Substation Field Engineer

Great River Energy • Elk River, MN

388d • $115,000 - $140,000

About The Position

The Substation Field Engineer is responsible for analyzing and managing the condition-based maintenance program for transmission substations and associated equipment. This role ensures safety, reliability, cost-effectiveness, and compliance by utilizing data from various sources to support decision-making for equipment replacement prioritization. The engineer will provide technical expertise to substation apparatus employees and assist in construction and maintenance activities that impact the condition-based maintenance program.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in engineering required.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license required.
• Ability to interpret technical test results and engineering documentation.
• Aptitude and knowledge of working with mechanical type of equipment.
• Knowledge of construction and maintenance practices for substations and switching sites.
• Strong knowledge of safety codes and standards applicable to construction and maintenance in substations.
• Ability to interpret technical drawings, materials, contracts, and related documentation.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical expertise for installation, determine testing and maintenance requirements of substation apparatus equipment.
• Review apparatus equipment failures to ensure consistency in testing and maintenance practices between service centers.
• Conduct regular site visits to provide technical expertise and support to apparatus technicians at all service centers.
• Review new construction projects and scheduled maintenance activities for each service center to ensure adequate resource loading and advise supervising manager of any necessary changes.
• Recommend selection of contractors and coordinate contractor scheduling.
• Research and identify replacement parts for retrofit installations on substation apparatus equipment.
• Manage substation inspection program requirements.
• Review equipment test results and initiate work order repair or replacement as necessary.
• Coordinate sharing of test results and meeting requests for insurance provider.
• Analyze oil testing records applicable software and coordinate updated testing and monitoring plans.
• Define equipment spares philosophy for new and existing equipment and determine interoperability to reduce inventory.
• Responsible for sourcing replacement equipment and parts to respond efficiently and timely to emergent issues.
• Ensure that documented maintenance work order information is accurate and complete.
• Verify and ensure NERC required corrective maintenance work orders relating to apparatus equipment in transmission substations and transmission switches are created and completed.
• Lead the prioritization process and propose equipment replacements to support capital project budgeting.
• Provide recommendations on various types of new substation equipment, considering factors such as safety, performance, and costs.
• Provide feedback to design engineering on equipment specifications and equipment monitoring enhancements based on operational experience.
• Define comprehensive maintenance practices designed to enhance and extend the lifespan of assets, ensuring their optimal performance and reliability over time.
• Collaborate with other stakeholders in the selection and implementation of advancing technologies to improve asset performance to increase asset life expectancy and create long term value.
• Participate in activities with external stakeholders such as EPRI, NATF, Doble forums, and regional transmission user groups.
• Plan, develop, conduct, and oversee apparatus technician training specific to the construction, operation, and maintenance activities of substation equipment.

Benefits

• Market competitive base pay
• Exceptional benefits and retirement
• Focus on continuous engagement and recognition
• Personal and professional development opportunities
• Emphasis on work-life effectiveness

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Industry: Management of Companies and Enterprises
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree