Electrical System Engineer

Bandera Electric Cooperative•Boerne, TX

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Bandera Electric Cooperative (BEC) is hiring Electrical System Engineers at Levels I, II, III, IV, and Senior to help plan, protect, and build the distribution, substation, and transmission systems serving its members. Candidates will be considered for the level that matches their education, licensure, and experience. All positions report to the Engineering Director. The engineering team completes system planning studies, protection and coordination analysis, develops construction and material standards, and supports engineering and project management for construction and upgrade projects. Engineers work with technicians and other engineers to ensure safe, reliable, and economical service. The scope of work, independence, and leadership responsibilities increase with each level. The work is primarily office-based, involving computer work and analysis with engineering software and tools, with outdoor work in all weather conditions when needed. Occasional travel, including overnight travel, to other Cooperative locations may be required. The work environment is fast-paced, with tight deadlines and multiple tasks and projects, including complex or varied assignments. BEC is a member-owned cooperative established in 1938. It serves more than 30,000 members and delivers electric service to 42,000 active meters across a seven-county territory in the Texas Hill Country, with more than 140 employees. Since 2017, BEC has also provided fiber-optic broadband internet and behind-the-meter energy solutions, including an energy management platform, solar installations, and energy storage systems.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering (B.S.E.E.) is required for all levels.
Electrical System Engineer I: No experience required.
Electrical System Engineer II: At least 18 months of related engineering experience and Engineer In Training (EIT) certification, or 4 years of related engineering experience.
Electrical System Engineer III: At least 4 years of related work experience, and one of the following: a Professional Engineering (PE) license; 10 years of related work experience; or 8 years of related work experience and a postgraduate engineering degree.
Electrical System Engineer IV: PE license and at least 4 years of related work experience as a Professional Engineer, or 2 years with a postgraduate engineering degree.
Senior Electrical System Engineer: PE license and at least 10 years of related work experience as a Professional Engineer, or 8 years with a postgraduate engineering degree.
Strong technical knowledge and skills in electrical engineering; expected depth of knowledge increases with level.
Knowledge of distribution planning studies, processes, and modeling software.
Knowledge of substation and transmission facilities.
Knowledge of protective relaying systems and protective devices used to ensure grid resiliency.
Knowledge of overhead and underground design and construction specifications.
Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills, with sound engineering judgment.
Strong communication, interpersonal, organizational, and time-management skills, and strong attention to detail.
Ability to work with increasing independence and manage engineering projects with minimal supervision at higher levels.
Ability to provide direction, guidance, and mentoring to other engineers at higher levels.
Valid Texas driver’s license and related insurance required.
Must pass a background check and drug screening.

Nice To Haves

Experience working in an electric utility.
Familiarity with smart grid initiatives, AMI and MDM systems, GIS, OMS, distribution automation, and distributed energy resources.

Responsibilities

Complete planning studies, including load flows, motor starts, system planning, distributed generation additions, capacitor and power factor studies, load forecasts, and power quality studies, to assess the system’s ability to serve existing and future load reliably and economically.
Perform system protection analysis and coordination, and investigate protective-device mis-operations or improper coordination.
Prepare construction and material specifications and develop or modify standards to support a safe, reliable, and economical system.
Perform engineering and project management duties for construction and upgrades to distribution, substation, and transmission facilities.
Work with technicians and other engineers to ensure safe operating conditions.
Provide annual reports and updates on system reliability.
Recommend initiatives to management, including distribution automation, advanced metering, SCADA, and grid resiliency plans.
Provide safe, efficient, and dependable service to BEC members at the lowest possible cost.
Provide direction, training, and guidance to coworkers and other engineers as experience allows.
Stay informed of company policies and procedures, participate in safety and training meetings, and use provided personal protective equipment.
At higher levels, lead complex projects, serve as a technical authority in a specialty area, set engineering standards, advise management on strategy, and mentor engineers.

Benefits

Highly competitive wages; annual pay range of $84,400 to $227,100 depending on level and experience.
Health, life, and disability benefits beginning on the first day, with no waiting period.
Medical, dental, and vision plans.
Health Savings Account (HSA) with employer contributions of $3,250 for individual medical coverage or $6,500 for family medical coverage.
Company-paid employee life insurance and business travel insurance.
Short- and long-term disability plans.
Supplemental life and AD&D insurance options.
401(k) employer match.
Pension plan.
180 hours (4.5 weeks) of PTO per year to start.
10 paid holidays.
Tuition reimbursement.
Gym reimbursement for the employee and spouse.