Controls Engineer

PURPOSE

The Controls Engineer plays a key role in providing technical, engineering, and project leadership for EPB's electric system. This position is responsible for performing system protection analysis and developing relay protection and control designs, as well as overseeing the installation, performing testing, and troubleshooting these systems. The role includes substation design and engineering support for distributed energy resource (DER) projects. The role will also oversee the installation and modification of substation equipment, line devices, and underground devices. As EPB's electric system continues to evolve, the Controls Engineer will contribute to the design and implementation of improvements involving technologies such as battery storage, solar, and electrification initiatives. The position may also support projects aimed at enhancing operational processes, increasing efficiency and effectiveness, improving system reliability, and elevating overall customer satisfaction.

DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES

• Use engineering expertise and analytical tools to evaluate electric system performance and develop strategies that improve reliability, reduce costs, and enhance customer service.
• Develop plans to maximize EPB's investment in electric system infrastructure, including analysis of automation technologies and distributed energy resources.
• Perform data analysis to understand and improve electric system operations; utilize current technology to perform data retrieval/transformation, database development, and report writing.
• Identify trends, patterns, and relationships within electric system data to support informed decision making.
• Develop and refine processes that improve operational efficiency, effectiveness, reliability, and customer satisfaction.
• Establish measurable metrics to evaluate the impact of system and process improvements.
• Plan and manage projects, including logistics, resources, operating conditions, analysis schemes, and modifications. Coordinate internal and external resources to complete projects in a timely and cost-effective manner.
• Research emerging utility technologies and provide recommendations to Electric System leadership.
• Oversee the maintenance and optimization of EPB's fleet of distributed energy resources (DER). Provide engineering support for DER projects.
• Create, evaluate, and maintain specifications for purchasing new equipment for the electric system. Evaluate vendor proposals for new equipment.
• Perform system protection analysis and develop relay protection and control designs. Oversee the installation, perform testing, and troubleshoot these systems.
• Perform substation design and provide engineering support for substation projects.
• Create and modify protective relay settings. Perform function testing and commissioning.
• Oversee the installation and modification of substation equipment, line devices, and underground devices.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor of Science in Engineering degree in Electrical, Industrial, or Mechanical Engineering or related engineering discipline.
• 8+ years of progressive experience or training in a related field.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office skills at the intermediate level, data systems, and have a working knowledge of computer systems and software.
• Proficient in database analysis and reporting tools helpful in retrieving and analyzing large amounts of data to reach conclusions and develop improvement plans.
• Demonstrated ability to lead projects to completion on time and within budget.
• A background in electric utility operations and technology preferred.
• Technical proficiency in the design and application of protection and controls systems preferred.
• Experience testing and commissioning protection and control systems preferred.
• Working knowledge of computer aided design (CAD) software such as MicroStation or AutoCAD preferred.
• Proficiency in GIS, OMS CAD, and specific EPB software (Enquesta, GTECH, GTViewer, etc) preferred.
• Some experience with electric utility software applications (CYME, Milsoft, ETAP, etc.) for analyzing distribution systems preferred.

CERTIFICATIONS & OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• Possess and maintain a current, valid driver's license in state of residence and demonstrate safe and responsible operation of motor vehicles. Must be insurable under the company's insurance policy.
• A Professional Engineering license is preferred but not required.
• Must be a self-starter with the ability to work independently as well as part of a team.
• Based on the project, may function as a team member and/or team leader as applicable.
• Ability to design and update electrical drawings with a high degree of accuracy and thoroughness.
• Ability to perform relay testing and commissioning with a high degree of accuracy and thoroughness.
• Project management skills, including budgeting, scheduling, and stakeholder collaboration for cross-functional teams.

ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS and PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• The work environment typically represents a standard office setting while occasionally working outside on all types of terrain and weather conditions.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; sit; use hands, handle, or feel; and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently exposed to extreme weather conditions and often rough terrain. The employee is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, extreme cold, extreme heat, and the risk of electrical shock.

BENEFITS

You'll enjoy competitive compensation including an outstanding benefits and perks that fit your life, including:

• Health, Dental, Vision and wellness plans for you and your family - including a free on-site health clinic and on-site exercise facilities
• Educational assistance programs and programs centered on career development to help you reach your personal and career goals.
• Financial savings programs that help you plan your future - 401K, Plus a Pension Program
• Volunteer Opportunities

WHO WE ARE

Recognized by J.D. Power among the best in the country for customer satisfaction four years running, EPB is one of America's largest publicly-owned energy providers. EPB is also the pioneering communications company that surprised the nation by being the first to offer gigabit speed internet services comprehensively to all residents and businesses in our market-four years before Google Fiber launched its first deployment. EPB delivers internet speeds of up to 10 gigabits per second as a standard offer to both homes and businesses along with television and telephone services.

With the fiber optic network as the communications backbone we deployed the most advanced and automated smart grid power distribution system in the U.S. As a result, EPB has become a major research partner for the U.S. Department of Energy and Oak Ridge National Laboratory for field-testing technology and best practices including the deployment of cutting-edge smart grid equipment, micro-grid control systems, integrated storage, and much more.

A GREAT PLACE TO CALL HOME

EPB is located in Chattanooga, TN, a city that Outside Magazine called the "Best Ever." Built along both sides of the Tennessee River in a valley surrounded by mountains, Chattanooga is well known for its scenic beauty and outdoor recreation along with having the world's fastest internet which earned it the name "Gig City." Chattanooga also offers award-winning, downtown living, a thriving food scene, and a surprisingly low cost of living with no state income tax. As a result, Liviability.com includes Chattanooga among its Top 100 Best Places to Live and Top 10 Downtowns.