Senior / Lead Engineer, Power Systems

Description:

North Carolina Advanced Energy Corporation (Advanced Energy) is a nonprofit energy consulting firm headquartered in Raleigh, NC. We strive to ensure that energy is clean, affordable, reliable, efficient and safe for all people. We work with electric utilities; state, federal and local governments; manufacturers and a variety of public and private partners in five markets: residential, commercial and industrial, motors and drives, renewables and electric transportation.

At Advanced Energy, we know that our organization thrives only when our employees are valued and supported. You will be aided in your career goals and be put in a position to excel. You’ll work on teams that promote idea sharing and challenge you to learn and expand your expertise. You’ll also be encouraged to seek work-life balance, with flexible hybrid schedules and an array of leave options so you can spend time with family and pursue personal interests.

We are also committed to fostering, cultivating and preserving a culture of community and belonging. Our staff is the most valuable resource we have, and we appreciate that our employees come from varied backgrounds, cultures and experiences. By providing a supportive and respectful environment that promotes creativity and collaboration, Advanced Energy makes a lasting, positive difference in all of the work we do.

Benefits – Visit our website for more information and a full list of employee benefits – advancedenergy.org/careers.

Position Overview

Advanced Energy provides independent engineering services for utility-scale renewable energy resources connected to the transmission and distribution grids. We are seeking candidates who are passionate about ensuring the safety and reliability of renewable energy systems interconnected with the grid. Candidates will be considered for either a Senior Engineer or Lead Engineer position based on qualifications.

This position will work with an internal team of engineers to provide consulting services and commissioning for integration of Inverter Based Resources (IBRs) into the grid, specifically for transmission-connected IBRs. The ideal candidate will have an engineering background in the energy industry and knowledge about the electric power industry including transmission and distribution grids. The position requires strong technical knowledge and collaboration with external stakeholders including utility clients, renewables developers, and subcontractors.

Essential Functions

Engineering Support

• Conduct facility reviews and site assessments to locate opportunities for improvements in performance, quality and adherence to defined standards.
• Assess aspects of the quality of design, construction, and operation for energy technologies according to a defined standard. May have input on standards development.
• Perform quality control, recommend solutions, define and interpret the importance of the implementation of corrective measures.
• Troubleshoot specific complex problems at IBR facilities to improve performance, productivity and customer satisfaction.
• Perform engineering analysis and present concise results to customers.
• Provide hands-on assistance in deploying new technologies in the field.
• Help establish analysis tools and techniques.
• Prepare reports and documentation delineating process, analysis, test results, and corrective actions. May provide engineering stamp on reports.
• Create and conduct workshops and presentations.
• Design and develop products and services that take advantage of new knowledge generated by applied research and engineering studies.
• Acquire data from field/lab instruments and process into useful information.
• Work to establish a demand for further applied research and engineering studies.

Technical Expertise

• Develop and maintain technical and professional knowledge by attending workshops, reviewing professional publications, establishing personal networks, and participating in professional societies. Keep up with new technologies being deployed relevant to work.
• Provide technical mentoring for junior staff.
• Recommend improved procedures such as workflow, data collection and analysis techniques, etc.
• Develop expertise through targeted development activities and new job experiences.
• Communicate with external clients.
• Exercise problem solving skills and take on new learning while working with customers and other industry professionals.

Project Management

• Participate on or manage project teams.
• Establish and adhere to project scope, timeline and budget.
• Coordinate and direct projects, making detailed plans to accomplish goals and directing the integration of technical activities.
• Senior Engineer - review and recommend product and process designs and changes. Lead Engineer - direct and recommend product and process designs and changes.

External Contacts

• Develop and maintain client relationships.
• Work to promote business opportunities with both new and repeat clients.
• Clarify and evaluate technical aspects of service requests from customers.
• Consult with clients and make recommendations for project specifications.
• Review and recommend proposals, contracts and cost estimates.
• Present and explain proposals, reports and findings to clients.
• Prepare technical papers and presentations that highlight our capabilities to potential customers. (Lead Engineer would perform and approve this work.)

Management/Administration

• Assist in financial management, strategic direction and operation of the team.
• Communicate results of work to team and management.
• Assist in the development and implementation of policies, standards and procedures for the engineering and technical work performed in the department. Lead Engineer would develop and implement.
• Recommend the purchase of materials or services. Lead Engineer would make purchasing decisions.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or relevant technical field and 5+ years (Senior Engineer) to 8+ years (Lead Engineer) of engineering experience in inverter based resources, generator interconnection, transmission or distribution systems, or related technical work experience is required. An equivalent combination of education and relevant work experience may be considered.
• Senior Engineer preferred to have PE and/or other certifications relevant to job duties. Lead Engineer strongly preferred to have PE and other certifications relevant to job duties such as CEM or NABCEP.
• Problem solving and data interpretation skills; strong written and oral communication skills; ability to work in teams as well as independently; organization, time management and attention to detail; ability to plan and deliver projects; ability to develop and adhere to project budget; commitment to excellent customer service; technical writing and research skills.
• Intermediate (Senior) to advanced (Lead) skill level of Microsoft Office Products.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of planning, design, interconnection, construction, and commissioning of utility scale inverter-based resources (IBRs) facilities including solar, wind, and energy storage systems.
• Experience with electric grid modeling at the transmission and/or distribution level.
• Familiarity with industry standards such as National Electrical Safety Code (NESC), IEEE 1547-2018 and IEEE 2800-2022; North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) Reliability Guidelines and Standards.
• Ability to maintain customer relationships with confidence and interact with multiple stakeholders.

Physical Demands/Work Conditions

In this role, the candidate must hold a valid driver’s license and is expected to travel to IBR facilities. Some positions or projects could require occasional travel for periods up to a week. Site visits will require working outdoors in the elements, which could include hot or cold temperatures. The individual must wear personal protective equipment and follow company and/or customer safety protocols.

Employment Type

This is an exempt full-time position. This position can be hybrid based in our Raleigh office or remote. There may be occasions where the hours of work may vary, be irregular, and be reasonably required to meet the goals of the organization. This job description is not meant to be all-inclusive and is subject to change. It is not an implied contract of employment.

To apply, click HERE or copy and paste the following address into your browser - https://recruiting.paylocity.com/recruiting/jobs/Details/3992936/North-Carolina-Advanced-Energy-Corporation/Senior-Lead-Engineer-Power-Systems. Cover letter and resume preferred.

North Carolina Advanced Energy Corporation an Equal Opportunity Employer providing fair and equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants. All employment decisions are based on job-related requirements.

If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran and are unable or limited in your ability to use or access our website, you may request a reasonable accommodation to express interest in a specific opening. You can request reasonable accommodation by sending an email to recruiting@advancedenergy.org.