Transmission & Substation Services Engineer

About the role

This position provides field engineering services and technical support for the maintenance, construction, testing, and commissioning of substation equipment up to and including 500kV. Equipment includes power transformers, circuit breakers, capacitors, synchronous condensers, static var compensators, associated relay protection and control equipment, and SCADA systems. Maintenance and commissioning activities can involve new installations or modifications to existing substations.

Responsibilities

• Maintain a safe workplace for coworkers and the community based upon developing knowledge of potential hazards, industry regulations/requirements and company practices.
• Commission new transmission substation equipment prior to it being released to transmission operations.
• Develop check-out guides, review and approve test results and isolation plans, and develop energization plans to minimize system risk.
• Provide limited field design services to correct minor design problems encountered during the implementation of substation capital projects.
• Provide onsite technical support to regional substation services employees during preventive and corrective maintenance activities.
• Apply engineering skills and operational knowledge in the identification and resolution of technical problems while in the field during the installation phase, testing phase, and during the design life of the substation equipment. This includes challenging and validating design approaches when necessary.
• Audit preventive and corrective maintenance paperwork and test results to verify technical adequacy and regulatory completeness.
• Support the emergency plan through participation in assigned storm duties including hazard responding.
• Communicate across multi-disciplined teams to include electrical contractors, customers, FirstEnergy regional switchmen/technicians, transmission operations, design engineering, planning/protection and project management to ensure successful and timely project completion.
• Assist in performing Apparent Cause and Root Cause analyses, including formally documenting findings through the preparation of technical reports and presentations.
• Assist in the education of others on technical subject matters and in the improvement of technical programs and process effectiveness.
• Support the development of corporate programs and policies; assist others tasked with leading organizational change.
• Support FE Utilities Operations and Maintenance staff in reaching goals and meeting deadlines.
• Produce results that have a direct, positive impact on the Company.
• Willingness to travel throughout the FirstEnergy system including occasional overnight stays when necessary.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering (BSEE, BSME) from an ABET accredited institution is required. Acceptable alternatives include: a Professional Engineer’s (PE) License, a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering or technical field of study (non-ABET) plus an advanced degree in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering from a university with an ABET accredited Bachelor’s program, or a Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) License.
• Minimum of 3 (three) years of Engineering experience is required. Strong consideration will be given to those with previous experience in the design, maintenance or testing of substation equipment.
• Familiarity with the understanding, application, and communication of microprocessor based protection and control equipment is a plus.
• Experience with SEL products and software, Enoserve RTS and Doble testing.
• Superior written and verbal communication skills.
• Commitment to FirstEnergy's Safety Policies and the Accident Prevention Handbook.
• Understanding of FirstEnergy's Manual of Operations.
• Ability to participate in afterhours (e.g. evening, weekend and holidays) callouts to provide onsite technical and operational guidance in support of system emergencies.
• Ability to lead by example.
• Must be able to manage and prioritize multiple projects simultaneously and be able to work effectively under the pressure of deadlines, unexpected developments, changes in project scope, budget constraints, unforeseen field problems and demands on time for work assignments outside of the normal duties.
• Demonstrate a questioning attitude to continue to learn, produce results, and strengthen existing relationships.
• Developed analytical and technical abilities.
• Ability to develop effective working relationships with employees at all levels of FirstEnergy Corp.
• Must be capable of driving projects and tasks to completion by working in the field with the regional substation physical work force.
• Deliver quality, accurate work within established deadlines.
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation.
• Live within a 45-minute commute of assigned work location.