Principal Equipment Engineer

National Grid plc; Northboro (IA); On-site; USD 173,000 - 203,000; Full time

Job summary

National Grid seeks a Principal Engineer to support the Commissioning & Energization process for primary transmission and distribution substation equipment across New England. You will lead energization activities, coordinate with Field Operations, Engineering, PMs, Contractors, and Dispatch, and ensure safe, standards-compliant testing and documentation.

The role requires a strong background in substation systems, travel to multiple locations, and mentoring team members while delivering on

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related field.
• Minimum 16+ years of utility engineering/operations experience.
• Strong understanding of federal, state, local regulations and NEC/IEEE standards.
• Experience coordinating commissioning and energization activities.

Responsibilities

• Manage substation energizations safely without impacting customers.
• Interface with Field Operations, Engineering, PMs, Contractors, and Dispatch.
• Plan energization, site visits, testing, walkthroughs, and punch lists.
• Support transmission and distribution projects including design criteria and data integration.
• Ensure equipment installation/testing aligns with procedures and standards.
• Mentor team members and other departments on technical matters.
• Review test results and share with project stakeholders.
• Maintain CMMS data and asset tagging for energized equipment.
• Travel to multiple locations and support storm response as needed.

Skills

Electrical engineering expertise

Substation energization

Leadership/mentoring

Cross-functional collaboration

Project management

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

CMMS

Testing procedures

Job description

National Grid is hiring a Principal Engineer for our Substation O&M Services department to work at our Northboro, MA office and will include travel to multiple locations.

As a Principal Equipment Engineer, you'll play a critical role in ensuring the safe commissioning and energization of transmission and distribution substations across New England. This is an opportunity to work on complex infrastructure projects that support reliability, safety, and the delivery of power to customers and communities.

Every day we deliver safe and secure energy to homes, communities, and businesses. We are there when people need us the most. We connect people to the energy they need for the lives they live. The pace of change in society and our industry is accelerating and our expertise and track record puts us in an unparalleled position to shape the sustainable future of our industry.

To be successful we must anticipate the needs of our customers, reducing the cost of energy delivery today and pioneering the flexible energy systems of tomorrow. This requires us to deliver on our promises and always look for new opportunities to grow, both ourselves and our business.

Job Purpose

The Principal Engineer is responsible for supporting the Commissioning & Energization Process for all primary Transmission and Distribution substation equipment.

Key Accountabilities

• Responsible for substation energizations in a safe manner without impact to customers or the operating system.


• Be the primary interface with Field Operation Teams, Engineering, Project Management, Contractors, and Dispatch for all commissioning and energization related activities.


• Coordinate energization planning, site visits, additional testing, job walkthroughs and punch list preparation/completion as required


• Assist with transmission and distribution substation projects including scope, design criteria, construction review, data integration of deliverables (drawings, test data)


• Assure that substation equipment is installed and tested in accordance with National Grid Testing and Commissioning Procedures and Standards.


• Mentor team members and other departments on technical matters and ongoing project lessons


• Conduct site inspections to ensure adherence to engineering standards and specifications.


• Properly mark-up Op-Diagrams and associated Line Diagrams per procedure prior to switching for energization.


• Assure all EMS 1-lines have been updated prior to energization of a circuit or apparatus.


• Review all testing results and distribute to Project Supervisor, Substation O&M, and Substation Engineering.


• Ensure data from substation projects is integrated back into National Grid systems. This includes drawings, test reports, AIMMS equipment forms, vendor drawings, work order summary forms, and any other information required to support this project.


• Ensure the nameplate data for all new equipment to be energized has been entered in National Grid’s Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) and has been assigned an ID tag for maintenance tracking purposes.


• Design, develop, modify, and evaluate systems, process, or facilities to support Company objectives, utilizing engineering methods.


• Recommend alternative engineering solutions to management to meet business needs. Assist with maintaining project timeliness and budgets.


