Energy Operations Electrical Engineer

The High Voltage Electrical Engineer is a key member of the Energy Operations team at Stanford University, reporting to the Associate Director of Engineering. The High Voltage Electrical Engineer is the technical expert for Stanford power distribution systems and is responsible for all engineering activities related to those systems, which include substations, protective relaying, coordination studies, power flow analysis, SCADA systems, underground medium voltage distribution, and interface with low voltage distribution systems. Responsible for the management and coordination of electrical utility projects. Develops and coordinates operational guidelines for distribution systems. Develops, monitors and assists with implementation of high volt electrical maintenance plans.

CORE JOB DUTIES

30% – Development and implementation of electrical distribution system programs and systems. Provides planning and prioritization of electrical engineering needs; outlines, schedules and oversees the services of consultants and contractors as a project manager.  Serves as Project Manager for electrical distribution projects and prepares project cost estimates.  Assists in project scope definition and development.  Participates in plans review and field inspections.  Provides design and bid document cost comparison evaluations. 

30% – Prepare, review, and analyze projects’ technical plans and specifications for sound design, conformance with design guidelines and other related criteria, and pertinent codes or standards. Provides technical engineering support to systems managers, project managers, project engineers, consultants, and utility system customers in matters relating to the design & distribution of utilities. Responsible for SCADA systems, including billing meters. Coordinates with transmission utility representatives and internal stakeholders in response to service interruptions and campus outages.

20% – Serves as a technical lead on projects related to the reliable operation of the distribution system SCADA system. Works closely with the high volt maintenance team to coordinate, design and evaluate substation and distribution system maintenance program and updates campus maps and records. Works closely with internal stakeholders to develop guidelines for the maintenance, distribution and operation of utility systems to ensure safe, reliable and efficient delivery of electrical utilities. Reviews switching tags and LOTO to ensure safety of personnel and distribution equipment.

20% – Represent the Energy Operations department to plan strategically for the development, engineering, and budgeting of projects for annual and five-year capital project planning. Maintains and refines the electrical utility master plan to ensure proposed projects are constructed and implemented to avoid risk of utility service disruptions.  Provides expertise in project closure and record documentation completion.

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or related field, and at least ten years of directly related experience. Experience leading technical or cross-functional project teams. Experience managing complex projects or groups of projects.

MINIMUM KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED

• Ten or more years of experience as a substation or utility distribution engineer, or in a directly related role working with high and/or medium voltage electrical distribution systems.
• Ability to apply engineering principles and theory to electrical engineering practice, with proven adaptability to varying conditions.
• Ability to expertly interpret planning and design specifications, documents, drawings, and reports.
• Proven ability to build effective relationships and work seamlessly with organizational staff, vendors and contractors to execute projects.
• Knowledge of electric code, environmental and safety rules, regulations, and policies. Ability to conduct job site inspections to ensure compliance.
• Demonstrated ability to work and communicate effectively with all audiences, including those with technical and non-technical backgrounds, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to work in high temperature and high noise environments, and may occasionally handle hazardous materials.
• Knowledge of scheduling, project management tools and resources.
• Understanding and ability to perform/evaluate lifecycle cost analysis.
• Excellent project management skills
• Demonstrated ability to monitor and control scope, schedule, and budget.
• Ability to identify and mitigate potential project risk components.

DESIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Current, active California PE license preferred.
• Experience programming and/or maintaining Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories (SEL) relay or equivalent
• Experience with EasyPower or SKM arc flash software
• Experience with enterprise data historians.
• Experience with an overall meter data management system, including support for integrations in a utility automated meter reading (AMR) system, both existing and new.
• Operations experience at a power generation facility, district energy system, oil and gas, chemical manufacturing, or other environment with critical operations and high uptime requirements.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Frequently sitting, perform desk-based computer tasks, lift/carry/push/pull objects that weigh up to 10 pounds.
• Occasionally stand/walk, twist/bend/stoop/squat, grasp lightly/fine manipulation, and use a telephone, lift/carry/push/pull objects that weigh up to 11-20 pounds.
• Rarely kneel/crawl, climb (ladders, scaffolds, or other), reach/work above shoulders, grasp forcefully, writing by hand, sort/file paperwork or parts, lift/carry/push/pull objects that weigh >40 pounds.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Requires 24-hour response availability seven days per week for emergency situations.
• Power Plant conditions require wearing of Personal Protective Equipment, including hearing protection with normal plant noise > 80dB TWA.
• May work at heights 4 – 10 ft.

WORK STANDARDS

• Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrates the ability to work well with Stanford colleagues and clients and with external organizations.
• Promote Culture of Safety: Demonstrates commitment to personal responsibility and value for safety; communicates safety concerns; uses and promotes safe behaviors based on training and lessons learned.
• Subject to and expected to comply with all applicable University policies and procedures, including but not limited to the personnel policies and other policies found in the University’s Administrative Guide, http://adminguide.stanford.edu/

The successful candidate will embrace the following LBRE Core Values of Leadership, Exploration, Gratitude, Accountability, Community and You, and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in their management style and help to build an organization where these qualities serve as the foundation for successful and rewarding careers for all employees. https://lbredei.stanford.edu/

LBRE views a strong culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion as one where everyone can thrive. It is a culture of trust and respect, where staff can be their authentic selves, feel safe and work in a place that they feel they belong. We strive to create a community that draws upon a wide pool of talent to unify excellence while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values.

*The job duties listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classification and are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary depending on department or program needs without changing the general nature and scope of the job or level of responsibility. Employees may also perform other duties as assigned.

*Consistent with its obligations under law, the University will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of his or her job.

*Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.