Test Engineer I - Oahu

HAWAIIAN ELECTRIC CO.; Honolulu (HI); On-site; USD 99,900 - 127,500; Full time

Job summary

HAWAIIAN ELECTRIC CO. is seeking a professional Test Engineer in Honolulu, Hawaii. The role involves engineering support for electronic equipment across substations and renewable energy projects. Candidates should hold a relevant BS degree and possess 1-3 years in electrical engineering or similar roles.

The position offers a salary range of $99,900 to $127,500, depending on skills and qualifications, and emphasizes critical communication and problem-solving abilities.

Qualifications

• A few (1-3) years of electrical engineering experience working with power system operations.
• Working knowledge of Test Engineering industry standards.
• Must qualify for a State of Hawaii driver’s license.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for electrical acceptance and functional tests at substations.
• Consults with manufacturers and engineering teams.
• Prepares operating instructions and test procedures.

Skills

Oral and written communication skills

Problem-solving in adverse conditions

Interpersonal skills

Flexibility in a demanding environment

Education

BS in Engineering in a relevant discipline

Tools

SCADA systems

Telemetry systems

Various test equipment

Job description

Company: Hawaiian Electric Companies

Posting End Date: This position will remain open until filled. Early applications are highly encouraged.

Job Function

Provides professional engineering level technical support in the installation, operation, testing and maintenance of the computer/electronic/electro‑mechanical equipment for the Test Dept and the Relay Shop.

Essential Functions

• Responsible for electrical acceptance and functional tests required at various substations, and as needed for T&D facilities, Power Plants, and IPP Interconnection points prior to energization and performs follow up and verification tests before equipment is placed into service. Performs on-site field work. Creates Equipment Approval documents for equipment in-service authorization.
• Participates in the addition of co-generation and renewable sources added to the HECO system by collaboratively reviewing equipment testing and results. Analyzes, evaluates, and gives recommendation to test results or test data. Performs HECO witness testing for contracted test agents.
• Reviews and confirms the correctness of the logic for control, protective relays, and auto transfer schemes from Engineering, System Protection and manufacturers.
• Reviews and makes recommendations to electrical drawings, system plans and relay settings.
• Provides professional engineering and technical support for power system operation and maintenance activities to maintain system integrity and service reliability.
• Assists with the coordination to install assigned projects including coordination of Holdoffs and/or coordinating and taking Switching Limited and Limited Holdoffs.
• Consults with manufacturers, Engineering, Protection, Operations departments, Project Management, and contractors to ascertain proper equipment design, programming, planning, scheduling, troubleshooting, operational performance and emergency response.
• Responsible for investigating, analyzing and taking corrective action on any faulty relay operation. Establishes and maintains adequate test and maintenance data and develops written reports on special tests or projects.
• Collaborates with other engineers, supervisors and technicians in the coordination and installation of assigned projects and schedules resources accordingly.
• Assists with administrative duties such as budget, meetings, updates, reports, as-built updates, and training for section personnel. Participates as an instructor when needed.
• Research and Development of new technologies.
• Prepares operating instructions for new equipment and prepares test procedures and manuals to provide instructions and guidance to personnel.
• Provides technical support of IP Networking, optimizing system performance and network security, which includes data encryption. Complies with North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) and Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP) Standards, i.e., cyber security pertaining to control systems.
• Must be available for emergency calls at all times.
• Supports renewable and green initiatives and smart grid technologies.
• Supports One Company Substation & Meter Operations (SMO) across all service areas.
• Participates in Company emergency response activities as assigned, including any activities required to prepare for such emergency response.

Basic Qualifications

Knowledge Requirements

• A BS degree in Engineering in a relevant discipline from an accredited Engineering school is preferred.
• Thorough working knowledge of digital logic, electronics, electrical engineering fundamentals, and microprocessor based technology normally acquired through college level engineering courses, or equivalent experience.
• Working knowledge in Test Engineering industry standards, policies and testing methodologies.
• Advanced knowledge of Electric Power Substations.
• Working knowledge of Power System Operations.
• Working knowledge of SCADA, EMS and telemetry systems.
• Working knowledge of communications systems fundamentals, various test equipment and computer systems software, firmware and programming languages.
• Working knowledge of protective relaying concepts, schematics, wiring, relay settings, power system simulators, applicable test equipment and software test programs.
• Working knowledge of safe work practices and utilization of these practices to create a safe and healthy work environment.

Skills Requirements

• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to resolve technical problems in the field under adverse conditions.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Ability to remain flexible in a demanding work environment and adapt to rapidly changing priorities.
• Must have or be able to qualify for a State of Hawaii driver’s license. Must meet the standards for frequent or required driving positions stated in the Hiring Standards for Required Driving Positions policy. These standards may be adjusted periodically to meet business and safety objectives.

Experience Requirements

• A few (1-3) years of electrical engineering experience working with power system operations, system commissioning, protective relaying, SCADA systems, telecommunications or digital and electronic computer and control systems. A BS in Engineering may be substituted for up to 4 years of experience.

Role

Professional

Number of Vacancies

1

Hiring Range

The hiring range for the Test Engineer I (Req ID 10528) position is $99,900.00 to $127,500.00. The person selected will be placed according to his/her skills and qualifications.

EEO Statement

Hawaiian Electric Companies is an equal opportunity employer, including disability and protected veteran status.

Hawaiian Electric Companies complies with all applicable laws, including Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Any request for reasonable accommodation needed during the application process should be communicated by the candidate to the HR Service Center at [phone].