Prin Program Engineer

Consumers Energy•Ludington, MI

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Principal Program Engineer provides engineering and technical expertise to execute projects and programs across Consumers Energy’s generation sites. The role oversees multiple initiatives, including project planning, establishing criteria, coordinating reviews, and ensuring successful implementation. It schedules and forecasts work, allocates resources, and manages technical activities from project conception through completion. The position is accountable for team deliverables and provides technical oversight, guidance, and mentorship to engineers and technicians. The role is part of the Generation Design group, which provides engineering leadership for capital projects at solar, wind, hydro, coal, and natural gas generation facilities. Work may include new generation development, plant modifications, modernization, and maintenance. The position is based onsite at the Ludington Pumped Storage Plant in Ludington, Michigan; other west-side Michigan locations may also be available. The selected candidate must live within commuting distance or be willing to relocate. A relocation package is available for those who qualify. The position manages electrical and technical project work through design, construction, commissioning, and closeout. It supports plant modernization and renewable generation projects, and develops scopes of work for external engineering firms while overseeing their performance. The role also monitors project quality, budget, schedule, and status and provides technical support to project managers and other participants. The position is not eligible for current or future immigration sponsorship, including H-1B or TN sponsorship, and cannot employ candidates using CPT, OPT, or STEM OPT.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering from an ABET-accredited program and at least seven years of experience in a program engineer capacity; or a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering from a non-ABET-accredited program, a Professional Engineering license, and at least seven years of experience in a program engineer capacity.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Strong knowledge of design and visualization software such as AutoCAD.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office and ability and aptitude to learn new software and technologies.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
Strong understanding of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) principles.
Familiarity with applicable rules, regulations, industry best practices, and performance standards.
Knowledge of control systems, including Distributed Control Systems (DCS), Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), relay-based logic, and instrumentation.
Knowledge of the design, construction, and/or operation of electric generating plants or heavy industrial facilities.
Knowledge of AC/DC power systems, grounding, protection systems, generators, exciters, breakers, switchgear, load centers, motor control centers (MCCs), and other electrical systems.
Knowledge of project management principles, including safety leadership, schedule development and implementation, procurement, and construction means and methods.
Knowledge of applicable industry and building codes related to discipline-specific design and construction.
Knowledge of planning and permitting requirements related to discipline-specific design and construction.
Must be within commuting distance of the Ludington, Michigan worksite or willing to relocate.
Must not require current or future immigration sponsorship; CPT, OPT, and STEM OPT employment is not eligible.

Nice To Haves

Experience with power systems analysis, design, and operation.
Experience with DCS, PLCs, and other industrial control systems.
Experience working in power generation facilities and/or heavy industrial environments.
Electrical and/or controls project engineering experience.
Experience reviewing engineering designs for compliance with design requirements, applicable codes, constructability standards, and industry standards.
Experience procuring engineered materials, equipment, and professional services.

Responsibilities

Prepare, schedule, coordinate, and monitor assigned engineering projects; assign responsibilities and guide and mentor project team members.
Build partnerships with business partners, understand their goals, interpret client needs and requirements, and represent those interests throughout project execution.
Monitor compliance with applicable codes, practices, QA/QC policies, performance standards, and specifications.
Support Agile project delivery by balancing team performance with project priorities and deadlines, and develop equipment specifications to support project needs.
Review engineering deliverables and tasks, identify potential issues, and initiate corrective actions.
Provide technical assistance to project managers and other project participants, and collaborate with senior engineers on efficient project methods and overall project performance.
Review project budgets, schedules, plans, and personnel performance for quality control, and report project status.
Manage electrical and technical aspects of assigned projects through design, construction, commissioning, and closeout.
Support plant modernization projects focused on optimizing power generation.
Support renewable energy projects involving solar, wind, battery energy storage, hydro, and pumped storage through design, construction, commissioning, and closeout.
Develop scopes of work for external engineering firms and manage their performance throughout project phases.
Perform other duties as assigned or necessary.