Senior Engineer (Electrical Planning and Design), Electrical Engineering

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National Grid is hiring a Senior Engineer (Electrical Planning and Design), Electrical Engineering for Northboro, Massachusetts.

Job Purpose

Required by the Massachusetts legislature, Electric Sector Modernization Plans (ESMPs) are strategic roadmaps to modernize and upgrade the electric grid to enable an affordable, equitable clean energy transition, whilst ensuring the grid can handle increased demand from electrification and the deployment of renewable energy sources. The Senior Engineer will perform engineering functions within the New England Substation Control and Integration group and will be responsible for building or modifying electrical utility substations, with a focus on control systems, SCADA, metering, DC systems, protection circuits, and data networks.

Key Accountabilities

ELECTRICAL SUBSTATION CONTROL:

• Support implementation and delivery of the Electric Sector Modernization Plan and Capital Work Plan by:

o Provide a Control and Integration Scope Document detailing the philosophy, design, equipment details, RTU and annunciator point lists, and deviations from standards for control and integration equipment required for a substation project.

o Review, approve, and develop electrical schematics for RTU control, breaker control, protective relays, annunciators, networks, equipment power, load transfer/shedding and capacitor control schemes.

o Provide engineering support during electrical switchboard design, construction and commissioning.

o Provide conceptual front view sketches to locate placement of major switchboard equipment. Review front view drawings and associated material lists.

• Develop standard designs and guidelines for substation control systems.
• Investigate, evaluate and propose new or replacement substation panel, wiring or control equipment.
• Provide assistance in analyzing the operation of substation control systems for proper operation following system disturbances. Determine root causes of improper operation and carry out corrective action.
• Evaluate new control technologies.

ELECTRICAL SUBSTATION DATA INTEGRATION

• Support implementation and delivery of the Electric Sector Modernization Plan and Capital Work Plan by:

o Design and configure communications systems within substations that transport digital data between Intelligent Electronic Devices and entrance devices.

o Develop and maintain software points list for substation digital network commissioning and ongoing maintenance.

o Determine settings, connections and configurations, and participate in the commissioning of complex digital substation network components such as communications processors, PLCs, HMIs and smart annunciators.

o Support substation integration testing during project construction and commissioning.

o Provide engineering support for digital substation network field problems.

• Develop standards, guidelines and procedures for the selection, installation, configuring and commissioning of digital substation network components.
• Evaluate new substation network communications technologies, requirements and procedures.
• Provide training to technicians and operators on digital communications devices.

Qualifications

Knowledge and Experience Required:

• A Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from an accredited engineering school with knowledge of high voltage electrical power systems.
• 6+years of related experience (5+ with Master of Science in Electrical Engineering degree)
• Ability to read electrical schematics and a working knowledge of the devices represented on typical utility substation schematics.
• Knowledge of 3 phase electrical utility high and low voltage AC circuits.
• Knowledge of electric utility DC systems and their protection.
• Knowledge of substation practices, testing, construction and maintenance techniques.
• Knowledge of substation automation, digital communications techniques and protocols.
• Background of working with energized equipment.
• Demonstrate effective communication skills (verbal, written, and presentation) and leadership qualities.
• Excellent time management skills and ability to work in a Project Management team environment.
• Participate in technical presentations for internal and external audiences.
• Valid driver's license required with a safe driving history that meets National Grid's Safe Driver policy to facilitate travel, as required, across US service territory.

More Information

Salary - $134,000 - $157,000

This position has a career path which provides for advancement opportunities within and across bands as you develop and evolve in the position; gaining experience, expertise and acquiring and applying technical skills. Candidates will be assessed and provided offers against the minimum qualifications of this role and their individual experience

National Grid is an equal opportunity employer that values a broad diversity of talent, knowledge, experience and expertise.  We foster a culture of inclusion that drives employee engagement to deliver superior performance to the communities we serve.  National Grid is proud to be an affirmative action employer. We encourage minorities, women, individuals with disabilities and protected veterans to join the National Grid team.