Prin Electrical Engineer

Consumers Energy•Jackson, MI

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Consumers Energy is Michigan’s largest energy provider, serving 6.8 million residents across 68 Lower Peninsula counties. This role is for a Principal Electrical Engineer, a departmental subject matter expert responsible for the engineering and design of large, complex projects for the sustainable operation of our distribution, generation, and storage systems. The position requires collaboration with a team of engineers and technicians, coordinating across the organization and with external stakeholders on technical projects within their area of expertise. The Principal Electric Engineer is an industry-recognized expert in electrical distribution system planning, design, and implementation, providing enterprise-level technical leadership. Specifically, the Principal Electric Engineer – HVD Reliability offers exceptional technical leadership with broad strategic impact across cross-departmental programs, policies, and reliability planning initiatives. This role requires a strong technical leader who is a recognized SME in subtransmission (High Voltage Distribution, or HVD) line design and planning, and who can collaborate effectively with Operations on a daily basis. The position serves as the subject matter expert for HVD line-related assets and is responsible for managing projects and programs focused on improving overall asset health. Responsibilities include managing contracted and consulting resources engaged in inspections and asset improvement initiatives, serving as the primary point of contact for pole inspection contractors. The Principal Electric Engineer is accountable for supporting work order creation and serves as the system owner for HVD lines on the east side of the state, ensuring alignment among asset condition, reliability risk, and execution strategies. This role requires a high degree of independence and leadership in driving collaboration across Consumers Energy to achieve strategic business objectives related to HVD asset health, coordination efforts, policy development, and industry engagement. Strong application of the CE Way and Lean practices is essential for performance, continuous improvement, and effective HVD asset management. The evolution of this role requires an enterprise mindset and close collaboration with cross-functional groups to align on company-wide best practices. The Principal Electric Engineer is also required to maintain an active storm restoration role.

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree in Engineering from an ABET accredited program OR Engineering degree from a non-ABET accredited program plus a Professional Engineering license with 7 years of experience in an advanced electrical engineering capacity.
7 years of experience in an advanced or senior electrical engineering role, demonstrating progressively increasing technical responsibility, leadership, and complexity of work is preferred.
Strong organizational skills with a high level of attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.
Demonstrated knowledge of the theory and practical application of electric utility distribution planning, including contractor coordination, operations, and maintenance activities.
Knowledge of applicable electrical engineering codes, standards, and regulatory requirements.
Effective written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences.
Strong analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to evaluate data, assess risk, and develop sound engineering solutions.
Knowledge of applicable codes related to electronic engineering.
Proficient in design and calculation software.
Organizational skills and attention to detail.
Knowledge of the theory and practice of electric utility distribution planning, construction, operation, and maintenance.
Working knowledge of electric utility operation (i.e. generation, transmission and distribution of three phase alternating current power).
Knowledge of distribution planning principles is an asset.

Nice To Haves

This position is not eligible for immigration sponsorship, e.g., H-1B, TN, etc. Please do not apply if you will need immigration sponsorship for a work visa now or in the future, including sponsorship for H-1B, TN, etc., now or in the future.
We are unable to hire individuals with CPT, OPT, or STEM OPT for this position as the position is not eligible for participation in the H-1B lottery program and is not eligible for current or future immigration sponsorship for a work visa.

Responsibilities

Perform a wide range of engineering tasks using computer-assisted design and engineering software and equipment.
Assign work and provide directions to engineers and technicians to ensure timely and accurate completion of project tasks.
Maintain accountability for compliance with applicable specifications, codes, and customer requirements by overseeing installation, manufacturing, construction, maintenance, documentation, support, and testing activities.
Prepare technical reports and compile data related to existing and proposed electrical engineering projects and studies.
Provide technical support and expertise to internal departments and personnel as needed.
Lead the design, control, and implementation of electrical systems and products.
Serve as the primary point of contact for clients on all electrical engineering project matters and manage the development and execution of electrical system solutions.
Ensure installations and operations conform to established standards and customer requirements by overseeing electrical system specifications, technical drawings, and related documentation.
Investigate, troubleshoot, and resolve project issues in a timely and effective manner.
Design, maintain, implement, and improve electrical instruments, facilities, components, equipment, and systems for industrial, commercial, and domestic applications.
Collaborate with customers, coworkers, and external stakeholders to discuss existing or potential engineering products and projects.
Monitor project progress and budgets, and report status, risks, and outcomes to upper management.
Represent Consumers Energy in construction, manufacturing, and installation standards and specifications by participating in industry standards–making organizations and working groups.
Consult on, review, and approve specifications for the purchase of electrical equipment and materials.
Develop estimates for materials, labor, and construction costs to support budget preparation and project planning.
Provide technical guidance and mentorship to less experienced engineers, supporting continuous skill development, technical rigor, and completeness of engineering deliverables.
Perform other duties as assigned, as necessary to support organizational goals.
Manage contracted and consulting resources engaged in inspections and asset improvement initiatives.
Serve as the primary point of contact for pole inspection contractors.
Support work order creation.
Serve as the system owner for HVD lines on the east side of the state.
Ensure alignment among asset condition, reliability risk, and execution strategies.
Drive collaboration across Consumers Energy to achieve strategic business objectives related to HVD asset health, coordination efforts, policy development, and industry engagement.
Apply the CE Way and Lean practices to drive performance, continuous improvement, and effective HVD asset management.
Collaborate with cross-functional groups to align on company-wide best practices.
Maintain an active storm restoration role.