Metering Applications Engineer

Overview

Bandera Electric Cooperative (BEC) and BEC Fiber seek to reimagine Rural America. BEC distributes electricity across seven counties in Central Texas, and BECFiber delivers fiber broadband to members and subscribers in eight counties in the Texas Hill Country. We offer highly competitive wages and a generous benefits package (benefits start on day one) with paid time off and ten paid holidays.

• Provide guidance and assistance in the engineering activities of the cooperative.
• Oversee all metering applications, activities, technical support services such as monitoring calibration, selection of metering devices, associated current and potential transformers/transducers, testing and repair, and technical assessments.
• Assist in developing and documenting manufacturing assembly processes, specifications, procedures, product and cost analysis, technical material to support bid documentation, and providing technical training for internal resources.
• Guide and develop energy efficiency and sustainability provided by the Apollo ware DERMS and metering platforms, focusing on metering and verification services for demand-side management and related projects (distributed generation and energy storage, HVAC systems, pumps, etc.).
• Analyze large data sets to identify energy usage patterns and make recommendations for a resilient and reliable electric grid.
• Oversee all functions related to BEC lighting, including current and future inventory, light standards, light sensors, and installation/maintenance processes.
• Collaborate with engineers to evaluate and analyze the electric grid and its components, including transmission, substation, and distribution systems.
• Manage projects from planning through design, construction, and operation.
• Work with system operations to ensure availability and functioning of the metering system during normal and outage scenarios.
• Coordinate with the optical fiber communications group to integrate next-generation grid devices.
• Monitor Aclara meter alerts to ensure meters function correctly and stay on the latest software versions.
• Respond to member and employee questions and complaints in a timely and effective manner.
• Utilize engineering planning and design software such as Aclara, Apollo ware, or Milsoft for project support.
• Review new and existing technologies and evaluate trends in metering and related software platforms.
• Recommend and integrate changes to current meter installation, monitoring, and billing processes.
• Provide guidance and assistance in the maintenance, upgrade, and integration of Outage Management and dispatch systems in collaboration with engineering, other departments, manufacturers, and vendors.
• Manage projects and schedules for smart grid applications and energy topics; create new business development initiatives.
• Proficiently operate BEC’s enterprise software, such as NiSC.
• Assist in budgets and special projects for the department.
• Represent the Cooperative at local, state, and national organizations and meetings.

• Knowledge of large data collection methods, analyses, and data verification.
• Knowledge of the National Electric Code (NEC) and National Electrical Safety Code (NESC).
• Thorough knowledge of electric metering safety requirements and safe work practices; practices are aligned with established codes, rules, and specifications.
• Ability to provide recommendations for improving metering systems.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively on projects that promote future technologies, energy efficiency, and sustainability.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills.
• Strong computer skills.

Note: Language preserved from the original description is kept, with formatting improvements for clarity.

• Education:
• Bachelor's degree in a related field.
• Engineering License (Optional).

• Experience:
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in an electric utility system, including primary and secondary metering and service equipment, and AMI systems technology is desired.

• Additional Requirements:
• Valid Texas Driver’s License and related insurance.
• Must pass a background and drug screening.