E&C Engineer

the Client•Lacrosse, WI

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The E&C Engineer – Electrical will support one of four Energy Supply plant locations. Each site currently has a mechanical engineer but lacks dedicated electrical engineering support. The engineer will be responsible for electrical reliability initiatives, troubleshooting plant electrical systems, and managing electrical capital and maintenance projects. Upcoming work includes upgrades and replacement of switchgear, transformers, medium- and high-voltage equipment, and other electrical infrastructure. The engineers will develop, scope, budget, bid, execute, oversee, and close out projects while supporting plant reliability and operational improvements. The day begins with a 7:00 AM plant status meeting to review plant performance, issues, and daily priorities. Following the meeting, the engineer will manage active projects, support troubleshooting and reliability concerns, assist with equipment issues, coordinate with operations and maintenance personnel, and work with contractors and engineering resources as needed. The role is approximately 70% project management and 30% plant reliability engineering. This is a plant-based role supporting power generation facilities, including three refuse-derived fuel (RDF) plants that burn garbage and one biomass plant that burns wood chips. The position is based at the French Island Generating Plant in La Crosse, WI with no hybrid work option. The role encompasses both project engineering and day-to-day reliability engineering duties, allowing engineers to contribute to long-term projects while addressing immediate operational needs. Applies extensive technical expertise and has full knowledge of other related disciplines. Performs as a staff advisor and consultant in a technical specialty, a type of facility or equipment, or a program function. Carries out complex or innovative assignments requiring the development of new or improved techniques and procedures. Work is expected to result in the development of new/improved techniques and procedures or new/refined equipment, materials, processes, products, and/or scientific methods. Represents the organization as the prime technical contact on contracts and projects and interacts with senior external personnel on significant technical matters often requiring coordination between organizations. Work is performed without appreciable direction and considerable latitude is exercised in determining technical objectives of assignment. Guidance relates largely to overall objectives, critical issues, new concepts, and policy matters. Completed work is reviewed from a relatively long-term perspective for desired results. May assign tasks to and direct engineers, technicians, craft personnel, and administrative staff, including coordination and review of work assignments. Responsible for (and may lead) multiple projects of moderate to large size or portions of major projects.

Requirements

Utility, power generation, industrial manufacturing, or heavy industrial experience
Medium-voltage and high-voltage electrical equipment experience
Power systems knowledge
Project management experience from project development through close-out
Troubleshooting and reliability engineering experience
Familiarity with plant electrical systems and equipment
Strong problem-solving skills
Collaboration and teamwork
Communication skills
Ability to ask questions and learn quickly
Financial literacy and budget awareness
Adaptability
Positive attitude and eagerness to learn
Ability to work in a close-knit plant environment
Ability to demonstrate the unique technical skills and core competencies for this engineering level as established and documented by the organization
Minimum 2 years of relevant engineering experience; demonstrated broad knowledge and proficiency in specialty area, knowledge of related specialties, and general knowledge of other related disciplines
Candidates from utility, power generation, manufacturing, or heavy industrial environments preferred; at least 2–3 years of relevant industry experience preferred, though strong entry-level candidates or recent graduates with the right attitude and aptitude may also be considered
Candidates must be comfortable working in industrial plant environments, including areas that may have odors associated with waste-to-energy operations (three refuse-derived fuel plants that burn garbage; one biomass plant that burns wood chips).
Responsibilities include supporting medium- and high-voltage electrical systems, equipment troubleshooting, and plant reliability initiatives while adhering to plant safety standards and procedures.
The environment is highly collaborative and team oriented; candidates should be comfortable engaging with others, asking questions, collaborating across functions, and fitting into a less corporate, family-like culture.
Candidates comfortable engaging with a team of approximately 30–35 plant employees, including one Mechanical Engineer, Maintenance Manager, Operations Manager, Plant Manager, Plant Planner, and approximately 30 maintenance and operations employees.
Non-local candidates willing to relocate at their own expense will be considered; candidates with regional ties are preferred; per diem or daily expense allowance may be available for strong non-local candidates.
Approximately 3 weeks required to complete required training, compliance requirements, and gain system access; approximately 8 weeks to fully understand and become proficient with client-specific processes, forecasting, reporting, project controls, and operational procedures.

Nice To Haves

FE certification
PE certification
DeltaV control system experience
Emerson Ovation experience
Distributed Control System (DCS) knowledge
SAP experience
Experience with asset management/work management systems
Electromechanical or controls engineering backgrounds
Plant modernization and equipment upgrade experience
Previous experience in power plants or utilities, as well as project management or construction management backgrounds
ABET-accredited engineering degree (preferred; ABET accreditation particularly important for future conversion potential)
Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering preferred
EIT/FE (Engineer in Training/Fundamentals of Engineering) strongly preferred

Responsibilities

Apply extensive technical expertise and demonstrate an understanding of the basic principles of other related disciplines; fully demonstrate the unique technical skills and core competencies for this engineering level by applying technical standards, principles, theories, concepts, and techniques to lead projects of moderate to large size, scope, and complexity.
Largely self-directed work is expected to result in the development of new or improved techniques, procedures, and standards; support the development of technical documentation (including but not limited to designs, testing, calculations, reports, standards, etc.)
Without appreciable direction, exercise considerable latitude in determining ongoing technical support for project activities within areas such as Operations, Maintenance, Testing/diagnostics, and Regulatory; provide field engineering oversight and direction for activities such as support, testing, installation, inspections, commissioning, etc.
Coordinate/lead multiple projects or portions of projects (including phases such as research, design, equipment selection, procurement, installation, and commissioning); may lead more critical projects with oversight of a higher-level engineer or supervisor.
Represent the organization as the prime technical contact in the bid/evaluation processes, including preparation of bid documents, completion of technical evaluations for proposals, and providing recommendations for selection; interact with senior external personnel on significant technical matters often requiring coordination with internal and external organizations.
Effectively and with precision resolve difficult technical/business matters both inter-organizationally and with outside customers/vendors with all formats of communication.
May assign tasks to and/or direct engineers, technicians, craft personnel, and other support staff, including coordination and review of work assignments; provide guidance and mentoring to less experienced engineers; responsible for continuous self-development of technical skills and competencies.
Lead activities such as budgeting, estimating, forecasting, accounting, and work order management in support of engineering projects.