Electrical Engineer Research Assistant Jobs in Minnesota

Electrical Engineer

Please note, this position is not eligible for H-1B or Green Card sponsorship. This position does not offer a STEM OPT training program.

Position Overview
The electrical engineer works under the supervision of a principal electrical engineer, supporting and developing assigned work for the campus electric utility system. Job duties include conducting engineering investigations, designing electrical facility and utility infrastructure improvements including renewables, electrical system studies, and supporting all phases of project execution. This position requires technical expertise, curiosity, and drive to work within a collaborative team dedicated to excellence in electrical power engineering influencing critical decisions and delivering reliable, forward-thinking solutions supporting the University mission.
Position Responsibilities
Design, Engineering & Construction (75%)

• Design and implement facility and utility electrical distribution system alterations/improvements of low to moderate complexity for in-house construction projects. Prepare labor and material estimates, order equipment, support construction and commission new installations. Assignments may include high-level work for training/development purposes. 
• Support construction activities and field questions for projects.
• Review designs and reports prepared by outside design firms to ensure conformity with University standards, and operational and safety practices. 
• Direct project design concerns to University project leaders and/or correspond directly with project team leads.
• Inspect construction in progress for conformity to plans and specifications.
• Support the commissioning effort for 13.8 kV distribution systems and building main service equipment on major capital projects.
• Perform electrical system modeling and analysis using SKM to evaluate designs for safety and equipment ratings.

Operations & Maintenance (15%)

• Serve as a technical resource for trade personnel in the operation and maintenance of electrical equipment. 
• Assist in development of operations and maintenance procedures.
• Engaging and coordinating work with electrical operations.

Standards Development (10%)

• Participate in the ongoing development of the University electrical construction standards ensuring compliance with current construction methods, equipment technologies and industry standards.

Required qualifications

• Graduate from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, and at least 2 years of progressively more responsible experience in the design, development, technical evaluation, and maintenance activities in the areas electrical engineering with an emphasis on power systems is required. 
• Ability to develop design drawings with or without the use of AutoCAD and accompanying specifications for the renewal of electrical distribution equipment.
• Strong understanding of AC and DC schematics for power systems.
• Capability to comprehend and exercise reasonable judgement in application and interpretation of construction standards and building code requirements.
• Self-motivated, proactive professional with the ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
• Coordinates and prioritizes multiple tasks, resolves problems, negotiates solutions, and identifies and analyzes unit and departmental priorities.
• Strong written (including technical writing), verbal, interpersonal skills.

Preferred qualifications

• Demonstrated ability to gain support and commitment from others.
• Adaptable and able to thrive in a changing environment.
• Experience or ability to use software applications such as AutoCAD, GIS and SKM PTW or other electrical modeling software.

Physical and environmental requirements

• Work is performed in an office setting as well as out in the field.  
• This position will be exposed to hazardous conditions where hearing and visual protection may be required.  
• Must be able to walk and climb to physically access and view various sites, including mechanical/electrical equipment rooms, electric vaults and switch stations.

Energy Management oversees the reliable, safe and efficient operation of mechanical, electrical, and civil utilities systems in approximately 250 complex buildings on the Twin Cities campus. Home to the Universitys technical and professional engineering staff, as well as a select group of skilled tradespeople, the group maintains the campus utility infrastructure and provides technical and engineering expertise to the Us Capital Planning, Facilities Management building operations, and other facilities-related units across the U of M system. The Twin Cities campus has a total electric utility budget of approximately $51M per year. The infrastructure required to safely and reliably distribute this energy includes more than twelve miles of underground steam tunnels and five medium voltage (13,800 Volt) switch stations. The Energy Management group manages and maintains this complex infrastructure, as well as overseeing storm water management, sanitary sewer systems, municipal water distribution, chilled water distribution, steam and condensate, and compressed air systems.

Pay Range: $70,000 - $82,000 annually, depending on education/qualifications/experience 

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff 

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services 
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

Applications must be submitted online.  To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions.  You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission.  The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.  To learn more about diversity at the U:  http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of Americas Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).