Automation Manager Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Central Virginia Electric Cooperative (CVEC) is seeking an experienced and motivated Supervisor - Automation and Control Engineering to lead critical protection, control, and automation functions that support safe, reliable electric service.
Position Summary
In this leadership role, you will oversee the inspection, testing, maintenance, and troubleshooting of electric substation and distribution protection and automation equipment, including regulator controls, recloser controls, protective relays, RTUs, and related devices, in compliance with the National Electric Safety Code and applicable standards. Provides engineering and technical support for the installation and operation of SCADA and other utility monitoring and control systems.
Key Responsibilities
Collaborates with CVEC's network engineers, planning engineers, and engineering consultants to install, program, secure, commission, troubleshoot, and maintain substation relaying and control equipment, downline automation equipment, and associated circuits and wiring.
Manages the programming and configuration of recloser controls, voltage regulator controls, fault interrupter controls, SCADA RTUs and related components, battery chargers, substation meters, and load tap changer controls. Maintains all configuration files in a centralized network location.
Develops written procedures, standards, test reports, and supporting documentation for the installation, commissioning, calibration, testing, and maintenance of protection, control, and automation equipment.
Installs, terminates, and maintains fiber optic, copper communications, and control cables to support communication and control requirements within CVEC's substations and at remote locations along distribution and transmission lines.
Creates wiring and functional diagrams for protection and automation systems and maintains a centralized library of diagrams and drawings.
Prepares specifications and bid documents for protection and control equipment used in substation upgrades and downline automation projects.
Coordinates equipment installation, operation, and maintenance with division superintendents, Substation Control Technicians, and other departments as needed.
Supervises oil processing, equipment testing, and disposal activities.
Oversees oil sample collection, analysis, and recordkeeping for CVEC's substation transformer fleet.
Manages the design, contracting, and construction of new substations and substation improvement projects.
Reads and interprets technical manuals, drawings, diagrams, and electronic schematics related to protection, control, and automation systems, and provides direction to others in their application as needed.
Maintains an adequate inventory of spare parts, electronic components, control cables, connectors, tools, and supplies to support operational needs.
Oversees asset tracking and management for substation, transmission, and distribution equipment.
Performs routine testing and preventive maintenance on equipment and systems supporting protection, control, and automation functions in substations, DER interconnections, and transmission and distribution lines.
Coordinates maintenance schedules to improve equipment reliability, extend asset life, and minimize unplanned outages.
Tests substation and downline equipment in accordance with CVEC's maintenance plan to verify the proper operation of monitoring and control functions.
Provides engineering and technical support for special projects involving protection and automation equipment.
Provides engineering and technical support for the installation and operation of SCADA and other utility monitoring and control systems.
Installs, maintains, and tests DVR FLISR and DER interconnection equipment and controls.
Maintains detailed records and test reports for all work performed.
Provides IT with input on network communication requirements and required software updates.
Remains current on utility industry developments related to relay, control, and automation equipment.
Works with vendors to obtain technical assistance and support.
Participates in a regular Duty Supervisor on-call rotation outside normal business hours, typically one out of every 11 days.
Assists in developing training programs for operations personnel.
Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering required.
• Minimum of five years of progressive experience in the operation, installation, maintenance, testing, and repair of electrical equipment, relays, and controls.
• Valid Virginia driver's license required.

Preferred Experience

1. Utility system experience.
2. Strong knowledge of electrical substations and the installation, operation, and maintenance of substation equipment, protection schemes, control circuits, and data communications is highly preferred.
3. Experience troubleshooting electronic equipment.
4. Knowledge of CVEC specifications and procedures, the National Electric Safety Code, and IEEE standards.
5. Excellent collaboration, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
6. Proficiency with computers and software used to program and test processors, RTUs, relays, controls, and SCADA systems.
7. Strong mechanical aptitude.
8. Ability to identify problems, gather data, establish facts, and draw sound conclusions.
9. Ability to interpret written, verbal, diagram-based, and schedule-based instructions.
10. Ability to use specialized test equipment, including voltmeters, transformer turns ratio testers, current injection equipment, phase rotation meters, and recloser control test sets.
11. Ability to prepare technical reports.
12. Ability to work effectively with employees and the public.
13. Ability to prioritize work and meet deadlines.
14. Ability to read and interpret safety rules, operating instructions, maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
15. Ability to remain effective under pressure, including during substation outages and troubleshooting situations.

Work Environment
This position combines office, field, and substation work, with approximately 50% of duties performed outdoors. The standard workweek is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with occasional overtime and overnight travel for training or conferences.
CVEC is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. CVEC is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees and to providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications. CVEC will not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity (including gender expression), national origin, age, marital status, genetic information, pregnancy, disability, family, military or veteran status, or any other status protected by state or federal law.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer: Disability/Veteran
CVEC reserves the right to alter, change, modify, and/or terminate this job posting at any time without notice, or obligation, to any party.
Must be able to pass background check. We also conduct pre-employment drug testing. Any offer will be based on the results of background and drug testing.