Sr. Systems Engineer

Summary/Purpose

Provides analysis and planning for the distribution system; Organizes and maintains GPS/GIS system; Provides technical support to the Engineering Department.

Typical Duties and Responsibilities

The following are the typical duties of this position and do not include marginal functions that are incidental to the performance of fundamental job duties and may include other duties as assigned. The scope and duties of a given position may change or be temporarily altered based on the business needs of NAEC. All employees are expected to work safely and follow all safety rules and regulations at all times. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at will” employment relationship.

Typical responsibilities include:

• Assists in designing system improvements.
• Responsible for maintaining the staking database.
• Responsible for the GPS and GIS systems maintenance.
• Prepares and updates records for the system work plan, power requirement study (PRS), and long-range plan.
• Ensures that all maps are current and available for end users.
• Ensures all technical databases are current and accurate.
• Ensures that the AMR system, both hardware and software, is functioning, updated, and providing bill readings. This includes making sure an accurate bill file is posted routinely to our billing software, and demands are reset each billing cycle.
• Ensures that core facilities such as substations, distribution systems, transmission systems, load management, communications systems, metering systems, and engineering servers are operational and updated.
• Responsible for the accuracy of the metering system, including the management of the meter testing shop. This also includes routine testing of the metering equipment in the field.
• Monitors engineering work orders and service orders for timely completion.
• Reviews and monitors cooperative in-house technical studies such as transformer loading, voltage drops, fault currents, line feasibility, sectionalizing, and load balance.
• Develops plans and schedules to improve sectionalizing, distribution, transmission, and substations.
• Responsible for all field equipment used to provide power to the meter. This includes purchasing such equipment.
• Responsible for the correct programming and performance of field equipment to make sure the power system operates not only to provide power but also to open the line up for the safety and protection of our employees and the general public.
• Develops and monitors budgets for scheduled improvements and additions.
• Develops and updates maintenance schedules for battery systems, reclosers, regulators, control systems, and transformers.
• Works with engineering consulting firms in the preparation of technical studies, construction contracts, and construction plans.
• Performs technical studies, prepares contracts, and puts together construction plans for a variety of jobs as needed.
• Works with contractors to ensure timely construction, adherence to design documents, code compliance, and a safe work environment.
• Develops contracts for labor, material, or both and submits them to bidders.
• Evaluates construction and material bids and recommends the award of contracts.
• Assists in developing the Engineering Department budget and work plan.
• Directs and supervises reporting personnel in such a manner as to promote a safe working environment, efficient operation of the Cooperative, productive employees, and satisfied customers.
• Responsible for the review and performance appraisals of assigned direct report personnel; for recommending pay changes and other employee status actions, based on performance measures; and for maintaining compliance with state and federal laws and regulations and the Cooperative’s policies, guidelines, and affirmative action policies.
• Develop or arrange for the training of technical personnel to enable them to do their jobs more effectively.
• Assists members in technical questions related to their electric service, power quality, or rate structure.
• Writes or configures software to make engineering data usable by other employees and to transfer engineering data between software packages.
• Develops programs and designs control systems for our substations, distribution systems, and transmission systems.
• Responsible for installing, maintaining, and upgrading all outside plant communications systems. This includes but is not limited to fiber optic, microwave, licensed and unlicensed radio frequency systems, and land-to-mobile radio systems.
• Expected to be the technical lead for all communication systems.
• Assists in fiber-to-the-home design, staking, equipment purchases, and overseeing of construction.
• Assists in managing the maintenance and repair of the thousands of miles of fiber owned by the cooperative.
• Oversees the net metering process and applications.
• Manages equipment to record and analyze data to solve power quality problems both for the cooperative and its members.
• Manages, monitors, and maintains the SCADA systems to ensure accurate data and the system is validated to perform accurate functions in the field. This also includes the security of the SCADA network and associated devices.
• Designs, implements, and maintains security measures to protect and maintain multiple networks managed by engineering.

• Manages the locating of our facilities for the public to promote damage prevention and also the safety of the public.
• Assists and manages the joint-use process and contracts.

• Responsible for engineering design for new construction, existing plants, load flows, fault calculations, system specifications, etc. for both fiber and electric.
• Directs the design of both single and three-phase line construction.
• Directs the development of 4-year work plan and long-range studies as needed.
• All other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

All requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health and safety of themselves or other employees.

Education/Experience

The employee must have an Electrical Engineering Degree, minimum ten years’ experience, and a valid Professional Engineering License in the state of Arkansas.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Ability to write/complete complex reports.
• Must have a thorough knowledge of electric utility system operations, construction, and maintenance.
• Ability to accurately calculate complex electrical problems and provide solutions.
• Computer literate with working knowledge of word processing, databases, programming, and spreadsheets.
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from employees, customers, and the general public.
• Must have and maintain a professional knowledge of regulatory issues as pertains to the functions of the Engineering Department.
• Ability to solve problems and interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
• Ability to interact with customers and other employees courteously and properly.
• Ability to project a favorable image for the Cooperative.
• Ability to plan work and to properly instruct others.
• Should have a good working knowledge of RUS specifications, National Electric Code, National Electric Safety Code, OSHA Rules and Regulations, and all Cooperative policies and procedures, Service Rules and Regulations, and Rates.
• Should be skilled in areas of planning, controlling, and scheduling functions and coordination with others.
• Must have the ability to effectively motivate, develop, train, and supervise people.
• Due to the level of this position, must possess strong communication skills, an ability to deal effectively with people, extensive problem-solving capability, and good mediation, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to accomplish a variety of projects simultaneously within established deadlines.
• In-depth knowledge required of network protocols and architectures, including cyber security best practices.
• Understanding of wireless and fiber communication, which includes passive optical networking and distributed optical tap architecture.
• Must have a good working knowledge of network hardware such as firewalls, routers, and switches.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Supervises
Engineering Technicians

Physical Demands/Working Conditions

General office conditions with irregular hours as deemed necessary by the position. Good dexterity to operate various pieces of equipment, including test equipment, hot-line tools, and computer equipment. Requires the physical ability of stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, grasping, manual dexterity, talking, hearing, and defined light work. Must possess a current Arkansas driver’s license and have an insurable driving record. Must be able to read instrument and computer outputs accurately. Must be able to communicate clearly and accurately for work and safety compliance. Position requires travel throughout the Cooperative’s service territory and occasionally working long days to meet deadlines.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job, including normal office conditions. Work is occasionally outside. Sometimes there may be extreme weather conditions including wind, rain, snow, and dust, and the risk of electrical shock. Safety precautions and practices are required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate, with occasional high levels requiring hearing protection.

The Sr. Systems Engineer position is an exempt and safety sensitive position. NAEC is an equal opportunity employer and provider.