System Engineer

Overview

Summary :
This position develops short- and long-range planning associated with all major system distribution line and substation design, improvements, and inspections: monitors and makes necessary adjustments in distribution load; ensures proper maintenance of distribution system; handles the PCB eradication program; monitors substation and demand metering systems; ensures safety standards and safe work practices; provides other services to the Cooperative as required.

• System Maintenance 30% of Time — Inspects substations, switched capacitors, voltage regulators, completes and maintains appropriate inspection forms. Determines substation equipment maintenance needs; supervises and/or assists with maintenance; inspects line voltage regulators; coordinates the replacement /repair of regulators;
  Plans and coordinates changes in distribution system protective equipment; coordinates the sizing to operate properly in isolating faults. Determines the sizing of fuse links used as protective devices on transformer banks, capacitor installations and short primary lines; assures that all operating personnel are informed of the appropriate sizes. Plans and coordinates maintenance of line reclosers. Obtains samples and coordinates the annual testing of oil samples from power transformers.
  
  Recommends and implements new or improved engineering standards, practices or methods. Engineers systems, estimates costs, and stakes work related to customer service requests.
• Load Management 15% of Time — Monitors electrical loads at each substation to maintain a balanced loading condition on each phase; changes loads as necessary. Monitors the substation power factor at peak load for each substation to assure that it is 98% or greater. Coordinates the replacement of or changes in switched capacitors as necessary to maintain a 98% power factor for the system.
  
  Reviews all operations of circuit breakers; verifies that the cause has been determined and that any necessary corrections have been made. Assists operating personnel in restoring service by determining when electrical loads can be served from alternate sources.
• Planning 15% of Time — Develops safe and adequate designs, selects materials and equipment, constructs and inspects overhead and underground distribution line facilities. Performs long and short-range planning of the electric power distribution system;
  Develops engineering data files and information for use in planning for system changes. Develops programs, procedures, and practices which encourage the efficient use of electricity. Completes an annual loading study of distribution transformers using data on winter and summer peak loads. Works closely with consulting engineers on specific studies/projects and in design of work plans to accomplish goals. Prepares routine and special studies and investigations including voltage levels, customer voltage and flicker complaints, phase balancing, capacitor and voltage regulator applications, economic sizing of conductors and transformers.
  
  Manages engineering service sub-contractors and component vendors to contribute to the overall design of energy storage systems.
• PCB Eradication Program 10% of Time — Determines through research and testing which of the Cooperative’s distribution transformers have a high probability of being contaminated with PCPs. Coordinates the testing of distribution transformers for PCB levels; may personally draw oil samples. Determines those transformers that need to be replaced; coordinates the removal and disposal of contaminated transformers. Establishes and maintains a transformer inventory record reflecting the PCB test date, the PCB level, and other necessary information.
• Metering/Billing 10% of Time — Maintains a record of any temporary load transfers between substations and communications changes to the Power South in order to avoid double billings for the same capacity. Reviews and approves the monthly power bill for each substation. Reviews print-outs of Greenville/Selma demand meters for discrepancies. Annually field tests demand meters for both the Greenville and Selma operational areas.
  
  Designs and…