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Lea County Electric Cooperative (LCEC) in Lovington, NM is seeking a collaborative, technically strong, and forward-thinking leader to serve as its next Manager/Director of Engineering. This critical leadership role will guide engineering strategy, system planning, and infrastructure development to ensure the continued reliability, safety, and long-term success of the cooperative’s electric distribution system. LCEC has retained NRECA Executive Search to facilitate the search process for this position. The Manager/Director of Engineering will lead engineering operations with a strong focus on system performance, distribution reliability, long-range planning, and technical excellence. This leader will play a key role in strengthening internal engineering capabilities, mentoring developing talent, and supporting the cooperative’s commitment to operational excellence, accountability, and service to its members. This position is especially important as LCEC continues to manage system growth, evolving energy demands, infrastructure investment, and succession planning needs. The successful candidate will bring a balance of technical expertise, leadership ability, strategic thinking, and cooperative values to help position the organization for long-term success.

Established in 1949, Lea County Electric Cooperative in headquartered in Lovington, New Mexico. The cooperative plays a vital role in powering communities across Southeast New Mexico and West Texas, encompassing portions of Chaves, Eddy, and Lea Counties in New Mexico, as well as Cochran, Gaines, and Yoakum Counties in Texas. Our dedicated team of nine trustees, in collaboration with our skilled management and workforce, has successfully navigated through periods of change and expansion.

• 230 MW system peak
• 1.4+ billion kWh annual sales
• Over 4,300 miles of energized line
• 53 owned substations, switch stations and transmission interchange stations
• 70 MW renewable portfolio
• $100M+ annual revenue
• $300M+ total utility plant
• Full transmission and distribution operations
• Central operations hub with multiple satellite locations

The cooperative has a full requirements contract with its G & T - Western Farmers Electric Cooperative located in Anadarko, Oklahoma.

• Lead engineering efforts to improve reliability, safety, efficiency, and long-term performance of the electric distribution system

• Design and implement a four-year maintenance and construction plan to optimize system operations.
• Conduct and oversee system analysis, load forecasting, and infrastructure planning

• Evaluate future capital investments and engineering priorities that align with cooperative objectives

• Oversee studies on voltage regulation, arc flash safety, and system coordination to enhance network performance

• Partner with the engineering team to analyze load flow, short circuit scenarios, and protective relaying schemes.
• Ensure sound engineering design and technical decision-making across distribution projects

• Maintain strong working knowledge of regulatory and industry requirements impacting engineering operations

• Support development and execution of maintenance, construction, and capital improvement plans
• Partner with operations and construction teams to ensure engineering standards are maintained
• Improve engineering processes, documentation, and project coordination
• Monitor system demands and identify infrastructure upgrades needed for future growth

• Lead, mentor, and develop engineering staff, including early-career engineers
• Build internal technical depth and support succession planning efforts

• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, safety, and continuous improvement
• Promote strong communication and effective teamwork across departments

• Encourage innovation, initiative, and sound problem-solving
• Provide engineering insight and recommendations to leadership

The successful candidate will be a strong engineering leader who combines technical expertise with practical leadership experience. This individual should be highly collaborative, accountable, and capable of balancing long-term strategic thinking with day-to-day execution. The ideal candidate will bring:

• Strong knowledge of electric utility engineering and infrastructure systems
• Experience in distribution engineering, system studies, and power flow analysis
• A commitment to safety, integrity, and operational excellence
• Demonstrated accountability and dependability
• Strong interpersonal communication and team-building skills
• Ability to mentor, coach, and develop engineering talent
• Comfortable taking initiative to get results
• A practical, solutions-oriented mindset with sound decision-making ability
• Appreciation for cooperative values and member-focused service

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or closely related engineering field
• Minimum 5 years of leadership experience
• Minimum 5 years of electric utility experience
• Experience with system studies, load flow analysis, and technical engineering oversight
• Demonstrated ability to lead teams and develop employees
• Strong communication, organizational, and analytical skills
• Valid New Mexico driver’s license (or ability to obtain) and compliance with drug testing policies
• Ability to reside within a 30-minute commute of LCEC headquarters

• Electric cooperative, municipal, or public power utility experience
• Professional Engineer (PE) license (or ability to obtain)
• Experience with RUS standards and electric cooperative operations
• Familiarity with NERC/FERC regulations, FEMA Reconstruction Funding
• Experience in Southwest Power Pool (SPP) or similar regional market environments
• Advanced degree (MBA or related field)
• NRECA Management Internship Program (MIP) graduate
• Familiarity with Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories (SEL) systems or similar technologies

With a population of around 11,000, Lovington offers the charm of a tight-knit community while staying connected to larger nearby hubs. Residents benefit from an affordable cost of living, light traffic, and a slower, more relaxed lifestyle. At the same time, they’re just a short drive from Hobbs (about 20 minutes away, population ~50,000) for additional shopping, dining, and entertainment, and within roughly 90 minutes of Lubbock (population ~280,000), which provides access to advanced healthcare, and a wider range of cultural and professional opportunities. This balance makes Lovington an appealing choice for those who want affordability and a strong sense of community without giving up access to urban amenities. Nearby regional airports are Hobbs, NM; Roswell, NM; Lubbock, TX and Midland, TX.

LCEC offers an excellent comprehensive benefit package including medical, dental and vision coverage, life insurance, long term disability, 401 k, employer funded pension (NRECA R&S Plan) and relocation assistance. The salary range is $150,000 to $180,000 and is commensurate with experience and qualifications. Lea County Electric Cooperative is an EEO/Affirmative Action employer. Race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, military, veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, genetic information or any other applicable status protected by Federal, State or Local law are not taken into account in any employment decision. Learn more about us at https://www.lcecnet.com/