Principal Engineer - P&C Projects

Reporting to:
Manager, Projects Unit

Location:

Rochester, NY
Work Type:
Office
Base salary range: $113,000 to $142,000 plus up to 16% bonus

The Principal Engineer P&C will be responsible for electric system protection technology platforms, supervising and performing work in energized substations while maintaining the reliability of the protective control systems in New York, including standards, design, training, and communication. The Principal Engineer in the Projects organization holds a crucial role overseeing the project portfolio within their assigned Unit. Their responsibilities include ensuring that each project adheres to regulations, company standards, and maintains consistency across the board.

While reporting to the Unit Manager, the principal Engineer actively collaborates with cross‑functional project teams on a day‑to‑day basis, supporting project needs as directed by both the Project Manager and Unit Manager. Additionally, expertise in control and protection schematics, single‑line diagrams, and knowledge of national and international standards related to power system protection are essential for success in this role.

• Project detailed engineering, designs and calculations using standard methodology & principles including all phases such as: scoping and budgeting, conceptual engineering, engineering design, construction, and closeout.
• Maintain and understand drawings (e.g., schematics, one‑line diagrams, etc.).
• Develop and specify equipment, assemble documents and other requirements for assignments of projects using depth & breadth of expertise in own discipline.
• Ensure all engineering designs implemented by the company meet applicable company, local, state, and national codes, and standards.
• Oversee engineering studies to evaluate equipment and protection system performance and effectiveness and analyze operational issues in support of system reliability and operational efficiency. Develop and validate information needed for engineering analyses and apply engineering judgment to solve complex technical problems.
• Collaborate across departments.
• Work independently although supervision might be required.
• Lead and guide the technical development of the Protection Engineering group.

Technical Skills /

Competencies:

• Theoretical Engineering knowledge – Planning, Operations and Engineering Design, Analytic, modeling & calculation, understanding the business model; global view of the business.
• Practical engineering experience/application – Planning, Operations and Engineering Design, Construction (e.g., field experience, standardization, performing economic analyses of engineering alternatives, developing business cases and defending them in front of stakeholders).
• Engineering documentation – Ability to adequately document and interpret engineering documentation.
• Ability to review and approve engineering work done by others to ensure compliance with company standards, specifications, and contract requirements.
• Knowledge of regulatory and compliance environment – local, state, and federal regulatory standards and requirements.

Functional/job/business specific competencies:

• Knowledge in substations protection and control design.
• Knowledge of the regulatory environment including relevant output and incentive mechanisms.
• Knowledge of company, local, state, and national codes, and standards.
• Knowledge of construction for utility environments or large corporations.

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering required.
• 10+ years relevant experience required.
• Expert knowledge of all aspects of engineering & design, national and international standards, and compliance requirements associated with power system protection.

• Professional Engineering License preferred.
• Utilize knowledge to influence and guide department engineers.
• Provide technical leadership in most complex projects that have a wide impact on the business.
• Mentor, develop and support team in technical skills.
• SME for team.
• Liaison/direct contractors on company policy, standards, and best practices.
• Work independently with little supervision.
• Independent…