Job Summary:

The Engineer will be required to assist with engineering, construction, operations and maintenance functions of the Cooperative’s substations, distribution, and sub-transmission system in such a manner as to assure all facilities meet the highest standards. The position will be focused on SCADA maintenance and operation, AMI maintenance and operation, system protection and design, substation design and maintenance, and IED implementation and maintenance. The System Engineer will report to and work with the Engineering Manager on projects and daily engineering tasks. The ability to work after-hours is a requirement for this position.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop, maintain, and manage the Cooperative’s SCADA system.
• Monitor and operate the Cooperative’s SCADA system during and after working hours.
• Responsible for oversight of substations and the equipment within the substation.
• To review and modify new and existing engineering designs for the Cooperative’s substations and equipment within, including substation protection and settings which may require periodic modifications. Interacts with consultant engineers to ensure substation designs are correct before construction and facilities are installed properly during construction.
• To develop and implement protective devices or control settings for reclosers, capacitors, and regulators, and all IEDs (intelligent electronic devices) including communications.
• Manage the load management program and the control of all DRU’S on system.
• Assists in the development of long and short-term system work plans.
• Assists in the development of sectionalizing studies.
• Analyzes data to determine feasibility of technical proposals.
• Analyzes equipment specifications and performance requirements of electrical system and components.
• Analyzes engineering proposals, process requirements, and related technical data pertaining to distribution/substation/transmission applications and equipment design.
• Determines feasibility of designing new equipment or modifying existing facilities.
• Analyzes test data and reports to determine if design meets functional and performance specifications.
• Responsible for managing field engineering projects and supporting line crews during construction.
• Knowledge of IEEE, ANSI, IEC, NERC/SPP and other industry standards as well as NESC, NFPA/NEC, RUS and other applicable codes and regulations to ensure that the Cooperative’s substation facilities are designed, constructed, and operated in a safe and efficient manner with consideration for limiting the Cooperative’s liability.
• Provides technical support with voltage drop analysis, motor start analysis, fault current analysis, and other technically related areas.
• Work after hours during storms and system outages.
• Create and provide reports and presentations to Coop employees, line department, board of directors, and the public if needed.
• Performs other miscellaneous job duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

A Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from an accredited college or a master’s degree in Power Systems Engineering. Electric utility experience at a Cooperative, Municipal, or IOU is a plus.  Experience in substation design, distribution design, and system protection/coordination are desired. Pay will be based on level of qualification, existing skillset, and years of previous engineering experience.

Possession of a valid Pennsylvania Driver’s License and satisfactory driving record as a condition of initial and continued employment or the ability to transfer their current state issued license to a Pennsylvania issued license within 30 days.

Northwestern REC offers a very competitive salary and benefits package.  For more information about Northwestern REC visit our website at northwesternrec.coop.  EOE

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

• A working knowledge of distribution system design, construction, operations and maintenance specifications and standards is preferred.
• A working knowledge of applicable codes, regulations, and standards, both Federal, State, and local, is also essential.
• Must be able to handle multiple projects and be a project lead.
• Knowledge of budgeting, load forecasting, and engineering related information systems is desirable.
• The ability to effectively coordinate available resources is essential.
• The ability to effectively communicate with others, both orally and in writing, and maintain accurate records is essential.
• Must possess the ability to maintain effective working relationships with employees and the public.
• Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
• Ability to speak effectively before groups or employees of the organization.

About Northwestern RECA, Inc.

Northwestern REC is a distribution cooperative serving 19,465 consumers with 2,550 miles of line within five counties in northwestern Pennsylvania.

Connections working at Northwestern RECA, Inc.