substation, with considerable guidance from supervisors and peers.
• This position will gain knowledge 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.
• A fully skilled candidate for the Engineer II will have some of the following knowledge, skills & abilities:
  • Basic understanding and knowledge of substation components and their functions.
  • Familiar with substation design principles and practices for major substation equipment, transmission lines and distribution feeder configuration.
  • 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
  • Developing planning, organizational and project management skills
  • Self-motivator who is equally effective working independently or who can work cooperatively in a team environment
  • Basic 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.
• Demonstrate commitment to Grant PUD’s mission, vision, values, and strategic plan. The employee should be familiar with these organizational priorities and behave in a way that aligns with these expectations. Understand and adhere to compliance requirements for this position that may include laws, regulations, security guidelines, Grant PUD policies and procedures.
• In this position, if needed to operate a GPUD vehicle for business purposes, please refer to the Vehicle/Asset Usage Policy, IS-TA-POL-001.
• Actively participate in all aspects of our safety program, including but not limited to:
  • Following all safety policies and procedures.

  • Alerting supervisors and coworkers to unsafe or hazardous working conditions

  • Reporting any safety incidents or close calls within 24 hours to your supervisor.

  • Accepting feedback from supervisors and coworkers regarding your own safety performance.

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.
• Support system modeling, relay coordination studies, and development of associated protective relay settings for systems ranging from 12.47 kV to 345 kV is required.
• Support applying protection system engineering practices and principles in one or more of the following areas: transmission line, bus, transformer, capacitor bank, reactor bank, feeder, generator, motor, and communication assisted protection schemes.
• On site commissioning, relay testing, and/or construction support with support.
• 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 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.).
• 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.
• 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.
• Knowledge in system modeling, relay coordination studies, and development of associated protective relay settings for systems ranging from 12.47 kV to 345 kV is required.
• Experience applying protection system engineering practices and principles in one or more of the following areas: transmission line, bus, transformer, capacitor bank, reactor bank, feeder, generator, motor, and communication assisted protection schemes.
• Leading on site commissioning, relay testing, and/or construction support.
• 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 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• In this position, if needed to operate a GPUD vehicle for business purposes, please refer to the Vehicle/Asset Usage Policy, IS-TA-POL-001.
• 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
  • Proven experience in system modeling and fault analysis software (ASPEN, CAPE, ETAP, or Easy Power), and Microsoft Software Applications (Word, Excel, Power Point, and Access). Experience with Mathcad is a plus.
  • Thorough understanding of the protective relay design principles and practices for major substation equipment, transmission lines and distribution feeder configurations
  • 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.

Engineer V:

• Lead capital execution of projects and mentor others as it relates to protective relay design, materials, equipment. Direct the development of processes focusing on operations and engineering practices that drive strong reliability and performance.
• Strong knowledge in system modeling, relay coordination studies, and development of associated protective relay settings for systems ranging from 12.47 kV to 345 kV is required.
• Experience applying protection system engineering practices and principles in one or more of the following areas: transmission line, bus, transformer, capacitor bank, reactor bank, feeder, generator, motor, and communication assisted protection schemes.
• On site commissioning, relay testing, and/or construction support.
• Lead and mentor the protective relay team towards establishment of technical qualifications and policies. Develop and teach the specifications of the equipment.
• Coordinate with different stakeholders and provide direct input to protective relay project plans. Collaborate with responsible groups and facilitate smooth transition of the design to implementation.
• Develop design requirements relating to the application of protective relay equipment. 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 trainings 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 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 protective relay 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 complex systematic engineering problems and issues. Control technical, financial, and service commitments to internal and external customers.
• 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 V will have most of the following knowledge, skills & abilities:
  • Subject matter expert for protective relay components and their functions
  • Proven experience in system modeling and fault analysis software (ASPEN, CAPE, ETAP, or EasyPower), and Microsoft Software Applications (Word, Excel, Power Point, and Access). Experience with Mathcad is a plus.
  • Expert in understanding of the protective relay 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
  • Expert 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.
• In this position, if needed to operate a GPUD vehicle for business purposes, please refer to the Vehicle/Asset Usage Policy, IS-TA-POL-001.

Education and Experience

Required Qualifications:

Engineer II:

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or engineering technology
• 1 year of Electrical Engineering or Engineering Technology field.

Engineer III:

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or engineering technology
• At least 3-5 years of relevant work experience (Utility Substations applications) or demonstrated equivalent.

Engineer IV:

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or engineering technology
• 6 years of relevant work experience (Utility Substations applications) or demonstrated equivalent. 

Engineer V: 

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or engineering technology
• At least 10 years of relevant work experience (Utility Substations applications) or demonstrated equivalent.
• A valid State driver’s license with no restrictions.

Preferred Qualifications:

Engineer II:

• A Washington State Engineering in Training.

Engineer III:

• Experience in electrical distribution system protection.
• A Washington State Engineering in Training
• Professional Engineer (PE).
• Knowledge of substation electrical physical apparatus equipment.

Engineer IV:

• Experience in electrical distribution system protection.
• A Washington State Engineering in Training
• Professional Engineer (PE).
• Capable of substation SCADA, communication, and network engineering.

Engineer V:

• Experience in electrical distribution system protection.
• Master’s degree. 
• A Washington State Engineering in Training
• Professional Engineer (PE).
• Capable of substation SCADA, communication, and network engineering
• Knowledge of substation electrical physical apparatus equipment.

Other Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 

• Knowledge of NERC standards and regulatory compliances
• Knowledge of concepts, principles, theories, and methods surrounding electrical engineering industry standards and best practices (NEC, IEEE, NFPA, etc)
• Ability to perform work in the field and work in construction environments.
• Skill in problem-solving and thinking critically
• Written and oral interpersonal communication; workflow and time management
• Utilizing MS office products; specialized software, tools, and applications

Physical Requirements

• Position may be eligible for partial hybrid work arrangement: ☒Yes ☐No
• Majority of work is performed in a standard office
• Some field work that may require operation of a vehicle.
• Typical shift of employees in this position: ☒8 hours ☒9 hours  ☒10 hours  ☐12 hours

*applicant/incumbent should refer to the Physical Capacity Evaluation (PCE)

The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the principal functions for this job, the level of knowledge and skill typically required, and the scope of responsibility, but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements.  Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including work in other functional areas.