Electrical Engineer

Bonneville Power Administration • Vancouver, WA

8d • Onsite

About The Position

This position is with Bonneville Power Administration (BPA), in the Diagnostics, Metrology and Laboratories organization of Technical Services, Engineering and Technical Services, Transmission. The Electrical Engineer serves as a technical lead and subject matter expert for quality assurance, failure analysis, and safety-related testing of high-voltage and high-current power-system equipment. The role supports transmission-system reliability through specialized laboratory diagnostics, engineering standards, commissioning, and coordination with field operations.

The engineer leads laboratory and field personnel through testing, commissioning, and operational training; develops and executes test plans and analytical methods; and leads applied research to assess equipment and materials for utility transmission systems. The position also prepares technical reports, manages testing software and databases, recommends test-equipment maintenance and replacement, and may provide emergency technical response and support safety investigations. The role requires reporting in person to the official duty location.

Requirements

• Meet the basic engineering education requirement through an ABET-accredited engineering bachelor's program; an eligible combination of engineering education and experience; specified professional registration or licensure; successful completion of the Fundamentals of Engineering examination or another qualifying written test; at least 60 semester hours of specified engineering, physical, and mathematical sciences; or an eligible related curriculum combined with at least one year of professional engineering experience under professional engineering supervision and guidance.
• Have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 grade level in the Federal service.
• Have experience applying advanced electrical-engineering principles to lead high-voltage, high-current, diagnostic, and specialized testing of power-transmission components and systems, including quality assurance, acceptance, and failure-analysis testing, complex data analysis, and report preparation.
• Have experience as a project manager, lead investigator, or expert advisor developing and evaluating electrical test plans and conducting studies of equipment and materials for utility transmission systems.
• Provide copies of college transcripts; education must be from an accredited institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
• Be a United States citizen.
• Hold a valid driver's license as a condition of employment.
• Meet applicable Selective Service registration requirements for males.
• Report in person to the official duty location.
• Pass the required preliminary background check; the position is designated as requiring a Public Trust background.

Nice To Haves

• Hiring incentives may be authorized for a highly qualified candidate, depending on budget availability and federal regulations.

Responsibilities

• Conduct quality assurance, acceptance, failure-analysis, and safety-related testing of high-voltage and high-current power-system equipment in accordance with national and international standards.
• Direct and coordinate laboratory and field personnel, including apprentices, journeymen, and craftsmen, through test setup, execution, tear-down, facility commissioning, and operational training.
• Lead testing and research initiatives to improve transmission-equipment performance and evaluate new materials and equipment for the grid.
• Collaborate with external scientific, university, and industry research partners.
• Develop, document, and execute formal test plans, instrumentation setups, and analytical methodologies for complex electrical-engineering objectives.
• Prepare engineering reports describing test results and study findings, and communicate findings to internal technical groups, leadership, and external stakeholders.
• Manage testing software and databases, including power-factor quality-assurance databases.
• Recommend maintenance and replacement of test equipment.
• Provide emergency technical response and support safety investigations as required.

Benefits

• Federal employee benefits package for employees and their families.
• BPA work-life balance programs and policies intended to support commitments to community, home, and family.
• BPA Be Well wellness program supporting career, community, financial, physical, and social well-being.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior