Power Systems Engineer I – Electric Power

Switchgear Magazine; Alpharetta (GA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Join Switchgear Magazine in Alpharetta, Georgia as a Power Systems Engineer I. This role involves designing, developing, and implementing generator control switchgear systems. You will engage in automation and control solutions while working independently and collaboratively on various projects.

Ideal candidates will hold a Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related fields and have a strong foundation in power systems, PLCs, and HMIs. You will be vital in supporting both internal and external stakeholders throughout project lifecycles.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years of related experience or 4 years of equivalent experience.
• Knowledge of power systems, including switchgear, ATS, and generator systems.
• Experience with automation and controls is required.

Responsibilities

• Identify retrofit opportunities and support proposal development.
• Execute design, programming, and testing of generator control systems.
• Train and support technicians and customers on system operation.

Skills

Customer Focus

Data Gathering & Analysis

Service Excellence

Effective Communications

Problem Solving

Technical Excellence

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or Technology

Tools

PLC systems (Modicon/Schneider, Rockwell/Allen-Bradley, Siemens, GE)

HMI systems (Rockwell FactoryTalk, Siemens, Vijeo, iFix, Wonderware)

Job description

Job Summary

Join Caterpillar’s Electric Power Division as a Power Systems Engineer I, supporting the design, development, and implementation of generator control switchgear systems. In this role, you will deliver automation and control solutions for complex power systems, working both independently and collaboratively to execute retrofit and new system projects from concept through commissioning.

What You Will Do

• Identify retrofit opportunities, define project scope, and support proposal development with Dealer and Factory teams
• Execute design, programming, testing, and commissioning of low- and medium-voltage generator paralleling control systems
• Convert legacy PLC programs to current platforms and validate performance
• Develop and modify PLC and HMI applications using standard templates
• Partner with CAD designers to produce wiring and assembly drawings
• Perform technical risk assessment and support field performance of assigned projects
• Provide technical support to AES Sales and Product Support Center teams, including escalation support
• Submit project documentation, reports, and expenses in a timely manner
• Train and support technicians, customers, and internal teams on maintenance, troubleshooting, and system operation as needed

Degree Requirement

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering (BSEE) or Electrical Engineering Technology (BSEET) preferred, or equivalent relevant experience

What You Will Have

• Customer Focus: Working knowledge of the values and practices that align customer needs and satisfaction as primary considerations in all business decisions and ability to leverage that information in creating customized customer solutions.
  • Communicates and prioritizes customer needs and expectations
  • Researches and validates customer requirements
  • Gathers feedback and drives continuous improvement
  • Engages proactively with customers to understand business needs
• Data Gathering & Analysis: Working knowledge of data gathering and analysis tools, techniques, and processes; ability to collect and synthesize data from a variety of stakeholders and sources in an objective manner to reach a conclusion, goal, or judgment.
  • Applies standard data collection and analysis processes
  • Documents and synthesizes data from multiple sources
  • Uses basic analytical tools to support decision-making
• Service Excellence: Working knowledge of customer service concepts and techniques; ability to meet or exceed customer needs and expectations and provide excellent service in a direct or indirect manner.
  • Delivers high-quality service to internal and external customers
  • Resolves common issues and responds with urgency to requests
  • Documents and tracks customer concerns in a timely manner
• Effective Communications: Working knowledge and understanding of effective communication concepts, tools, and techniques; ability to effectively transmit, receive, and accurately interpret ideas, information, and needs through the application of appropriate communication behaviors.
  • Provides clear, constructive feedback
  • Incorporates feedback to improve communication effectiveness
  • Prepares and delivers reports required for assigned work
• Problem Solving: Basic understanding and knowledge of approaches, tools, techniques for recognizing, anticipating, and resolving organizational, operational or process problems; ability to apply knowledge of problem solving appropriately to diverse situations.
  • Applies structured problem-solving approaches
  • Follows standard escalation and reporting processes
  • Uses established procedures for analysis and resolution
• Technical Excellence: Working knowledge of a given technology and various application methods; ability to develop and provide solutions to significant technical challenges.
  • Delivers effective technical solutions to routine challenges
  • Applies engineering standards, tools, and best practices
  • Maintains and builds technical knowledge
  • Supports others in resolving technical issues

Additional Requirement

• Experience working cross-functionally with engineers, contractors, consultants, and end users
• Knowledge of power systems, including switchgear, ATS, and generator systems, with ability to read electrical schematics and blueprints
• Experience with automation and controls, including PLC-based systems, HMIs, and distributed control systems
• PLC experience with one or more: Modicon/Schneider, Rockwell/Allen-Bradley, Siemens, or GE
• HMI experience preferred (e.g., Rockwell FactoryTalk, Siemens, Vijeo, iFix, Wonderware)
• Minimum 2 years of related experience or 4 years of equivalent experience
• Valid driver’s license and ability to meet background, drug, and medical requirements