Power Generation Project Engineer, Associate

Pacific Gas And Electric Company•Chico, CA

19h•Onsite

About The Position

The Power Generation department operates and maintains PG&E's hydroelectric, fossil, solar generation, and battery storage facilities, providing approximately 5,300 megawatts of generating capacity. The team of nearly 900 coworkers is dedicated to delivering safe, reliable, and cost-effective generation to California in an environmentally responsible manner. Facilities include 62 conventional hydro powerhouses, a pumped-storage facility, 98 reservoirs, 168 dams, over 200 miles of canals and flumes, natural gas-fired plants (Humboldt Bay, Colusa, Gateway), utility-scale solar generation plants, and battery energy storage facilities (e.g., Elkhorn Battery facility). This Associate Level Project Engineer position is the first in a progression, performing tasks of limited scope under the guidance of more senior engineers and project managers. The role provides engineering, project management, and technical support to O&M staff for small to medium capital and expense improvements to power generation and infrastructure facilities. Projects are typically discipline-specific, of limited to moderate complexity, and may involve upgrades or replacement of turbine/generator, boiler, auxiliary equipment, or minor improvements to civil water conveyance or infrastructure features. Job duties will vary by assignment and may include Privileged and Confidential work.

Requirements

A 4-year BS Degree in Engineering from an accredited curriculum in the US or the equivalent from outside the US is required.
Successful completion of the NCES FE Exam and submission of documentation to obtain California E.I.T. examination within 150 days of hiring.
At least 18 months of engineering and/or project management experience and demonstrated performance in related industry; or demonstrated skill development and performance in Power Gen’s EIT program, or completion of PG&E’s college new hire program.

Nice To Haves

BS in Engineering Degree is preferred.
Current and active California PE license desired.
Able to apply basic engineering and/or project management principles and theory.
Demonstrated ability to identify information needed to solve a problem; gather and organize information in systematic manner; develop simple analysis and/or support more complex analysis by more experienced engineers; prepare basic reports and displays of data logically and according to established standards and guidelines.
Has basic understanding of utility industry, general knowledge of design requirements and industry standards, and proven ability to develop simple designs and specifications.
Able to provide technical and/or project oversight and direction to consultants, suppliers, and construction firms to meet routine to moderately complex project needs; understands contracting principals and options; able to contribute to the favorable negotiation and resolution of contract disputes.
Able to function as a project manager on projects with limited or routine scope and/or supports more experienced project managers on larger or more complex projects; has good understanding of project management concepts, principals, and practices; able to develop scopes, schedules, cost plans and obtain job authorizations; able to coordinate team activities and analyze, manage, and communicate project progress on simple projects or in support of more complex projects.
Ability to combine technical & business judgment in applying engineering and project management principles and techniques to determine cost effective and practical solutions.
Understands PG&E’s basic financial and business policies & practices and tools, and able to apply appropriately to the cost estimating, economic analysis, justification, and approval of routine moderately complex projects.
Strong communication and analytical skills; effectively communicates orally and in writing; able to present basic information in informal and formal group settings; able to facilitate project team meetings.
Able to build consensus with team members and contractors around basic project and technical issues that involve limited controversy.
Approaches and plans work in an organized manner to meet project commitments.
Demonstrates good judgment when making decisions and recommendations, including solicitation of guidance from experienced personnel.
Frequently shows initiative and takes action proactively.
Works with more experienced engineers and project managers to further their own development.
Proactively evolves engineering and project management skills and knowledge through industry associations & conferences, technical workshops, trade publications, and additional formal education.
Proficient business computer skills such as Microsoft Office Suite Programs (Emphasis on Excel, Word, and MS Project).

Responsibilities

Demonstrates full understanding of Power Generation safety programs and requirements; proactively identifies and resolves unsafe situations; models safe behavior through personal actions and design efforts; holds self and others accountable for safety; and actively contributes to Power Generation safety initiatives.
Actively participates in the Field Document Management team as a discipline (electrical or mechanical) engineer or project manager, or in support of more experienced engineers on other teams, as assigned.
Coordinates project activities with other disciplines and departments as needed.
Investigates and resolves discrepancies, errors, or issues within Power Generation documents to support completion of engineering and project-related tasks.
Provides technical expertise and direction to Field Engineering Assistants and Field Design Engineers within the team; engineers may perform Field Design Engineer duties as needed to support training objectives and meet project delivery commitments.
Under direction, verifies that engineering documentation is accurate and representative of assets as they exist in the field.
Develops appropriate design criteria and calculations; ensures proper checking, design reviews, approvals, and documentation in accordance with applicable standards and procedures.
Prepares engineering project forecasts, tracks progress, updates forecasts as needed, and provides periodic status updates to supervisors and project stakeholders.
Under direction and within delegated authority, reviews and approves engineering documents and drawings.
Supports the development and maintenance of engineering standards and process documentation to promote consistency and continuous improvement.
Ensures all drawings affected by design changes are updated in a timely manner to accurately reflect As‑Found and As‑Built conditions.
Ensures field design changes are properly documented and managed in accordance with established processes.
With support from supervisors and senior engineers or project managers, provides technical direction and oversight to consultants and contractors, as assigned.
Provides, and/or works with more experienced engineers and project managers to deliver technical assessments and project management support for operating and maintenance-related issues, as needed.
In emergency situations, promptly responds to facility failures to support engineering assessment and development of corrective actions.
Establishes and leads project team with agreed-upon roles and responsibilities.
Obtains commitment on detailed work plans including schedule, cost, resource, contingency and communication plans.
Obtains management approval as required and is responsible for ongoing project tracking, analysis, and resolution of cost, scope, resource, and schedule issues.
Ensures project documentation is accurately maintained, current, and stored in the appropriate system of record.
In collaboration with supervisors, prepares, evaluates, and negotiates contracts and proposals from consultants and manages/reviews the resulting work.
Communicates project status on a regular basis to internal and external stakeholders using appropriate communication methods.
Ensures implementation of applicable engineering, project management, and quality standards.
Manages multiple routine to moderately complex issues and projects; resolves problems of limited scope; and/or supports more experienced engineers and project managers on larger‑scope and more complex projects.
Independently plans and manages work to meet commitments and assigned objectives under general direction.
Performs other duties as assigned related to Engineering and Project Management.