Fire Mitigation Engineer III/Senior

APS • Phoenix, AZ

7d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Fire Mitigation Engineer III/Senior Engineer provides advanced engineering expertise to support the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of wildfire and fire mitigation strategies. This role applies in-depth technical knowledge of fire mitigation, system protection, engineering standards, risk-based decision making, and device deployment to enhance the safety, reliability, and resilience of electric utility operations. The engineer serves as a recognized subject matter expert, providing technical leadership, evaluating complex engineering challenges, and developing effective solutions that serve as the basis for critical operational and strategic decisions.
The position requires a strong understanding of engineering technologies, field application practices, and organizational processes to identify and implement mitigation measures that reduce fire risk while maintaining system performance. Work is performed with a high degree of independence and is evaluated primarily on long-term results and outcomes. The Fire Mitigation Engineer collaborates with internal and external stakeholders, supports regulatory and compliance initiatives, and may provide guidance and mentorship to other engineering professionals. This role may require shift work and occasional overnight travel.

Requirements

• A four-year Bachelors degree in an engineering discipline or related applied science discipline (see approved list) from an ABET accredited institution, an International Engineering Alliance (IEA) recognized institution or an ABET Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) plus eight (8) years working experience in Engineering-related positions. (Five (5) years minimum for engineer III).
• A four-year Bachelors degree in an engineering discipline or related applied science discipline (see approved list) from an ABET accredited institution, an International Engineering Alliance (IEA) recognized institution or an ABET Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) plus eight (8) years working experience in Engineering-related positions.

Nice To Haves

• Problem analysis/resolution techniques.
• Knowledge of applicable codes, standards, practices, methods and safety standards in the area of applicable engineering discipline.
• Experience in the utility industry.
• Professional Engineer licensure.

Responsibilities

• Develops and applies unique solutions and applications to a broad range of distribution protection strategies that reduce the overall fire risk throughout the state. Makes decisions and recommendations that have a moderate to significant effect on the overall organization and system performance.
• Assists the organization in problem solving, as needed, by critically challenging assumptions and decisions to ensure the most optimal solutions and strategies are implemented. Assists in developing long-range fire mitigation strategies.
• Leverages industry and organization resources to align and execute an overall strategy. Develops a path forward to address these issues including bridging strategies. May interface with outside agencies and regulatory authorities.
• Research new developments and technology and make recommendations to management on their feasibility for Company operations. Maintains a thorough knowledge of fire mitigation industry trends and technology through involvement with research institutes (EPRI, etc.), industry peer groups, and regulatory bodies.
• Provides technical guidance, leadership and support to less experienced engineers both internal and external to the fire mitigation team. Provides direction for programs executed by field teams.
• Prepares complex engineering plans, designs, analysis, specifications, cost estimates, evaluations, studies, technical reviews, investigations and verifications. Ensures engineering analyses, design, project control, schedule commitments or oversight work is technically sound, cost effective, and in compliance with established standards, codes, and regulations. Checks and reviews analysis, evaluations, and investigations of others.
• May plan and coordinate programs and large-scale engineering projects or multiple medium-scale projects while acting as the technical specialist. May be responsible for: all aspects of work scope; directing consultants; conducting feasibility studies; determining staff, cost estimates and resource requirements; and recommending engineering criteria.
• Integrates the many interrelated elements of complex projects that are broad in scope, require considerations not previously encountered and requires interpretation and/or modification to guidelines. Complies with design, regulatory, operating and maintenance requirements. Identifies potential schedule or quality problems and initiates corrective action.
• Interfaces with other departments to ensure project objectives are understood and that work scope meets requirements, budget and schedule. Contacts various levels of management to obtain or present technical data. Presents the results of designs, studies projects (in terms of new techniques) or approaches to subordinates, colleagues, and management.
• Monitors projects and recommends modifications to increase operating efficiency and /or reviews design and documentation of complex projects to ensure compliance with design specifications, schedules and any regulatory requirements. May develop, negotiate and manage contracts and contract revisions.

Benefits

• Employees in hybrid roles work both in their home offices (virtually) and alongside their colleagues (in person).
• Employees are expected to reside in Arizona (or New Mexico for Four Corners-based employees).
• Working from a home office requires adequate technology and an appropriate ergonomic set up.

What This Job Offers

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