Electric Engineer I

About the role

The Electrical Engineer I is an entry-level position that uses on-the-job training to develop skills and abilities for performing technical engineering tasks required for MEC (Mountain Electric Cooperative) electric distribution operations or the Engineering Department’s Design Group. Under the direction of the Director of Engineering and Operations, the Electrical Engineer I assists with tasks by applying knowledge from academic studies, internships, and on-the-job training.

Responsibilities

• Determine size of transformers, calculate electrical loads, and determine conductor sizes and proper voltage configurations.
• Calculate voltage losses for various conductor sizes, types, and lengths.
• Determine proper sizing and placement of distribution poles, equipment, and facilities.
• Perform drafting and design work using GIS (Geographic Information Systems) and Futura software to produce neat, precise, and well-balanced drawings for construction and maintenance of overhead and underground, primary and secondary distribution circuits and facilities.
• Design, implement, maintain, and troubleshoot protective relaying and control systems to ensure reliable and safe operation of substations, transmission lines, distribution feeders, generators, and associated electrical equipment.
• Assist in short- and long-term planning and prepare special studies on distribution systems and determine operational requirements for electrical loads using electric modeling and analytical tools.
• Assist in defining electric system improvement priorities, prepare cost estimates, and provide budgetary input related to planning, system coordination, operations, and short- and long-term design of the electric distribution system.
• Develop material specifications for all materials used in Mountain Electric Cooperative’s electric distribution system.

Requirements

• Knowledge of electrical engineering principles and practices.
• Knowledge of electric system design principles and power systems concepts.
• Familiarity with symbols and terminology used in engineering drawings, construction plans, and specifications.
• Understanding of the overall concept of system coordination between protection devices, facilities, materials, equipment, and tools used in the construction and maintenance of electrical facilities.
• Proficiency in essentials of algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and calculus.

Skills

• Ability to learn and interpret instrumentation and control (I/C) diagrams, one-line diagrams, and regulations associated with electric distribution system operations.
• Ability to read and interpret construction drawings.
• Proficiency in using drafting software, including AutoCAD and GIS.
• Ability to operate computer software and systems including MilSoft, Light Table, FUTURA, SEL, Designer, Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, MEC computerized customer information systems, and proposed workflow/asset management systems.
• Ability to understand and write specifications, compute quantities, and make cost estimates.
• Skill in preparing neat and precise maps from plans, sketches, verbal descriptions, and specifications.
• Ability to maintain a high level of attention to detail for quality control purposes.
• Ability to maintain effective documentation and system backups of maps and electronic data.
• Ability to assist in providing data and maps for detailed operational analysis and apply results to ensure accuracy and completion of map and related data profiles.
• Ability to become familiar with industry-specific terminology and symbology.
• Ability to learn the existing ArcGIS/ArcFM GIS system.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with consultants, engineers, developers, coworkers, management, public officials, and the general public.