Principal Electrical Engineer - Applied Technology Services (ATS)

Pacific Gas And Electric Company•San Ramon, CA

70d•Onsite

About The Position

The Applied Technology Services (ATS) Engineering staff provides engineering, testing and analysis services and expertise across multiple disciplines to various company organizations to identify, diagnose and solve technical problems. The staff provides consultation and advice to internal departments to proactively avoid future problems by specifying equipment, materials and methods that are best practices in the industry. Services include technology demonstrations, inspections, failure analysis, performance assessments, and evaluations on a wide variety of systems and components ranging from utility scale transmission and distribution to distributed generation. The engineering staff partners with management in the creation of bid proposals for requested project work. The incumbents maintain knowledge of and adhere to all company and regulatory safety and quality processes and procedures. The Principal Electrical Engineer will be responsible for providing technical leadership to the broader ATS Electrical Engineering staff and other engineering groups within PG&E and may include: Electrical Engineering Testing, Analysis, and Consulting Services High Voltage (up to 720,000 Volts) and High Current (up to 90,000 Amps) Testing Evaluation of new equipment and tools Equipment Failure Analysis Electrical Safety Incident Investigation and recreation Grounding Grid Measurements and Analysis Arc-Flash Hazard Analysis and Program Development Travel required; frequency depends on the assignment and is typically 10% - 25%.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering with emphasis in a discipline related to assignments. (i.e., mechanical, civil or electrical engineering, etc.)
10 years of related experience

Nice To Haves

P.E. (Professional Engineer License)
Expertise in engineering research and testing concepts, theories, practices, methods, techniques in area of specialty. May have a thorough understanding of other engineering specialties.
Experience at an electrical utility with expertise in a variety of electrical engineering roles including power system studies; system planning and operations; engineering design; equipment specifications and testing; development of work methods and procedures.
Knowledge of current and new technologies used in technical testing in area of specialty.
Leadership and participation in industry for the development of standards
Published articles, white papers, or technical bulletins that advanced the utility industry.
Thorough understanding of quality assurance and control concepts and practices.
Expertise in investigative and analytical problem-solving methods and techniques.
Excellent organizational skills to effectively monitor and lead technical tests.
Excellent communication and presentation skills to effectively deliver findings and recommendations to clients of various levels.
Project management and team leadership skills.
Strong customer service orientation, adapting project plan and team leadership to customer needs as appropriate.

Responsibilities

Exercises independent judgment in leading and resolving problems of large impact, scope and complexity with few precedents or standards requiring integration of information from a variety of sources. Leads team determining scope, schedule, budget and preparing client bid proposals.
Is recognized as a subject matter expert in one or more disciplines and provides breadth of knowledge and performs analysis and projects across several areas.
Substation switchyard grounding analysis
Temporary protective grounding procedure development
Arc flash hazard analysis and program development
Engineering support for the development of live line work procedures
Special studies including interference from proximity to high voltage lines and equipment
Search for new practical solutions to highly complex problems. Assesses business conditions, identifies opportunities, and develops projects & solutions from a multifunctional or multidisciplinary perspective.
Leads project teams performing tests to identify, define, solve problems, and prepare technical reports and specifications. Prepares and delivers presentations and recommendations to clients based on project results/findings. Oversees assembly of technical systems and prototypes according to engineering standards and knowledge of related principles.
Modifies prototypes, parts, assemblies, and systems to correct functional deviations. Continually identifies testing or process improvements.
Develops, evaluates, and deploys new technologies. Identifies innovations and cost-reduction potential of new and existing technologies.
May provide expert opinion or information related to projects or other issues to external customers, agencies, or other parties.
Interfaces with clients to understand expectations and concerns and ensure strong customer satisfaction.
Contributes to industry publications and participates in programs supporting grounding, arc flash, substation design, live line work, and regulatory compliance.
As a Principal Electrical Engineer, you will be expected to actively contribute to the broader engineering community through participation in industry organizations, technical committees, and conferences such as ASTM, IEEE, EPRI, CIGRE, CEATI, etc.