Substation Engineer

Energize your future by joining our team at Northern Virginia Electric Cooperative (NOVEC)! NOVEC's mission is to create value for its members, employees and communities by providing safe, reliable electricity and quality products at competitive prices.

NOVEC is a locally owned electric distribution system headquartered in Manassas, VA. NOVEC provides reliable electric service to more than 180,000 homes and businesses in Clarke, Fairfax, Fauquier, Loudoun, Prince William and Stafford counties, the City of Manassas Park, and the Town of Clifton. NOVEC's service reliability is the best in the region with a 99.99% average system reliability.

As a leader on the high-tech frontier, NOVEC is using proven, cost-effective technology to improve productivity and reliability, reduce expenses, and increase cybersecurity – a national priority. Today’s technology includes what the industry calls "smart grid", as well as fiber optics, and mobile workforce.

We are seeking a Substation Engineer to join the Engineering team at our office in Gainesville, Virginia!

The selected candidate will be eligible to work a hybrid work schedule after successfully completing an on-site introductory period of up to 4 months.

Relocation assistance is available for the successful eligible candidate.

NOVEC is unable to provide work authorization or sponsorship for this position.

Conducts engineering and operational studies and provides recommendations to provide safe, reliable, and economical substation plans and designs according to established cooperative guidelines. Independently evaluates, selects, and applies standard engineering techniques and procedures while using judgment when making adaptations and modifications.

• Develop accurate and economical substation construction drawings using computer-aided design software.
• Develop requirements for the protection of facilities by preparing specifications for protective equipment, coordination studies, and switching orders as required by system additions.
• Assist other members of the department in the analysis of the electrical and telecommunication systems using computerized engineering models and business databases to design improvements and additions to the electrical system based on cost-benefit ratio.
• Analyze power outages and other electrical system disturbances using information obtained from SCADA reports, protective device operation readings, and field inspections to prepare recommendations for system improvement.
• Review new and upgraded substation construction drawings to ensure accuracy and compliance with RUS specifications, National Electrical Safety Code Standards, local ordinances, NOVEC policies, NOVEC construction specifications, and S&T Department guidelines.
• Review construction projects to ensure compliance with RUS specifications, National Electrical Safety Code Standards, local ordinances, NOVEC policies, and S&T Department guidelines.
• Prepare and implement short and long-range work plans.
• Determine material specifications and selections and monitor construction and field engineering activities to ensure adherence to work plan schedules for system improvements.
• Coordinate the design, construction, and testing activities for additions and improvements to the substation system.
• Provide support to System Operations Department as outlined in the Cooperative's Service Restoration Plan.
• Work continually towards self-development to stay current on substation design and operation and electrical engineering procedures and practices.

The ideal candidate meets the below qualifications. Candidates with directly related experience who may not meet all of the criteria below are also welcome to apply.

The selected candidate will be placed into the appropriate level position (Engineer II, III, IV) based on education, experience, certifications, and licensure.

• Three (3) years of substation engineering experience.
• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or a related engineering field from an accredited institution is required. A Master's degree in Electrical Engineering is preferred.
• NCEES EIT certification or Professional Engineer (PE) license is preferred.

• Demonstrated ability to function independently in a multi-task environment, as part of a team.
• Demonstrated knowledge of all company policies and procedures as well as all applicable federal, state, and local laws.
• Demonstrated knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles and mathematical skills.
• Demonstrated proficiency with general computer operation and Microsoft Office applications.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively and efficiently with all levels within the organization.
• Demonstrated ability to anticipate and meet rapidly changing customer and business needs by quickly refocusing and realigning strategic and operational direction.
• Demonstrated ability to design economical and practical system improvements; and operating and maintenance…