Fire Science Jobs in Phoenix, AZ (NOW HIRING)

Arizona Public Service generates clean, reliable and affordable energy for 2.7 million Arizonans. Our service territory stretches across the state, from the border town of Douglas to the vistas of the Grand Canyon, from the solar fields of Gila Bend to the ponderosa pines of Payson. As the state’s largest and longest-serving energy provider, our more than 6,000 dedicated employees power our vision of creating a sustainable energy future for Arizona.

Since our founding in 1886, APS has demonstrated a strong commitment to our customers in one of the country’s fastest growing states, earning a reputation for customer satisfaction, shareholder value, operational excellence and business integrity.

Our present and future success depends on the creative and dedicated people of our company who demonstrate the principles outlined in the APS Promise: Design for Tomorrow, Empower Each Other and Succeed Together.

The Fire Mitigation Engineer III/Senior Engineer provides advanced engineering expertise to support the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of wildfire and fire mitigation strategies. This role applies in-depth technical knowledge of fire mitigation, system protection, engineering standards, risk-based decision making, and device deployment to enhance the safety, reliability, and resilience of electric utility operations. The engineer serves as a recognized subject matter expert, providing technical leadership, evaluating complex engineering challenges, and developing effective solutions that serve as the basis for critical operational and strategic decisions.

The position requires a strong understanding of engineering technologies, field application practices, and organizational processes to identify and implement mitigation measures that reduce fire risk while maintaining system performance. Work is performed with a high degree of independence and is evaluated primarily on long‑term results and outcomes. The Fire Mitigation Engineer collaborates with internal and external stakeholders, supports regulatory and compliance initiatives, and may provide guidance and mentorship to other engineering professionals. This role may require shift work and occasional overnight travel.

• A four‑year Bachelors degree in an engineering discipline or related applied science discipline (see approved list) from an ABET accredited institution, an International Engineering Alliance (IEA) recognized institution or an ABET Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) plus eight (8) years working experience in Engineering‑related positions. (Five (5) years minimum for engineer III).
• Approved Engineer degrees: Materials Science/Metallurgy, Physics, Chemistry, Nuclear, Electrical, Mechanical, Civil, Electronics, Computer Science, Environmental, Chemical, Structural. Please note that a four‑year bachelor of Engineering Technology degree is not considered an automatic equivalent for a B.S. degree in Engineering; a review of the degree program curriculum must be completed by Engineering department management.

• Problem analysis/resolution techniques.
• Knowledge of applicable codes, standards, practices, methods and safety standards in the area of applicable engineering discipline.
• Experience in the utility industry.
• Professional Engineer licensure.

1. Develops and applies unique solutions and applications to a broad range of distribution protection strategies that reduce the overall fire risk throughout the state. Makes decisions and recommendations that have a moderate to significant effect on the overall organization and system performance.
2. Assists the organization in problem solving, as needed, by critically challenging assumptions and decisions to ensure the most optimal solutions and strategies are implemented. Assists in developing long‑range fire mitigation strategies.
3. Leverages industry and organization resources to align and execute an overall strategy. Develops a path forward to address these issues including bridging strategies. May interface with outside agencies and regulatory authorities.
4. Research new developments and technology and make recommendations to management on their feasibility for Company operations. Maintains a thorough knowledge of fire mitigation industry trends and technology through involvement with research institutes (EPRI, etc.), industry peer groups, and regulatory bodies.
5. Provides technical guidance, leadership and support to less experienced engineers both internal and external to the fire mitigation team. Provides direction for programs executed by field teams.
6. Prepares complex engineering plans, designs, analysis, specifications, cost estimates, evaluations, studies, technical reviews, investigations and verifications. Ensures engineering analyses, design, project control, schedule commitments or oversight work is technically sound, cost effective, and in compliance with established standards, codes, and regulations. Checks and reviews analysis, evaluations, and investigations of others.
7. May plan and coordinate programs and large‑scale engineering projects or multiple medium‑scale projects while acting as the technical specialist. May be responsible for all aspects of work scope; directing consultants; conducting feasibility studies; determining staff, cost estimates and resource requirements; and recommending engineering criteria.
8. Integrates the many interrelated elements of complex projects that are broad in scope, require considerations not previously encountered and requires interpretation and/or modification to guidelines. Complies with design, regulatory, operating and maintenance requirements. Identifies potential schedule or quality problems and initiates corrective action.
9. Interfaces with other departments to ensure project objectives are understood and that work scope meets requirements, budget and schedule. Contacts various levels of management to obtain or present technical data. Presents the results of designs, studies projects (in terms of new techniques) or approaches to subordinates, colleagues, and management.
10. Monitors projects and recommends modifications to increase operating efficiency and/or reviews design and documentation of complex projects to ensure compliance with design specifications, schedules and any regulatory requirements. May develop, negotiate and manage contracts and contract revisions.

This position may require access to and/or use of information subject to control under the Department of Energy's Part 810 Regulations (10 CFR Part 810), the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) (15 CFR Parts 730 through 774), or the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) (22 CFR Chapter I, Subchapter M Part 120) (collectively, ‘U.S. Export Control Laws’). Therefore, some positions may require applicants to be a U.S. person, which is defined as a U.S. Citizen, a U.S. Lawful Permanent Resident (i.e. ‘Green Card Holder’), a Political Asylee, or a Refugee under the U.S. Export Control Laws. All applicants will be required to confirm their U.S. person or non‑U.S. person status. All information collected in this regard will only be used to ensure compliance with U.S. Export Control Laws, and will be used in full compliance with all applicable laws prohibiting discrimination on the basis of national origin and other factors. For positions at Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Stations (PVNGS) all openings will require applicants to be a U.S. person.

Pinnacle West Capital Corporation and its subsidiaries and affiliates (‘Pinnacle West’) maintain a continuing policy of nondiscrimination in employment. It is our policy to provide equal opportunity in all phases of the employment process and in compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations. This policy of nondiscrimination shall include, but not be limited to, recruiting, hiring, promoting, compensating, reassigning, demoting, transferring, laying off, recalling, terminating employment, and training for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, disability, age, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, protected veteran status, or any other classification or characteristic protected by law.

For more information on applicable equal employment regulations, please refer to the EEO is the Law poster. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of every person hired to work in the United States, refer to the E-Verify poster. View the employee rights and responsibilities under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA).

In compliance with the Drug Free Workplace Act of 1988, the Company is committed to a work environment that is free from the effects of alcohol and controlled substances, and free from the abuse or inappropriate use of prescribed and over‑the‑counter medications. The Company requires employees to be subject to drug and alcohol testing that is job‑related and consistent with business necessity, regulatory requirements and applicable laws.

Hybrid: Employees in hybrid roles work both in their home offices (virtually) and alongside their colleagues (in person).

In order for employees to build strong relationships and to promote meaningful in‑person interactions, hybrid employees are expected to work about 40% of their time in‑person at an APS or other (non‑home office) location.

Employees are expected to reside in Arizona (or New Mexico for Four Corners‑based employees).

Working from a home office requires adequate technology and an appropriate ergonomic set up.

Role types are subject to change based on business need.

Role type language was updated on 10/28/2024.

Job Segment: Sustainability, Nuclear, Energy