AES Distributed Energy is seeking an experienced Medium Voltage and High Voltage Engineer to coordinate interconnection and substation designs for Solar PV and integrated Energy Storage projects, working closely with the Engineering and Construction team.
The MV/HV Engineer will be responsible for conceptual design development detailed design reviews, preliminary studies, permitting and procurement support for the MV and HV components of solar PV and battery storage projects in development, construction and operation. Responsibilities include conceptual design development for substations and interconnections (2-100MVA, 15-230kV), detailed design reviews, coordination of design consultants, protection strategy, procurement and bidding support for major equipment, on-site commissioning support, punch list development and performance testing plans.
MV/HV Engineers support a larger development and execution project team and serve as the single point-of-contact for technical and engineering matters related to MV and HV equipment and interconnections. Excellent communication, task management and planning skills needed, in addition to technical breadth.
The successful candidate will have a depth of experience in the design, engineering and analysis of generation interconnections at medium and high voltages. Experience with PV systems and BESS ranging from 500 kW to 200 MW, or other inverter-based generation systems is preferable.
While electrical power engineering is the primary qualification, the role will require the review of information related to all practical elements of substation design, including civil works, SCADA systems, mechanical designs, fire protection equipment, lightning protection, and other disciplines. The successful applicant, while not an expert, will be comfortable with high-level review and consultant coordination of all elements of practical substation design.
The position is in Boulder, CO, and may include up to 25% travel to project locations and partner offices.
Key ResponsibilitiesProject Execution
- Substation design Scope of Work and specifications development
- Perform preliminary studies for grounding, lightning protection, arc flash hazard, backup station service sizing, and other studies required for substation design
- Seek and evaluate proposals for engineering and construction services for substation and gen-tie projects
- Coordinate engineering consultants to develop detailed interconnection construction drawings and support material from conceptual drawings
- Review and comment on design deliverables provided by consultants and contractors
- Respond to contractor RFIs during course of construction
- Perform QA/QC field inspections and punch list development
- Perform Job Safety Assessments and Safety Walks to identify job-site hazards
- Review commissioning reports and analyze system performance
- Work closely with interconnection and project engineers
Project Development
- Conceptual design and indicative pricing for project interconnections in development
- Prepare preliminary studies and single-lines for interconnection applications and facility study applications
Engineering Support
- Review technology and companies for Approved Vendor List inclusion
- Draft specifications for MV and HV equipment procured by AES, and by AES partners
- Substation and protection design optimization to maximize reliability and reduce cost
- Collaborate with Asset Management team to troubleshoot existing systems or develop repair and remediation plans
Growth and Leadership
- Improve and develop processes for the execution of safe, quality and high-performance projects
- Mentor and educate team on changing trends in technology, best practices and safety
- Participate in AES DE's growth planning process by contributing to process improvement task forces and other strategic planning activities
Skills and Qualifications
Primary Qualifications
- Undergraduate degree in Engineering or equivalent technical field
- 4+ years professional experience in generation interconnection design, development, construction and analysis
- Proficiency in real-world substation design, including 1-line and 3-line diagram conventions, protection strategy, relay programming, protection and coordination studies, and short circuit studies
- Field experience in substations, including troubleshooting, commissioning, and construction support
- Experience with Medium and High Voltage standards and codes, including the NEC, NESC, ANSI and IEEE standards
- Proficiency with AutoCAD, eTAP or SKM, and Microsoft Excel
"Plus" Qualifications
- +2 years of experience with PV and Battery Energy Storage System design and interconnection
- EIT or PE qualifications, or on track to become qualified
- Experience with Matlab, PSSE and other advanced modeling tools
- Spanish language skills
- OSHA 10-hr or comparable job-site safety certification
AES Corporation
4300 Wilson Blvd
Arlington
Virginia United States
www.aes.com
