Job Description:
Idaho Power headquartered in vibrant Boise, Idaho is looking for an Engineer I or II - EMS to join our Load Serving Operations Technology team. It's an exciting time to work for Idaho Power. Our work plays a critical role in communities we serve across Idaho and Oregon, and we're working hard to safely provide our customers with the reliable, affordable, clean energy they depend on. While this position is based at Idaho Power's western Boise location, we offer both flexible schedules and the opportunity to work up to 40% remote.
What does an EMS Engineer do for us?
As a member of the Energy Management System (EMS) Team the Engineer I or II configures and maintains the software that is used to centrally monitor and operate the power grid. They work with engineering design teams, field personnel, external regulators, and partner utilities to ensure that the Grid Operators have the tools and information necessary to control the flow of power safely and reliably from generator to customer. This requires them to analyze, configure, test, and troubleshoot electric utility-related control systems, system models, data sources and applications. This is the ideal position for someone who excels at creative problem solving and process improvement, wants to be challenged, and seeks to gain a comprehensive understanding of utility operations.
They also:
- Plan and lead projects, assignments, and technical investigations
- Act as a liaison between other departments and organizations
- Evaluate progress and results, recommending changes in procedures
- Exercise moderate technical judgment in decision-making and independent action
- Are responsible for budgeting, financial accountability, and timelines on assigned projects
- Utilize industry and discipline related knowledge to interpret and comply with regulations as required by NERC, FERC, WECC, EPA, NESC, OSHA, FCC, etc.
- Model, analyze, troubleshoot, and maintain (Energy Management System) EMS applications which include Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA), real-time network analysis, Automatic Generation Control (AGC), alarming, Inter-control Center Communications Protocol (ICCP), and more
- Test and commission additions and modifications to the EMS application models
- Update and maintain the EMS power system model for state estimation, power flow, single line diagram displays, and real-time contingency analysis
- Specify, design, document, deploy, test, standardize, and troubleshoot technical work processes to meet changing requirements
- Plan and lead modeling projects, assignments, and technical investigations
- Review data and logs to find problems and opportunities for improvement
- Interpret data for users and provide training on technical applications
- Exercise technical judgment in decision-making and independent action
- Utilize software applications and programming languages to innovate, streamline, and automate work in a technically complex and dynamic environment
Engineer I:
Operating under general supervision and with oversight, an Engineer I is developing technical expertise in their field. This role plans and leads assignments and projects, may interface with internal departments and external organizations, and receives guidance from leaders and other engineers as needed.
Engineer II:
Operating under limited supervision, an Engineer II has an intermediate level of technical expertise in their field. This role plans and leads moderately complex assignments and projects, interfaces with internal departments and external organizations, and receives high-level guidance from leaders and other engineers as needed.
In addition to the meaningful work we do, we offer work-life balance, competitive pay and benefits, and both a 401k employer-match and a pension plan, making Idaho Power one of the best employers in the state.
A COMPETITIVE CANDIDATE WILL HAVE
Knowledge of:
- General engineering principles
- Communications theory
- Systems and/or business analysis design concepts and the applied use of system and process analysis tools
- System modeling and administration
Preferred:
- Electrical engineering principles and practices
- Automatic Generation Control (AGC) and load forecasting
- Power systems modeling practices and operation, state estimation, and contingency analysis
- Modeling principles and concepts of power systems
- Application of communications systems as related to SCADA system design
- EMS, utilities, and their business environment
- Current methods, equipment, and techniques for implementation of automation
Skills in:
- Troubleshooting and problem solving
- Computers and software use
- Developing and maintaining documentation and producing technical reports
- Strong interpersonal communication, both verbal and written, as well as effective listening
- Analysis and management of large modeling databases and data sets
- Organization of work, time management and project coordination
Preferred:
- EMS Systems, especially OSI Monarch
- Power System Modeling Tools - Powerworld, PSSE, PSLF, CIM, etc.
- Process mapping, design, and control standards
- AVEVA PI, SharePoint, and Excel
- Scripting (especially Python), Code Development and Automation
Ability to:
- Manage and coordinate projects
- Establish and maintain effective working relationships
- Work independently, in a team environment, and on project teams; Be self-motivated
- Work with others to develop and evaluate alternatives; Draft written and oral reports of problems, alternatives, and recommendations
- Deal diplomatically with customers
- Perform detailed work with a high degree of accuracy
- Learn new systems and keep up with emerging technologies while effectively responding to changes required by new regulations and the organization
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
Education:
- Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering from an ABET accredited institution
OR
- Bachelor of Science in Engineering from a non-ABET accredited institution and a PE license
Experience:
- Engineer I - 0-2 years of related experience
- Engineer II - 2 or more years of related experience
Preferred:
- Engineer I/II - Engineer in Training (EIT) designation
Licenses & Certifications:
- Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record based on driving requirements for the position
Idaho Power
1221 W Idaho St
Boise
Idaho United States
www.idahopower.com
