Project Engineer

Project Engineer

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Primary Duties and Responsibilities

·         Supports project management with the scheduling, design, estimates, engineering specifications, drawings, materials procurement, construction contracts, cost tracking and project cost projections. May manage multiple electrical contractors on a project site to support planned and unplanned maintenance, and new construction. Provides technical input to assist in the development of project planning.

·         Tracks and manages required maintenance and testing for existing electrical equipment at substations and for battery, solar, wind or natural gas generation facilities.  Monitor and ensure regulatory compliance inspections, testing, and documentation are conducted in accordance with established procedures, standards, and protocols, and the applicable compliance reporting is accurate and submitted on time.  Supports Asset Management in the performance of regular and systematic operational and compliance audits and assessments to ensure the compliance record is always complete and audit ready. Ensure the timeliness and accuracy of monthly operation reports.   

·         Develop detailed design specifications and prepare bid packages for external engineering services and similar contracts to support the needs of the business.

·         Responsible for overseeing the specification, design, and maintenance of electrical equipment such as transformers, breakers, and protective relays. Oversee installation, inspection, and commissioning of new equipment. 

·         Supports engineering services for the planning, design and construction of electric substations, battery, solar, wind and natural gas generation, and for transmission interconnections.  Conducts electrical engineering studies and investigations and prepares oral and written reports. Works as a liaison to coordinate the planning, design, and construction of new electric generation equipment with key stakeholders.

·         Manages outside engineering services to accomplish the assigned work. Reviews engineering studies, plans, specifications, calculations, evaluations, design package from EPC contractors for compliance with engineering principles, company standards, and contract requirements and specifications.                                

·         Conduct site inspections to ensure adherence to engineering standards.  Review and evaluate equipment performance, analyze tests performed by operations and maintenance teams for compliance with engineering principles, company standards and compliance standards (FERC, NERC, WECC). Support the preparation of annual production, revenue, and expense budgets and related analyses. Support Asset Management by tracking and explaining variances to the budget and create recurring reports on project performance for management review.

·         Support the Request for Information (RFI) and Request for Quote (RFQ) Request for Proposal (RFP), and the authorization for expenditures (AFE) request process.

·         Provides engineering assistance to other departments and technical leadership to staff and recommends alternative solutions to management in area of specialty on engineering solutions to meet business needs. Interface with wind farm staff and the BA (Balancing Authority) Operations Center staff to identify and execute opportunities to improve the operational and commercial performance of operating assets. Monitor operational and generation performance metrics.                

·         Subject matter expert for regulatory compliance (FERC, NERC, WECC) and support the Generation Owner/Generation Operator (GO/GOP) NERC compliance program.

Qualifications/Position Requirements

·         Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering from an accredited institution

·         5+ years of industry experience in industrial power systems or electric utility power systems; including experience performing highly technical work of a specialized nature with exposure to business/financial and contractual matters.

·         Advance technical degree or professional engineer (PE) license preferred.

·         Demonstrated knowledge and application of principles in electrical engineering, federal laws, regulations, and National Electric Codes.             

·         Knowledge of relevant policy, procedures, laws, and regulations, with the ability to analyze and evaluate complex proposals and submit written comments.

·         Advanced project management skills with the ability to act as a team leader, maintain project timelines, budgets, and deliver on commitments.

·         Ability to travel overnight as required.

Physical Demands/Work Environment
·       Position is primarily office based and located in Great Falls, MT with travel to generation facilities located in Kevin, Montana and Ethridge, Montana, and travel to company offices in Palm Beach Gardens, FL and Calgary, Alberta Canada
·       Office and fieldwork required.
·       Required to work indoors in an office setting for extended periods of time.
·       Must be able to work in various weather conditions, including cold temperatures, snow, rain, and heat.
·       Occasional lifting, carrying, and/or moving items up to 35 pounds at times.
·       Must be able to climb a wind turbine generator and follow boundary limits and required safety PPE when working around high voltage electrical equipment.
·       Must have a valid driver’s license and ability to obtain a valid passport.
·       The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.