Professional Engineer

Merced Irrigation District; Merced (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Merced Irrigation District seeks a Professional Engineer – Energy Resources to perform advanced electrical, mechanical, and computermodeling engineering tasks for its electric and hydroelectric operations. The role collaborates across departments to ensure safe, efficient energy resource management and supports planning, budgeting, and on-call duties.

The position requires a Bachelor’s degree in electrical or mechanical engineering and 2+ years of professional experience in electric

Qualifications

• 2+ years of professional engineering experience in electric transmission, distribution, substation design, or operations.
• Experience preparing technical reports and studies for electric transmission and distribution projects.
• Proficiency in multiple engineering software programs, including AutoCAD and MS Office Suite.

Responsibilities

• Engineering design and analysis for electrical and hydroelectric facilities; perform system modeling, load flow, and studies.
• Oversee engineering and construction projects from planning through completion, including budgeting and scheduling.
• Ensure compliance with NERC and WECC standards; coordinate audits and develop performance metrics.
• Provide technical support to MID departments and conduct field surveys and site visits.
• Engage with CAISO, PG&E, TID, NCPA, consultants, and regulators to advance district objectives.

Skills

Problem solving

Communication

Leadership

Project management

Analytical thinking

Adaptability

Education

Bachelor's degree in electrical or mechanical engineering

Tools

AutoCAD

ETAP

GE SPSLF

Civil 3D

MS Office

Aspen OneLiner

Job description

Position OverviewThe Professional Engineer – Energy Resources performs advanced electrical, mechanical, and computermodeling engineering tasks to support Merced Irrigation District’s (MID) electric and hydroelectricoperations. This role collaborates across departments, including General Management, Water Operations,Maintenance, and Finance, to ensure safe, efficient, and compliant energy resource management. Theposition involves project management, system analysis, regulatory compliance, and stakeholderengagement to achieve District objectives.Key Responsibilities• Engineering Design & Analysis: Conduct complex engineering tasks for the design, construction,operation, and maintenance of electrical and hydroelectric facilities. Perform system modeling, loadflow, short circuit analysis, and engineering studies to optimize performance of any and all distributionand transmission equipment.• Project Management: Oversee engineering and construction projects from planning to completion,including budgeting, scheduling, coordination, and field inspections. Collaborate with external entities(e.g., CAISO, PG&E, TID, NCPA, consultants, regulators) to ensure project success.• Regulatory Compliance: Ensure adherence to NERC and WECC standards by monitoring compliance,coordinating audits, preparing reports, and developing performance metrics.• Technical Support: Provide expertise to MID departments, including engineering, planning, andoperations. Offer guidance on technical issues, interpret construction drawings, and resolve fieldchallenges during project execution.• Planning & Budgeting: Contribute to short- and long-term capital improvement plans, revenueforecasting, and power cost budgeting using performance models. Review developer-submitted plansfor compliance with District standards.• Field Work: Perform field surveys and site visits to support construction projects, new customerconnections, and facility upgrades. Respond to emergencies and participate in on-call duties asassigned.• Reporting & Communication: Prepare detailed reports, presentations, and documentation for internal,board, and public use. Represent MID at community and professional meetings, fostering consensusand addressing public concerns.• Software Utilization: Leverage engineering software (e.g., AutoCAD, GE SPSLF, Civil 3D, MS Office Suite,ETAP, ASPEN Oneliner) and develop proficiency in new tools as needed.Education• Bachelor’s degree in electrical or mechanical engineering from an accredited institution.Experience• Minimum of two (2) years of professional engineering experience in electric transmission, distribution,substation design, or operations.• Proven experience preparing technical reports and studies for electric transmission and distributionprojects.• Proficiency in multiple engineering software programs, including AutoCAD and MS Office Suite.• Familiarity with NERC/WECC compliance and CAISO/TID tariff structures is preferred.Skills and Abilities• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to independently resolve nonstandard issues using bestengineering practices.• Effective communication, both verbal and written, with diverse stakeholders, including staff,contractors, regulators, and the public.• Leadership and project management skills to guide teams and coordinate complex initiatives.• Ability to handle confidential information professionally and navigate sensitive political dynamicswithin a public agency.• Proficiency in negotiating agreements and building consensus with external entities.• Adaptability to learn new software and attend District-directed training.Knowledge• Electrical engineering principles related to transmission, distribution, and substations.• NERC/WECC compliance standards and CAISO grid management methodologies.• Project management processes, including CEQA/NEPA requirements and bid specifications.• Research, analysis, and technical report preparation methodologies.• Supervisory techniques to lead and mentor engineering staff.Special Requirements• Valid California Driver’s License.• Ability to respond to emergencies and participate in on-call rotations.• Willingness to attend professional development courses as directed.• PE License (Electrical)Special Requirements• Valid California Driver’s License.• Ability to respond to emergencies and participate in on-call rotations.• Willingness to attend professional development courses as directed.• PE License (Electrical)Work Environment & Environmental Factors• Primarily office-based with occasional fieldwork (10% or less exposure to outdoor conditions).• May require irregular or extended hours, including overtime.• Exposure to uneven terrain or stairways during site visits.Physical Demands• Sit for up to eight (8) hours per day while operating computers and office equipment.• Lift and carry up to 25 pounds of materials or equipment.• Communicate effectively in person, by telephone, and in writing.• Hear and see well enough to interpret communications and operate vehicles/office equipment.• Navigate uneven ground or bend/stoop during fieldwork.Mental Demands:• Exercise independent judgment and objective reasoning.• Organize and prioritize tasks on daily and weekly basis.• Interpret and apply state, federal, and agency regulations.• Document work concisely, accurately, and promptly.• Manage multiple duties with potential interruptions.• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essentialfunctions.Supervision:• Reports to the Manager of Engineering - Energy Resources.