Electrical Engineer I - Automation

Omaha Public Power District; Omaha (NE); On-site; USD 82,000 - 117,000; Full time

Job summary

Omaha Public Power District seeks an Automation Engineer I to help ensure safe, reliable electric service. You will learn established processes, assist with substation automation, organize system data, and apply engineering fundamentals while working with SCADA tools and basic automation tasks.

The role emphasizes 3-phase power knowledge, schematic reading, and collaboration with senior engineers in a dynamic field and office environment.

Qualifications

• Basic knowledge of 3-phase power systems.
• Ability to read electrical schematics.
• Familiarity with SCADA concepts and industrial control systems.
• Exposure to automation logic or programmable devices.

Responsibilities

• Support foundational automation and control activities for substation equipment, including basic SCADA use and device configuration.
• Retrieve, organize, and document outage, event, and disturbance data to support troubleshooting and reporting.
• Assist in resolving routine operational problems under the direction of senior engineers.
• Perform entry-level automation design work, including configuring devices with Boolean logic and reviewing electrical schematics.
• Prepare calculations, drawings, and technical documentation that clearly communicate engineering findings.
• Apply organizational safety, regulatory, and compliance requirements in all work activities.

Skills

Foundational automation knowledge

3-phase power systems

Reading electrical schematics

SCADA concepts

Automation logic / programmable logic

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related engineering discipline

Job description

What This Role Delivers

As an Automation Engineer I at OPPD, you will support the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of the electric system through foundational automation, SCADA, and control engineering work. You will contribute to OPPD¿s mission of providing affordable, reliable, and environmentally responsible energy by assisting with automation activities that support grid performance. This entry-level role focuses on learning established processes, supporting substation automation tasks, retrieving and organizing system data, and applying engineering fundamentals. The role requires foundational knowledge of 3¿phase power, the ability to read electrical schematics, and comfort using SCADA tools.

Opportunity Profile

As an Automation Engineer I at OPPD, you will support the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of the electric system through foundational automation, SCADA, and control engineering work. You will contribute to OPPD¿s mission of providing affordable, reliable, and environmentally responsible energy by assisting with automation activities that support grid performance. This entry-level role focuses on learning established processes, supporting substation automation tasks, retrieving and organizing system data, and applying engineering fundamentals. The role requires foundational knowledge of 3¿phase power, the ability to read electrical schematics, and comfort using SCADA tools.

What You'll Do

• Support foundational automation and control activities for substation equipment, including basic SCADA use and device configuration.
• Retrieve, organize, and document outage, event, and disturbance data to support troubleshooting and reporting.
• Assist in resolving routine operational problems under the direction of senior engineers.
• Perform entry-level automation design work, including configuring devices with Boolean logic and reviewing electrical schematics.
• Prepare calculations, drawings, and technical documentation that clearly communicate engineering findings.
• Apply organizational safety, regulatory, and compliance requirements in all work activities.

What You Will Bring

• Demonstrated ability to successfully complete essential duties with or without reasonable accommodation.

What Will Help You Stand Out

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related engineering discipline
• Foundational understanding of 3¿phase power systems
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics
• Familiarity with SCADA concepts and industrial control systems
• Exposure to automation logic or programmable devices

Work Location

• Office: Work will be performed in a modern office environment amid normal conditions of dust, odors, fumes, and noises.
• Field: Work will be performed outside in a wide variety of weather conditions (snow, rain, heat, cold, wind, etc.), terrain, and other natural environmental hazards as well as pollen and other airborne allergens.
• Travel: Must be able to travel throughout the service territory and report to various locations in a timely manner as needed.

Work Environment

• Work will be performed in high traffic environments.
• Will work around energized high voltage electrical equipment.
• Will work in construction areas that present many physical hazards.
• Will work at heights.

Strength Factor

Exerting 20 to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or 10 to 25 pounds of force frequently, and/or greater than negligible up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Physical Demand requirements are in excess of those for Light Work.

Salary/Wage Info

Grade: S3

Minimum: $81,905

Midpoint: $102,381

Our Culture & Mission

At Omaha Public Power District, everything starts with people - our teams, our communities, and the customer owners who count on us. As the 12 th largest public power utility in the U.S., we serve more than 900,000 people across 13 counties, and we take that responsibility seriously.

We lead with integrity, support one another, and do what's right, because how we serve matters just as much as what we deliver. Our goal is simple: provide affordable, reliable, and environmentally responsible energy today and for generations to come.

We create power with purpose. Your work here has real impact; on families, on the environment, and on the future of energy. And we believe great ideas can come from anywhere.

If you want to be part of a team that takes care of the community and the people who serve it, you're in the right place. We back up our mission by taking care of our employees, too; which is why our benefits are among the most comprehensive and competitive in the region.

EOE: Protected Veterans/Disability

If you would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position with OPPD, please email OPPD Talent Acquisition at [e-mail].