Senior Electrical Power Operations Engineer

Brookhaven National Laboratory; Upton (NY); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

A research institution in New York seeks an Electrical Engineer to oversee the design and maintenance of large-scale electrical systems. The ideal candidate will have at least 10 years of experience in electrical power systems and strong knowledge of distribution systems. Responsibilities include supervising installations, managing projects, and ensuring compliance with safety regulations. A Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering is mandatory, and candidates must hold a valid NYS Driver's license. Excellent communication skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 10 years of experience in electrical power systems engineering.
• Strong knowledge of electrical distribution systems and protective relaying.
• Must have a valid NYS Driver's license.

Responsibilities

• Design and maintain large-scale electrical facilities.
• Supervise in-house electrical installations.
• Respond to electrical system issues and outages.

Skills

Electrical distribution systems

Project management

Power system analysis

Microsoft Office

AutoCAD

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

ETAP

SKM PowerTools

AutoCAD

Job description

Key Responsibilities

• Design, maintenance, and operation of large-scale facilities and systems including medium and low voltage electrical power transmission and distribution systems.
• Develops drawings and contract bid specifications assisting in the planned maintenance and outages on equipment located in utility plants and buildings.
• Layout and design of electrical equipment including but not limited to normal and emergency switchboards/switchgear, motor control centers, distribution and branch panel boards, disconnect switches, motor starters/VFD, etc.
• Participate in reviewing and executing safety procedures, Conduct of Operations in a safe and conscientious manner, following safety rules, procedures, and actively participating in safety programs, such as confined space, lock-out/tag-out, etc.
• Writing or reviewing electrical switching and safety procedures for line crew personnel.
• Identify and scope projects to ensure maintenance of electric power distribution system.
• Creating and presenting electrical safety training to both management and collective bargaining employees.
• Procure electrical service contracts such as load tap changer maintenance, dissolved gas analysis, relay maintenance, and third-party testing as required.
• Serve as subject matter expert (SME) for electrical work above 600V.
• Supervise and/or inspect in-house electrical installations and modifications to electrical distribution systems above 600V.
• Estimates materials, costs, and staffing requirements.
• May supervise service and maintenance contractors to ensure that work is performed in accordance with contract specifications.
• Coordinate with internal stakeholders and external utilities to ensure reliable power delivery to all site facilities
• Perform system analysis, load studies, and fault current calculations to support infrastructure planning and upgrades
• Support the design and review of electrical systems for new construction and renovation projects
• Ensure compliance with applicable codes, standards, and safety regulations such as:
  • NFPA 70 - National Electrical Code
  • NFPA 70E- Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace
  • IEEE C2 - National Electrical Safety Code
  • OSHA 1910.269
• Develop and maintain electrical system documentation, including single-line diagrams, manhole drawings, and duct bank drawings
• Respond to electrical system issues and outages, providing technical guidance and root cause analysis
• Collaborate with other departments, divisions, science organizations to integrate electrical systems into broader infrastructure projects
• Participate in capital project planning, utility master planning, and budget planning.
• Support commissioning, testing, and acceptance of new installations

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in electrical power systems engineering, preferably in a campus, utility, or industrial setting
• Strong knowledge of electrical distribution systems, protective relaying, and power system analysis
• Experience with overhead and underground 69kV, 13.8kV, and 2.4kV, 480V, 208V transmission and distribution systems.
• Preparation, review, and approval of electrical system design documents including one-lines, three-lines, DC control schematics, short circuit and voltage drop calculations.
• Experience managing multiple projects that include problem-solving, and project management skills
• Familiarity with electrical design software (e.g., ETAP, SKM PowerTools, AutoCAD)
• Experience with Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint)
• Ability to read and interpret underground utility drawings, one-line electrical diagrams, and P&I drawings.
• Requires some experience with protective relay selection, relay settings, coordination studies, equipment testing, and start-up problem resolution.
• Ability to use AutoCAD to produce design drawings, modify drawings, and create as-built drawings.
• Excellent teamwork, effective written and oral communication skills are required; must be able to analyze data, write technical reports, and develop work packages.
• Ability to read and understand underground utility maps.
• Must be able to occasionally work weekends or nights
• Must be able to read, write, and verbally communicate in English.
• Must have a valid NYS Driver's license.
• Must be available on occasion outside normal working hours to support power outages or planned maintenance.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Masters Degree in Electrical Engineering
• Minimum of 15 years of experience in electrical power systems engineering, preferably in a campus, utility, or industrial setting; at least five (5) years as an Engineer
• Licensed Professional Engineer (PE)
• Ability to read and interpret architectural and mechanical drawings.
• Experience with electrical SCADA systems.
• Experience in the electrical operation of centralized chilled water plants, steam plants, and water supply and treatment plants
• Familiarity with substation maintenance procedures and equipment such as vacuum breakers, SF6 circuit breakers, transformers, battery systems, etc.

Environmental, Safety, and Health Considerations

• Standing, bending, and lifting, up to 20 lbs.
• Ability to enter confined spaces
• Ability to climb fixed and portable ladders and work at heights up to 10 feet.
• Use of Personal Protective Equipment
• Work outdoors/cold environments or indoors/hot environments
• Use of private car may be required at certain times
• Occasional travel may be required to attend training classes, special meetings, conferences, or events.

Salary range information and internal designation details are provided as part of the job posting and may be adjusted based on experience and qualifications.

Brookhaven National Laboratory requires all non-badged personnel including visitors to produce a REAL-ID or REAL-ID compliant documentation to access Brookhaven National Laboratory. This is due to nationwide identification requirements for federal site access as required by the federal REAL ID Act. Those not in possession of a REAL ID-compliant document will not be permitted to access the site which includes access to the Laboratory for interviews.

Equal Opportunity Employer: Brookhaven National Laboratory is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals. Reasonable accommodations are available during the application process and job functions.

For more information, visit the Laboratory's website: www.bnl.gov