The Grid Modernization organization is seeking a highly motivated Engineer I or Engineer II to support the design, implementation, commissioning, operation, and continuous improvement of next-generation grid technologies. The successful candidate will help advance the Company's modernization strategy through the deployment and support of intelligent field devices, protection systems, secure communications networks, software-defined infrastructure, and data-driven operational processes.
This position provides engineering expertise associated with the planning, design, construction, testing, commissioning, operation, maintenance, and analysis of advanced grid technologies including protective relaying, digital substations, telecommunications, operational technology (OT) systems, distributed intelligence, and utility network management systems.
The position level (Engineer I or Engineer II) will be determined based on the selected candidate's education, experience, technical expertise, and demonstrated performance.
Responsibilities
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- Support the engineering, deployment, and maintenance of Grid Modernization technologies and systems.
- Develop engineering studies, plans, specifications, calculations, evaluations, and design documents.
- Participate in the design and implementation of transmission, distribution, substation, and communications infrastructure modernization projects.
- Support configuration, testing, and commissioning of intelligent electronic devices (IEDs), protection relays, communications equipment, and software platforms.
- Assist in the development and maintenance of secure OT and communications architectures.
- Analyze system events, disturbances, outages, alarms, and operational data to identify root causes and recommend corrective actions.
- Utilize operational and engineering data to support asset management, reliability improvements, and business decisions.
- Work with field personnel, operations, engineering, cybersecurity, telecommunications, and IT teams to deliver projects and resolve technical issues.
- Travel to substations and field locations to support testing, commissioning, troubleshooting, and system validation activities.
- Support development of standards, engineering practices, and technical documentation.
- Deliver work assignments safely, accurately, and within project schedules and budgets.
- Lead vendor evaluations, technical specifications, factory testing, and acceptance activities.
- Provide technical guidance during field commissioning and troubleshooting efforts.
- Represent the Company in industry working groups, standards organizations, and technology forums.
Requirements
Requirements for the Engineer I position include the following:
- Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Telecommunications Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
- Demonstrated engineering experience in electric utility, industrial control systems, telecommunications, power systems, or related technical field.
- Understanding of electric utility transmission, distribution, substation, or communications systems.
- Familiarity with protection systems, communications protocols, networking technologies, or industrial control systems.
- Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.
- Effective verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a cross-functional team.
- Ability to travel and perform field work at substations, generation facilities, and other Company locations.
- Must meet all Company requirements for the position.
In addition to the above, the Engineer II requirements include:
- A minimum of two or more years of directly related experience in the applicable engineering field.
- Demonstrated knowledge and application of principles in area of engineering specialty.
- Understanding of Company's business, and relevant policies, procedures, and practices.
- Knowledge of applicable federal, state, local laws, regulations and the National Electric Codes (if required for the position).
- Ability to perform effectively in high-pressure situations while maintaining focus and calmness.
- Ability to provide timely assessments with limited information and/or assumptions.
Preferences
Candidates with experience or demonstrated interest in one or more of the following areas are strongly encouraged to apply:
Power System Protection
Protective relays and relay settings.
Fault analysis and disturbance investigation.
Protection and control design.
IEC 61850 applications.
Networking & Communications
IP networking and Ethernet communications.
Routing, switching, and network architecture.
Utility telecommunications systems.
MPLS, microwave, fiber, and wireless communications.
Cyber-Informed Engineering
Cyber-informed engineering principles.
Secure-by-design architectures.
Industrial control system and OT cybersecurity.
NERC CIP or equivalent security frameworks.
Software & SDN Technologies
Software-defined networking (SDN).
Network management systems.
Automation and orchestration platforms.
Scripting, software integration, and system administration.
Data Analytics & Event Analysis
Root-cause analysis of operational events.
Data visualization and analytics.
Operational technology monitoring and diagnostics.
Use of enterprise data platforms and advanced analytics tools.
Utility Operations
SCADA, EMS, DMS, ADMS, DERMS, or related systems.
Intelligent Electronic Devices (IEDs).
Distribution automation technologies.
Transmission and distribution system operations.
PacifiCorp
825 NE Multnomah
Portland
Oregon United States
www.pacificorp.com
