Electrical Engineer

Position Summary:

Assist in the design and planning of the Cooperative's electric system to ensure reliable, safe and cost-effective facilities are planned, constructed and maintained at the lowest reasonable cost consistent with good engineering and business practices.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Assist in establishing and maintaining engineering and construction standards utilizing software applications including, but not limited to, computer aided drafting (CAD) and solid modeling.
2. Perform duties of System SCADA controller, as warranted. Includes monitoring the SCADA system, initiating commands when necessary and other tasks associated with SCADA operations and the SCADA system.
3. Perform duties for the design, installation, and maintenance of the SCADA system and distribution automation schemes. This shall include installation and wiring of components, installation of cabling, building of display screens, database maintenance, report development, assisting with remote switching operations, troubleshooting communications and control wiring, programming Remote Terminal Units, and making system repairs as required. Assisting with the preparation, implementation and documentation of engineering reports, studies and investigations.
4. Take a proactive role in the Outage Management System (OMS) program to develop and maintain their operations and promote further development and improve efficiency. Also promote integration with the AMR System and SCADA Systems to further improve outage response and restoration efforts.
5. Assist the Director of Operations and Engineering with comprehensive studies and analysis of new technology.
6. Assist with installation, wiring, programming, interrogation, and maintenance system protection and operation of IED (Intelligent Electronic Devices) and field communications equipment.
7. Assist with field inspections of the distribution system and system improvement and construction work orders.
8. Become fluent with the maintenance and analysis of the system engineering model including its interactions with the GIS, CIS, OMS, AMI, MDM, and SCADA systems.
9. Assist in preparing, distributing, and maintaining all necessary maps, records and engineering data.
10. Preparing engineering reports, computations, cost estimates, specifications or other engineering details.
11. Keeping abreast of and applying new or improved engineering and management techniques, standards and practices.
12. Keeping current on methods and procedures of position and available for training in other positions, with the objective of increasing the employee's value to the Cooperative and preparing for advancement.
13. Stays familiar with and observes all safety rules as set forth in the Cooperative Safety Manual.
14. Performing other such duties as may be requested or assigned to fulfill the needs of the Cooperative in the interest of good management practices.
15. Assisting other Cooperative employees to implement Cooperative objectives and policies, as required.

Education and Experience:

Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering, plus a minimum of 5 years of engineering experience in an electric utility, or closely related industry; or a combination of education and experience providing equivalent knowledge.

Job Knowledge:

As a condition of employment, successful completion of the FE (Fundamentals of Engineering examination) and EIT certification must be completed within the first 12 months of employment. Eligibility for future registration as a licensed PE (Professional Engineer) in the state of Texas upon completion of the required years of experience, and the PE examination, is required.

Abilities and Skills:

1. Must be able to investigate, analyze, and research topics and be able to prepare engineering reports, studies and training materials. Should possess at least a minimal level of understanding regarding communications, public relations, customer service and analysis of complex technical topics.
2. Requires strong analytical skills and excellent organization. It also demands a person with exceptional interpersonal skills with the ability to relate ideas, concepts and enthusiasm to members, subordinates, peers and superiors with varying levels of technical expertise.  Proficiency with computers and software such as Windows/Microsoft Office, computer-aided drafting, databases, and engineering software is required.
3. Excellent written and verbal communication skills including proper punctuation, grammar, and spelling; excellent organization abilities including the ability to handle competing priorities, work on projects simultaneously, meet deadlines and concentrate amid confusion and produce under pressure; ability to work independently as well as with individuals and teams.
4. Decision making, problem solving, and research skills are also important.
5. Must possess a valid Texas driver’s license with a good driving record.
6. Must reside within a 20-minute commute to the Cooperative Headquarters office in Fredericksburg.

Working Environment:

Works in a climate-controlled office environment with minimal physical exertion in generally accepted office conditions. Occasionally, some duties may be performed outside with exposure to weather extremes. Activities include working at a computer and interacting with members, business representatives, the general public and CTEC employees via telephone, personal visits and written communication which require frequent sitting, standing, walking, stooping, reaching and grasping. Physical dexterity and coordination is required for the operation of personal computers, tablets, telephones and other typical office machinery. Specific vision abilities required include close, color and distance vision.  Must be able to lift 50 pounds without assistance. Occasionally travel to worksites. Occasional after-hours work for system operations and storm response should be expected, and occasional meetings will occur outside the normal workday.  Some overnight and after-hours travel may be required to attend association meetings, national meetings and seminars, etc.