Position Summary

The System Engineer designs, analyzes and evaluates electrical facilities, equipment and system performance using electrical engineering principles as guidance.  The system engineer ensures that the electrical system meets present and future requirements while rendering safe, efficient, and reliable service to the membership.  The system engineer evaluates and incorporates new technologies and prepares the system to absorb new load types such as Electric Vehicles and new distribution energy resources (DER’s) such as solar, battery, etc.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Prepares, analyzes and presents reports to management and supervisors to help strategically evaluate the effects the Engineering and Operations Department has on the overall effectiveness of the Cooperative’s ability to serve its members efficiently and effectively.
• Responsible for monitoring and directing power quality activities. Performs inspections and analysis of data, and recommends corrective action on power quality problems. Validates proper phase identification of circuits as well as load balancing.
• Acts as the liaison between the Engineering and Operations and the Information Technology Departments to deploy & optimize remote communications with field equipment while maintaining security from cyber threats.
• Assists in developing and maintaining OMS/Dispatch/SCADA as those programs continue to expand and integrate new technologies.
• Responsible for distribution system sectionalizing, protection, and coordination and the implementation of approved plans and studies.
• Maintains the system model and performs load studies for small and moderately sized additions to the system.
• Develops and maintains standard logic templates for recloser controls, station relays, station and office RTAC’s, DER interfaces, and other supportive protection and automation devices.
• Supports the development of DER interconnection agreements, and other engineering procedures.
• Assists in the short-range and long-range construction work planning and annual budget development
• Reviews data from field devices to identify issues and develop solutions. Example: outage reviews to validate proper coordination, reviewing equipment  failures and coordinating repairs/replacements with manufacturers and operations, metering data to validate proper loading of equipment, momentary outage reviews to ensure power quality, analog voltage information to validate conformance with +/- 5% IEEE requirements, etc.
• Guides and directs consultants and contracted personnel in the preparation of plans and studies including but not limited to, Arcflash, Power Factor, DER system impact studies, controlled voltage reduction optimization.
• Must remain knowledgeable of safety regulations and remain active in the Cooperative’s safety program, participating in all safety meetings.

Qualifications and Expectations

• B.S. degree in Electrical Engineering required. Must have successfully passed the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam or successfully pass within six months from the date of hire, and continuously work toward the goal of completing the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam.
• Must develop expertise in electrical equipment specifications and operations, communications, relaying, metering, rates, solar/renewables integration and budgeting.
• Must develop an effective working knowledge of utility system planning including long-range plan, yearly work plans, power requirement studies, sectionalizing studies, financial forecast (engineering), loan applications (engineering), load forecasting, budgets, engineering analysis programs, power supply, load management, supervisory control, outage management systems, etc.
• Must become knowledgeable in the design and construction of distribution power lines and substations, other distributions facilities such as capacitor installations, regulator structures, sectionalizing and relay systems and coordination, construction contracts, electric utility construction standards, meter installations, inventory methods and system mapping.
• Must develop a working knowledge of electrical apparatus such as power transformers, oil circuit breakers, regulators, reclosers, capacitors, meter installations and relays, etc.
• Must become knowledgeable of material and work order practices, National Electric Safety Code, OSHA, F.E.R.C. regulations, IEEE and RUS guidance documents.
• Knowledge of SEL relays and automation devices preferred.
• Knowledge of DNP, SEL, and Modbus protocols preferred.
• Must be able to perform field inspections outside regular office environment.
• Must possess a working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and other software applications pertinent to the Cooperative’s system.
• Must be able to interact well with internal and external contacts, handling inquiries and solving problems. Must convey professional interaction at all times, thereby maintaining positive relations. Must display and encourage team effort for maximum efficiency and productivity.
• Must maintain working relationship with industry affiliations, local, state, and federal associations, other cooperatives, vendors and consultants, including civic organizations.
• This position requires the employee be available to report for work during bad weather or unusual conditions, all times of the day and night as well as on weekends, to assist in restoration of service during system outages and emergencies.
• Must maintain thorough working knowledge of Cooperative Bylaws, policies, procedures, and Pee Dee EMC Safety Manual.
• Must be able to attend periodic seminars, training programs, conferences, civic and professional events.
• Must hold a valid NC driver’s license at the level necessary to operate vehicles in the performance of position responsibilities.

Physical Demands

• Normal work environment is 70% indoors and 30% outdoors. Must be able to sit for multiple periods of up to two consecutive hours each work day without a break. Frequently operates standard office machines to include computer, copy machine, phone, iPad, and fax.  Must be able to operate a two-way radio.  Must have the ability to work in confined spaces and cramped conditions for sustained periods. Must have the ability to stoop, bend, and/or crawl in order to inspect facilities and structures.  Must be able to walk rapidly for distances of 600 feet or more, at times crossing unlevel, wooded, muddy, or other­wise unfavorable terrain to gain access to service and/or construction locations. Must be able to perform assigned duties in the presence of pollens, spores, dust, and other airborne particles. Must have the ability to drive an average daily route of 50 or more miles, with a maximum of 100 miles, at times maneuvering in tight locations or backing vehicle considerable distances.

IMPORTANT:  This position description is not intended to be all-inclusive; an employee will also perform other job responsibilities as assigned by immediate supervisor and other management as required. This organization reserves the right to revise or change job duties as the need arises.  This position description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment. 

PEE DEE ELECTRIC IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

PEE DEE ELECTRIC IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

About Pee Dee Electric Membership Corporation

Pee Dee Electric is a member-owned cooperative that provides reliable electricity and related services while focusing on value, quality customer service, and enhancing life in the communities we serve. Pee Dee Electric is a not-for-profit organization which has been in business since 1939. Our goal is to provide reliable and dependable electric service for our members while providing legendary customer service throughout all levels of our organization. Our service area consists of Anson, Richmond, Union, Stanly, Montgomery, Moore, and Scotland counties within North Carolina. Pee Dee Electric is a member-owned distributor of electric power and we serve over 20,000 members within our service territory. Our corporate office is located in Wadesboro, NC with a district office located in Rockingham, NC. Pee Dee Electric is a friendly, service-oriented organization. The employees at Pee Dee Electric are dedicated to helping all members, both large and small. Our commitment to the community proudly makes us the "power of human connections" in the areas we serve.

Connections working at Pee Dee Electric Membership Corporation