• Assist with the design, develop, modify, and evaluate systems, processes, or facilities to support company objectives.


• Provide technical support to internal and external departments for the application, operation, and maintenance of apparatus. Includes testing, commissioning, and troubleshooting.


• Resolve technical issues.


• Assist in developing long-range maintenance philosophies.


• Review operation and maintenance practices.


• Assist in project estimating and economic analysis.


• Manage multiple projects at one time.


• Work in a Project Management team environment.


• Travel will be required


• Storm duty support will be required

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or a related field; or the equivalent combination of education and experience.


• A minimum of 16 or more years of directly related experience in utility engineering and/or utility operations.


• Understanding of Company's business, and relevant policies, procedures, and practices.


• Knowledge of applicable federal, state, local laws, regulations and the National Electric Codes.


• Ability to perform effectively in high-pressure situations while maintaining focus and calmness.


• Demonstrated communication and interpersonal skills involving the ability to work cross functionally to understand requirements, present alternatives, and recommendations.


• Proficient with the use of personal computers including automated tools.


• Valid driver’s license.


• Ability to manage several projects at one time.


• Ability to work in energized stations.


• Ability to travel outside Company territory.


• Ability to carry 50 pounds of equipment.


• Ability to produce technical reports, analysis, and documentation.


• Mobility in and around a substation


• Knowledge of substation construction and maintenance techniques


• Knowledge of NEC, IEEE, ANSI, NESC, SATM, ISO, EPA, ASTM, ASME


• Knowledge of maintenance and operation philosophy


• Knowledge of protection operation and reliability philosophy


• Knowledge of 3-phase power system theory for both static and dynamic systems


• Knowledge of utility system practices and substation equipment


• Capable of analyzing apparatus test data


• Capable of troubleshooting

More Information

Why National Grid?

• Help shape the future of New England's electricity system.


• Work on high-impact initiatives that support reliability, affordability, and sustainability.


• Collaborate with industry-leading experts across strategy, operations, technology, and regulation.


• Gain exposure to major grid modernization and energy transformation programs.


• Be part of an organization committed to innovation, continuous improvement, and delivering value for customers and communities.

$173,000 - $203,000 a year

National Grid will not be providing visa sponsorship for this position now or in the future. You must have the ability to work without a need for current or future visa sponsorship.

National Grid utilizes an assessment that evaluates the job qualifications/characteristics using AI or statistically based scoring. For more information, please view NYC Local Law 144.

This position has a career path which provides for advancement opportunities within and across bands as you develop and evolve in the position; gaining experience, expertise and acquiring and applying technical skills. Candidates will be assessed and provided offers against the minimum qualifications of this role and their individual experience.

National Grid is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment regardless of protected class. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or any other protected status in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. National Grid maintains affirmative action programs for individuals with disabilities and protected veterans.

Our employment practices are designed to ensure that all individuals are treated fairly and with respect throughout the hiring process and during employment. National Grid complies with all applicable federal, state, and local anti-discrimination laws. We are dedicated to fostering a workplace that is free from unlawful discrimination and harassment, and we encourage a culture of respect for all.

National Grid operates in both the UK and US, with a broad portfolio of energy businesses dedicated to providing safe, reliable, and sustainable power.

From electricity and gas transmission to advancing clean energy and modernising grids, our work covers every aspect of the energy system.

Our energy flows through absolutely everything we do

Life here at National Grid is more than just our purpose or our values, it’s everything we put into everything we do. It’s our commitment to diversity and inclusion; how we help our employees learn and grow; and how we partner with and support the communities where we live and work. It’s all this, and so much more.

We leverage our collective strengths to do meaningful BIG work so that we can be at the heart of a fair and affordable energy future.

Your salary is reviewed each year against the market for your role, skills, knowledge and experience.

Incentive

Annual performance plan or bonus (depending on your role) rewards your contribution to our success each year.

Retirement

Generous pension plan with company contributions up to 12%.

Private medical insurance for self and family.