Engineer, Associate - Senior

About the Role

Reporting to the Engineering Manager, the Engineer will primarily support the installation and operation of electrical distribution lines, substations, protective devices, and equipment to ensure well-designed, cost-effective service to our members. The Engineer will also assist the Engineering department in studying the electric system for reliability improvements, developing and maintaining the Geographic Information System (GIS), and coordinating long- and short-range work plans.

Responsibilities

• Assists in the design of electrical distribution lines, substations, and equipment to provide safe, reliable, and economical energy to NHEC members.
• Determines future needs of NHEC’s electrical system by performing system and circuit analysis including load flow, voltage drop, flicker, short circuit, and motor start analysis.
• Develops, programs, and tests protection and control settings.
• Assures an accurate and current electrical system model is available for distribution analysis by assisting in the development and maintenance of NHEC’s GIS & mapping system.
• Assists Construction and Operations Groups by providing technical support when needed.
• Renders service assistance and advice to NHEC members concerning their electric service; reviews plans for additions and other changes to provide adequate and economical facilities; consults on service problems and resolves member complaints.
• Ensures NHEC maintains uniform construction standards and procedures by supervising updates to assembly drawings, computerized construction and work order systems, line design manuals, and dispersing updates to necessary personnel.
• Improves distribution system reliability and maintainability by analyzing typical line design problems and providing guidelines and standards for uniformity in construction.
• Assists the Engineering Department with staying current and controlling costs by working with the Departments O&M and Capital budgets.
• Prepares DER impact studies and interconnection requirements.
• Assists in SCADA deployment and system management.
• Supports NHEC’s cultural goals by exhibiting self-leadership, developing effective working relationships, being results-oriented, innovative, and seeking feedback.
• Increases professional and technical knowledge by attending educational classes, reading professional magazines, staying current with relevant codes, and participating in professional societies.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Electrical Engineering Technology, Power Systems Engineering, or a closely related engineering discipline.
• Valid driver's license and ability to meet insurance carrier requirements for insurability.

Qualifications

• Associate Engineer: 0-3 years of engineering experience. Knowledge of electrical circuit theory and engineering principles acquired through education, internships, co-op assignments, or professional experience.
• Engineer: 3-6 years of progressively responsible engineering experience in electric utilities, electrical distribution systems, substations, power systems, consulting engineering, or a related field. Experience performing engineering calculations, system analysis, design support, or technical project work.
• Senior Engineer: 6 or more years of progressively responsible engineering experience in electric utility distribution, transmission, substations, power systems analysis, protection and controls, or related engineering functions. Experience independently managing engineering projects, conducting system studies, developing technical recommendations, and supporting construction and operations activities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering preferred.
• Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certification preferred.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license in the State of New Hampshire, or ability to obtain through reciprocity.
• Experience with electric utility distribution systems, substations, or power system engineering.
• Experience performing system studies, including load flow, voltage drop, short circuit, coordination, or reliability analysis.
• Experience with GIS, utility mapping systems, or electrical system modeling software.
• Experience with protective relaying, protection and control settings, or SCADA systems.
• Experience supporting distributed energy resource (DER) interconnections and impact studies.
• Working knowledge of the National Electrical Safety Code (NESC) and utility construction standards.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
• Familiarity with project management principles and utility engineering projects.

Working Conditions

• Normal office conditions; occasional overtime may be required.
• Hybrid work schedule may be available, dependent on management approval and workload, but on-site office work in the Plymouth, NH area will be required.
• Some field work within the Cooperative's service area for line inspection and data acquisition, in varying weather conditions.
• Attendance at periodic technical seminars, conferences, and civic or professional meetings.
• Required to work long hours during major system outages.
• Limited travel required for work responsibilities and representing NHEC at professional and association meetings.
• ADA physical and environmental factors: prolonged sitting or standing, lifting up to 30 lbs, occasional site meetings with members and developers.

Benefits

NHEC provides a holistic and transparent compensation package including work-life integration, generous time off, comprehensive health and retirement benefits, and additional programs that enhance employees' and members' lives.

Pay

The target salary range for this position is $89,621 - $156,214.23, with anticipated pay for new hires between the entry and midpoint of the range. Pay is based on non-discriminatory factors including work experience, education, licensure requirements, proficiency, and qualifications.