Substation Commissioning Engineer Senior, Lead or Principal

Job Description

Job Specifications

Perform inspections during all phases of substation construction and equipment replacements.  Develop checkout plans and lead the commissioning of new transmission and distribution substations.     

SALARY RANGE: Determined by the knowledge, skills and abilities of the applicant.

• Senior Level: $90,250 - $148,750 
• Lead: $98,200 - $162,000 
• Principal: $108,200 - $178,650 

REPORTING RELATIONSHIP:   Protection Engineering Manager

LOCATION: Pueblo, Colorado

• A comprehensive relocation package is offered for this position! Details about this package will be shared during the interview and offer process. 

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:  

• Independently plan, manage, and provide oversight activities for major capital transmission and distribution substation projects.
• Inspect the quality and accuracy of contractor work to ensure it meets all Black Hills Energy’s standards inside substation facilities.
• Lead and support field personnel in the commissioning of new transmission or distribution substation facilities.
• Coordinate with field personnel in the installation, verification, and upgrade of substation protection, communications, and control equipment.
• Effectively prepare or review documentation with a high degree of accuracy and completeness using tools and templates available, including detailed control schematics, wiring diagrams and protection logic drawings.
• Coordinate SCADA database implementation and operation of field RTU equipment.
• Actively contribute to department/project work and facilitate teamwork. May direct the work of teams assigned to support projects or special assignments.
• Support system operations personnel during outages and emergencies with analysis of digital fault data and relay sequence of operations review.
• Maintain a safe work environment by developing knowledge of Black Hills Energy’s safety policies, procedures and stop work authority. 

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Finish assigned training tasks. Continuously train to improve job skills.
• Work to establish positive, professional relationships throughout Black Hills Energy and with external organizations. Be responsive to internal and external customers.
• Support process improvements. Participate on continuous improvement teams. Demonstrate agility and a positive demeanor in aligning with the implementation of changes.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Senior:

• Minimum of (4) four years of relevant engineering experience with power systems in a utility or consulting firm required.
• Bachelor’s degree in engineering required.

Lead:

• Minimum of (7) seven years of relevant engineering experience with power systems in a utility or consulting firm required.
• Bachelor’s degree in engineering required.

Principal:

• Minimum of (12) twelve years of relevant engineering experience with power systems in a utility or consulting firm required.
• Bachelor’s degree in engineering required.

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES:

• Understanding of protective relay principals and their applications to three phase power systems.
• Understanding of substation physical design.
• Ability to read and understand control schematics and wiring diagrams.
• Ability to apply fundamental concepts, practices, and procedures of electrical engineering.
• Strong verbal and written communications skills.
• Ability to interact in a team environment.
• Strong computer skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite - Excel, Word, Power Point, Project and Outlook.
• Ability to maintain proficiency with new systems and software as technology evolves.
• Ability to work concurrently on multiple projects independently or as part of a team.
• Ability to document and track projects and work goals.
• Self-motivated with a desire to learn diverse topics and skills. 
• Requires travel within the utility service territory and for support of corporate subsidiaries.
• Perform work in close proximity to energized electrical facilities.

This description is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of responsibilities, duties, and requirements for employees in this position. Job descriptions may and do change periodically. Where positions are covered by a collective bargaining unit agreement, the terms and conditions of the agreement will apply.

About our Company: We are a customer, growth and safety focused utility company that is dedicated to our communities. We improve life with energy as an energy partner of choice. Our diverse culture fuels unique perspectives, opening doors to new insights and possibilities. Based in Rapid City, South Dakota, we have over 3000 employees and serve 1.3 million natural gas and electric utility customers across eight states (South Dakota, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, and Arkansas).

Enjoy our Comprehensive Benefits Package!  Annual discretionary bonuses, 401(k) (6% company match and up to 9% company retirement contribution), tuition reimbursement, generous paid time off benefits, including paid holidays and parental leave, company paid life insurance and disability benefits (short and long term), an employee assistance program and well-being benefits, and competitive medical, dental and vision insurance.

Candidates must successfully pass a pre-employment drug screen and background check. 

Black Hills Energy does not sponsor applicants for work visas. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the US.

We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or status as a protected veteran.  If you require reasonable accommodation, please visit  careers.blackhillsenergy.com for more information.