Electrical Engineer

Overview

To ensure the safe and reliable operation of Rappahannock Electric Cooperative’s electrical system in the most economical method possible through prudent and orderly planning and analysis.

• Assist Engineering Department with analysis of power flow and fault-current studies, load data collection and system analysis.
• Perform studies on VAR compensation, Power Factor correction, voltage support, and capacitor placement. Make recommendations for required changes to Staff Electrical Engineering Supervisor and issue necessary work requests.
• Assist Staff Electrical Engineering Supervisor in performing circuit analysis and protective coordination and sectionalizing studies, recommend changes to the system based on these calculations, and issue work requests to accomplish these changes.
• Become familiar with the REC electrical system and certificated territory
• Provide support and advice for REC members.
• Assist regional design and operational personnel on a daily basis, as well as during outages, as questions arise concerning coordination, load capacity, temporary changes of feed, recloser or regulator changes, or any other questions that arise.
• Follow Work Plan system improvement projects to be sure that all required orders are issued for timely completion of all necessary work such as circuit and equipment protection, coordination, installation and/or removal of special equipment, sectionalizing devices, environmental permits, engineering and outage database updates, and updates of GIS and substation one-line diagrams.
• Assist with system protection, coordination and sectionalizing studies for the Cooperative’s distribution and transmission systems using Milsoft Wind Mil, Cyme-TCC, and Easy Power software packages.
• Utilize Microsoft Office products, including, but not limited to:
  Outlook, Excel, Word and PowerPoint as required by job responsibilities.
• Assist with distribution automation scheme design and implementation.

• Assist with the preparation of the Cooperative’s Work Plan and Long Range Plan.
• Assist in preparing site specific BERs for submission to RUS as required for distribution and transmission projects.
• Outage Analysis.
• Assist with the evaluation of Economic Development requests, how they affect the electric system, and the construction scheduling and costs of required upgrades.
• Conduct Power Quality investigations, with minimal supervision, for both REC members and regions.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

A four-year degree in Electrical Engineering, Electrical Engineering Technology, or an equivalent ABET-accredited program is required, with an FE certificate preferred and three or fewer years of experience in a power-related engineering field.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong communication skills, with the ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders, build productive relationships, and resolve conflicts constructively. They should possess solid computer proficiency, including working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications such as Outlook, Excel, Word, and PowerPoint. The role also requires the ability to use a wide range of industry software, including Windmil Distribution System Analysis Software, Easy Power Analysis Software, CYME-TCC Coordination Software, NISC Accounting and Business Solutions (ABS), NISC Customer Information System (CIS), NISC Map Viewer, MDM, SCADA, Work Management Software, Geographic Information Systems, Cascade, and 2 other tools as needed.

The ideal candidate will think critically, solve problems, improve processes, and identify opportunities for efficiency, while also demonstrating strong organizational skills, the ability to manage schedules, maintain accurate records, and see tasks through to completion both independently and collaboratively.

This role is primarily based in the Front Royal, VA office, with periodic visits to the district office, though a home office may be located in another district if space is available and approved by the Director of System Planning and Engineering Design. The position may also be eligible for a remote hybrid work arrangement. While most responsibilities are performed in an office environment, the candidate must be able to travel to jobsites, navigate varying terrain, and work in all weather conditions, with occasional local and out-of-state travel required.

Ongoing professional development is expected, including participation in at least two learning events each year. During outages or emergencies, the position may require availability around the clock, seven days a week.