Substation Engineering

FirstEnergy • Akron, OH

21h

About The Position

FirstEnergy Service Co., a subsidiary of FirstEnergy Corp., is seeking a self-directed engineer to create and manage engineering designs, equipment, and standards for its Substation Engineering group. The position works with engineers, survey crews, drafters, and internal and external partners on projects from initial estimation through construction and record updates. It reports design progress proactively and identifies issues that could affect successful project completion. The engineer provides technical support to Substation and Transmission personnel, Real Estate, Project Management, and Construction, while helping ensure safety standards, design accuracy, budget allocations, and required in-service dates are met.

The role includes designing and supporting substation projects, coordinating equipment and procurement, reviewing technical documentation, and working with internal teams and external engineering firms, vendors, manufacturers, and consultants. It also involves project scheduling and cost coordination, engineering permits and real estate support, equipment evaluation and delivery management, design reviews and manufacturer-site activities, and keeping standards and specifications current. The position may support numerous locations and requires travel throughout the service area and to manufacturer locations, as well as extra and irregular hours. A Professional Engineering license is preferred; future advancement may be linked to the ability to stamp and seal engineering design drawings when necessary.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Science in Electrical, Civil, or Mechanical Engineering from an ABET-accredited institution, or one of the stated alternatives: a PE license; an ABET-accredited Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology; or a bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Civil, Mechanical Engineering, or a technical field from a non-ABET institution plus an advanced degree in Electrical, Civil, or Mechanical Engineering from a university with an ABET-accredited bachelor’s program.
• At least 2 years of engineering experience.
• Working knowledge of computer software necessary for the role, including Microsoft Office and AutoCAD.
• Valid driver’s license and access to reliable transportation.
• Commitment to a safety culture and maintaining a safe work environment for coworkers and the public.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and work effectively under deadlines, unexpected developments, scope changes, budget constraints, field problems, and competing demands.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to develop and maintain effective relationships across FirstEnergy and with outside firms and manufacturers.
• Ability to work independently and in teams to coordinate designs with FirstEnergy groups including Siting and Permitting, Project Management, Maintenance, Forestry, Real Estate, Construction, and regional operating companies.
• Ability to make practical decisions promptly based on the best available information.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills, including preparing comprehensive project status reports, clear correspondence, and accurate information.
• Strong organizational, computer, and problem-solving skills.
• Self-directed approach without dependence on detailed instructions.
• Willingness and ability to travel throughout the service area and to manufacturer locations, and to work extra and irregular hours.

Nice To Haves

• Professional Engineering (PE) license; ability to obtain an Engineer in Training certificate and Professional Engineering license is preferred.
• Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) certificate.
• Knowledge of FileNet, SAP, or Cascade.
• Ability to stamp and seal engineering design drawings as a Professional Engineer when necessary; future advancement is likely linked to this ability.

Responsibilities

• Create engineering designs and work scopes for substation projects, including items such as steel structures, foundations, clearances, layouts, grounding, oil containment, lightning protection, schematics, and wiring diagrams.
• Confirm that project documentation and support are available to the necessary personnel.
• Ensure designs provide a safe environment for transmission and substation personnel, contractors, and the public.
• Prepare bills of material and specifications to procure project equipment and materials.
• Prepare and file applications and supporting documentation for engineering permits when necessary.
• Review NESC clearance requirements and coordinate with Maintenance personnel to protect public safety.
• Assist Real Estate with substation property acquisition by coordinating sketches, maps, exhibits, and easement plans.
• Direct technical personnel in gathering and recording data for substation design projects.
• Work with outside engineering firms, vendors, equipment manufacturers, and consultants.
• Provide engineering support to employees learning standards, procedures, designs, and related issues.
• Analyze engineering issues, structures, and equipment, and recommend solutions and alternate design options.
• Prepare estimates for proposed projects.
• Review manufacturer drawings for compliance with specifications.
• Conduct design reviews, plant audits, and test witnessing at manufacturers’ facilities as necessary.
• Evaluate equipment ratings and requirements and project schedules to support accurate equipment ordering and project in-service dates.
• Manage substation project equipment orders from initial request through delivery, including technical details, bid evaluation, schedules, drawing and design reviews, action items, testing, and delivery.
• Support communication across business units regarding project needs.
• Convene internal project schedule-compliance review meetings to ensure deliverables support project schedules and remain within budget.
• Research new technologies that can automate work processes, improve efficiency, and reduce the risk of human error.
• Keep standards and equipment specifications accurate and current by reviewing them against industry standards and best practices.
• Participate in industry meetings, including IEEE and EPRI, to contribute to industry direction.
• Support and sustain FirstEnergy’s organizational performance and values through responsible, effective work performance.

Benefits

• Competitive pay plus incentive compensation
• Company-sponsored pension plan
• 401(k) savings plan with matching employer contribution
• Choice of medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, and life insurance programs
• Skills development training with tuition reimbursement

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level