Lea County Electric Cooperative- Manager of Engineering

NRECA•Lovington, NM

5d•Onsite

About The Position

Lea County Electric Cooperative (LCEC) in Lovington, NM is seeking a collaborative, technically strong, and forward-thinking leader to serve as its next Manager of Engineering. This critical leadership role will guide engineering strategy, system planning, and infrastructure development to ensure the continued reliability, safety, and long-term success of the cooperative’s electric distribution system. The Manager of Engineering will lead engineering operations with a strong focus on system performance, distribution reliability, long-range planning, and technical excellence. This leader will play a key role in strengthening internal engineering capabilities, mentoring developing talent, and supporting the cooperative’s commitment to operational excellence, accountability, and service to its members. This position is especially important as LCEC continues to manage system growth, evolving energy demands, infrastructure investment, and succession planning needs. The successful candidate will bring a balance of technical expertise, leadership ability, strategic thinking, and cooperative values to help position the organization for long-term success.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or closely related engineering field
Minimum 5 years of leadership experience
Minimum 5 years of electric utility experience
Experience with system studies, load flow analysis, and technical engineering oversight
Demonstrated ability to lead teams and develop employees
Strong communication, organizational, and analytical skills
Valid New Mexico driver’s license (or ability to obtain) and compliance with drug testing policies
Ability to reside within a 30-minute commute of LCEC headquarters

Nice To Haves

Electric cooperative, municipal, or public power utility experience
Professional Engineer (PE) license (or ability to obtain)
Experience with RUS standards and electric cooperative operations
Familiarity with NERC/FERC regulations, FEMA Reconstruction Funding
Experience in Southwest Power Pool (SPP) or similar regional market environments
Advanced degree (MBA or related field)
NRECA Management Internship Program (MIP) graduate
Familiarity with Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories (SEL) systems or similar technologies

Responsibilities

Lead engineering efforts to improve reliability, safety, efficiency, and long-term performance of the electric distribution system
Design and implement a four-year maintenance and construction plan to optimize system operations.
Conduct and oversee system analysis, load forecasting, and infrastructure planning
Evaluate future capital investments and engineering priorities that align with cooperative objectives
Oversee studies on voltage regulation, arc flash safety, and system coordination to enhance network performance
Partner with the engineering team to analyze load flow, short circuit scenarios, and protective relaying schemes.
Ensure sound engineering design and technical decision-making across distribution projects
Maintain strong working knowledge of regulatory and industry requirements impacting engineering operations
Support development and execution of maintenance, construction, and capital improvement plans
Partner with operations and construction teams to ensure engineering standards are maintained
Improve engineering processes, documentation, and project coordination
Monitor system demands and identify infrastructure upgrades needed for future growth
Lead, mentor, and develop engineering staff, including early-career engineers
Build internal technical depth and support succession planning efforts
Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, safety, and continuous improvement
Promote strong communication and effective teamwork across departments
Encourage innovation, initiative, and sound problem-solving
Provide engineering insight and recommendations to leadership