Associate Engineer - Electric

Merced Irrigation District; Merced (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Merced Irrigation District seeks an Associate Engineer – Energy Resources to support electric operations through system modeling, protection engineering, and project management. This on-site role collaborates with internal teams and agencies to ensure safe, reliable performance and compliance with NERC/WECC standards.

The position requires a BS in electrical engineering, an EIT or eligibility within one year, and at least two years of relevant experience, with proficiency in AutoCAD and data

Qualifications

• Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certification or ability to obtain within one year.
• Minimum two years of electrical engineering experience in transmission, distribution, substation design, or operations.
• Proficiency with AutoCAD and MS Office; experience with NERC/WECC compliance preferred.
• Strong knowledge of electrical engineering principles for transmission, distribution, and substations.
• Experience with SQL or Python for data analysis.
• Excellent communication and project management skills.
• Ability to work independently and with teams.

Responsibilities

• Conduct design, construction, operation, and maintenance of electrical and communications systems.
• Manage engineering projects including planning, budgeting, and field inspections.
• Develop protection requirements, relay settings, and investigate relay operations.
• Ensure NERC/WECC compliance through audits and reporting.
• Prepare technical documentation and review plans.
• Assist with capital improvement planning, budgeting, and forecasting.
• Represent the District in professional meetings and respond to emergencies.

Skills

System modeling

Protection engineering

Project management

NERC/WECC standards

SQL

Python

Relay coordination

Technical reporting

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD

MS Office Suite

Job description

Position OverviewThe Associate Engineer – Energy Resources performs professional electrical engineering tasks to support theDistrict’s electric operations, including system modeling, protection engineering, project management, andcompliance with NERC/WECC standards. The role collaborates with internal departments and external agencies toensure safe and efficient project execution and system performance.Essential Duties and Responsibilities• Conduct engineering tasks for the design, construction, operation, and maintenance of electrical andcommunication systems, including system modeling, planning, and studies (e.g., short-circuit, load-flowanalysis).• Manage engineering and construction projects, including planning, budgeting, coordination, and fieldinspections, collaborating with CAISO, PG&E, TID, NCPA, and regulators.• Develop protection requirements, relay settings, and investigate relay operations; prepare event reports.• Ensure compliance with NERC/WECC standards through monitoring, audits, and reporting.• Use programming skills (e.g., SQL, Python) to analyze system and metering data for performance reporting.• Prepare technical documentation, review engineering plans, and clarify issues for staff and contractors.• Assist with capital improvement planning, budgeting, and forecasting.• Represent the District in professional and community meetings; respond to emergencies as needed.EducationBachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering or related field from an accredited institution.Experience• Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certification or ability to obtain within one year of employment.• Minimum two (2) years of experience in electrical engineering, preferably in transmission, distribution, substationdesign, or operations.• Proficiency with AutoCAD, MS Office Suite, and other engineering software.• Experience with NERC/WECC compliance preferred.Knowledge and Skills• Strong knowledge of electrical engineering principles for transmission, distribution, and substations.• Familiarity with NERC/WECC standards and protection system design.• Proficiency in SQL, Python, or similar for data analysis.• Expertise in fault analysis, relay coordination, and technical report writing.• Strong communication, project management, and interpersonal skills.• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with sound professional judgment.Special Requirements• Valid California Class C Driver’s License and ability to maintain insurability under MID’s vehicle insuranceprogram.• Compliance with all District policies, guidelines, and rules.Work Environment and Physical DemandsThis position is a fully on-site role based at the District’s secondary office location. Remote work or hybridarrangements are not permitted. Regular attendance at the designated worksite is required as part of the essentialfunctions of this position.• Primarily office-based with occasional field visits and outdoor exposure.• May require irregular or extended hours during emergencies or critical projects.• Must communicate effectively, operate office equipment, lift up to 25 pounds, and navigate stairs/uneven terrain.Supervision• Reports to the Manager of Engineering, Energy Resources.