Project Engineer

Rio Grande Electric Cooperative, Inc.; El Paso (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Rio Grande Electric Cooperative, Inc. seeks an experienced electrical project engineer to lead the development and execution of large-scale utility projects, including microgrid, substation, and renewable energy initiatives.

You will oversee design, construction, and commissioning, while coordinating with government stakeholders and cooperative members. The role emphasizes project management, technical improvement, and adherence to safety and regulatory standards, requiring strong communication

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in engineering degree is required.
• 5 years project engineering experience, including at least one high-profile project.
• Familiarity with electric utility regulation preferred.
• Understanding of tariff rates, power purchase contracts, and interconnection agreements.
• Experience with electric utility projects in distribution, transmission, and renewable energy.
• Experience with complex analysis tools for electrical design.
• Strong project management skills for the discipline.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.

Responsibilities

• Lead project management and technical improvement initiatives.
• Develop project work force estimates, budgets, communications, and deliverables.
• Create typical details, specifications, and drawing standards.
• Stay updated on industry changes and apply relevant trends.
• Improve analytical processes and documentation for solutions.
• Coordinate with government personnel and cooperative members; manage permitting processes.
• Ensure timely delivery of projects within budget.
• Collaborate with senior staff to improve project methods and profitability.
• Perform site assessments and evaluate existing systems for upgrades.

Skills

Project management

Electrical engineering design

Analytical thinking

Written and oral communication

Independent work

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 work force 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. (RGEC) was organized in 1945 to enhance the quality of life for rural residents by providing electric service where none existed. Today, at over 35,000 square miles, RGEC has the largest service territory of any electric cooperative in the contiguous United States, serving 18 counties in Texas, and two counties in New Mexico. While it still serves rural areas, many metropolitan areas have expanded into RGEC’s territory, which now includes hospitals, schools, and urban housing developments.

The Cooperative was also selected by the military to be the electrical maintenance provider for Fort Bliss, El Paso, and Laughlin Air Force Base, Del Rio. RGEC maintains offices in Alpine, Brackettville, Carrizo Springs, Dell City, El Paso, and Fort Stockton, with the Brackettville office serving as corporate headquarters.

Mission

RGEC is committed to providing its members safe and reliable energy services through the efficient use of resources, highly skilled employees, and technology.

Motto

Empowering communities, enhancing lives.

Values & Vision

RGEC proudly serves members based on a foundation of integrity and excellence, while striving for the betterment of communities and quality of life for those in the region it is privileged to serve.

Seven Cooperative Principles

Voluntary and Open Membership | Democratic Member Control | Members’ Economic Participation

Autonomy and Independence | Education, Training and Information | Cooperation Among Cooperatives | Concern for Community

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