Project Engineer

Riogrande; El Paso (TX); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Riogrande in El Paso seeks an engineering professional to provide technical support for electric utility projects, focusing on Fort Bliss and Laughlin Air Force Base systems. The ideal candidate has a Bachelor's degree in engineering and 5 years of project engineering experience.

The role includes project management, engineering design, site assessments, and collaboration with senior engineers to enhance project efficiency.

Expect extensive travel and a commitment to safety and drug-free conditions.

Qualifications

• 5 years project engineering experience, from design development to opening.
• Familiarity with electric utility regulation preferred.
• Experience with electric utility type projects in distribution and renewable energy.

Responsibilities

• Manage project and technical improvement initiatives.
• Assist in engineering small to medium-sized projects.
• Perform site assessments to document existing systems.

Skills

Project management skills

Electrical engineering design knowledge

Interpersonal skills

Oral and written communication skills

Education

Bachelor of Science in engineering

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Job Purpose

Provides technical support and engineering expertise for the effective execution of electric utility projects on the Fort Bliss and Laughlin Air Force Base privatized systems as well as the RGEC Native System. Oversee the development and implementation of electrical engineering related systems for a particular project.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Project Management and Technical Improvement
  • Devote time to work on project management and technical improvement initiatives
  • Develop project workforce estimates, project communications, budget development and monitoring, organizing deliverables, and setting project standards for delivery
  • Development of typical details, specifications, and drawing standards
  • Keep abreast of industry and technology changes and trends, accordingly and recommend variations in approach and services, as appropriate
  • Improvement of analytical processes and documentation, common solutions and critical solutions
  • Foster a commitment to external and internal client service
  • Assist in management of project permitting processes
• Projects
  • Key workload devoted to engineering of projects, particularly large or complex projects (Microgrid, substation, renewable energy, distributed generation, etc.)
  • Assist in the project engineering of small to medium sized projects and assist Project Managers, from concept and schematic design through construction documents to construction and commissioning
  • Attend meetings and promote positive member contact with government personnel and cooperative members/potential members
  • Perform site assessments to document and evaluate existing systems for determining engineering strategies for extension, renovation or upgrade of electric facilities
  • Visit project sites during construction to assess quality, progress, and compliance with specifications and standards
  • Responsible for the quality and timely delivery of the projects to budget
  • Seek input from senior staff on technical matters to improve the overall project
• Strategic
  • Looks for ways to improve electrical engineering design and design processes
  • Looks for new trends in electrical engineering design and how to apply them to projects
  • Cooperate and communicate with other project participants in collaborating with senior engineers to create more efficient project methods and to maintain the project's profitability
  • Participate in training programs for job knowledge and technical skills
  • Perform other duties as requested
  • Learn and comply with Cooperative’s safety rules and procedures
  • Ability to maintain confidential information

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in engineering degree
• 5 years project engineering experience, from design development to opening, with one completed high profile project included
• Familiarity with electric utility regulation is preferred
• Possess an understanding of tariff rates, power purchase contracts, and interconnection agreements
• Experience with electric utility type projects in distribution (transformers, generators, motors, relays, etc.), transmission, large industrial and renewable energy
• Experience with complex analysis tools for electrical design
• Strong project management skills for the particular discipline
• Able to work creatively to reach solutions to complex problems
• Design review of medium and high voltage systems
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite
• Ability to work independently and with other department personnel on various projects and work assignments
• Possess a valid Texas drivers’ license
• Insurable with the Cooperative's auto insurance carrier
• Possess oral and written communication skills in the English language
• Possess good interpersonal skills including the ability to maintain a harmonious working relationship with all Cooperative employees
• Must be or become certified in first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation

Working Conditions

• To ensure all employees are provided with drug free and alcohol-free working conditions, pre-employment, post-accident, reasonable cause and random drug and alcohol tests are conducted on all employees
• Work outside under various weather conditions
• Subject to extensive travel, including multiple overnight stays

Physical Requirements

• Must have sufficient health to perform the essential functions, duties and responsibilities of the job
• Requires lifting, pushing, pulling, or carrying of weights
• Sitting/standing/walking/driving for extended periods of time

Direct Reports

• n/a

Rio Grande Electric Cooperative, Inc. is an equal opportunity provider and employer.