Position Summary

The Principal Engineer is a key position that is responsible for developing standards, mentoring technical components, and overseeing design aspects through research of existing standards, regulations, and laws.  The Principal Engineer is knowledgeable of NESC, NEC, IEEE, ANSI, EPA, and RUS requirements.  The Principal Engineer takes requests from Engineering, Operations, and others to support any engineering need for CoServ.  The ability to effectively communicate with fellow employees, contractors, manufacturers, and stakeholders is essential.  An in-depth knowledge of materials, work practices, and technical aspects of a distribution utility is required.  The Principal Engineer assists the management team of the Engineering Department as needed and as directed by providing an increased level of expertise and leadership built on extensive utility experience.

Primary Position Responsibilities

• Maintains a thorough knowledge of construction practices and independently makes decisions regarding construction methods and techniques.
• Designs and recommends electrical facilities to be placed into the system.
• Develops standards through research of regulations, laws, NESC, and takes ownership of implementing them within the organization.
• Maintains knowledge of manufacturers and representatives and establishes relationships with them independently.
• Responsible for technical aspects of distribution standards review.
• Maintains comprehensive knowledge of NESC, RUS, ANSI, IEEE, and OSHA regulations and ensures compliance in all projects.
• Performs forensic studies on failed equipment without supervision and implements necessary corrective measures.
• Independently analyzes data from Power Quality meters and takes appropriate actions to address any issues.
• Works autonomously with Assets Management on damage investigation and replacement projects.
• Provides testimonial support as needed by CoServ on technical and regulatory matters.
• Oversees construction projects, ensuring adherence to design specifications, safety, and quality standards.
• Coordinates with customers about planned expansion or improvements of customer facilities and provides technical recommendations.
• Reviews cost estimates on projects and monitors costs throughout the project duration for accuracy resolving any discrepancies independently.
• Oversees the work of CoServ staff, providing technical guidance and mentoring to ensure quality outcomes and fostering their professional growth.
• Assists in training engineering department personnel, sharing knowledge and expertise to facilitate their development.
• Exercises full autonomy in recommending materials to be utilized on the distribution system, considering cost, quality, and project requirements.
• Inspects facilities for reliability and power quality issues independently and takes appropriate actions to address them including providing technical reporting for documentation purposes.
• Determines the necessary electrical distribution and substation facilities to meet system needs and demand for electrical power without requiring detailed oversight.
• Lead and manage complex engineering projects from initiation to completion, including budgeting, resource allocation, and risk management including engineering consultant management and mentoring.
• Develop and implement innovative engineering solutions to improve operational efficiency and optimize system performance.
• Conduct feasibility studies and cost-benefit analyses for new projects and initiatives.
• Provide technical expertise and guidance to cross-functional teams and stakeholders on engineering-related matters.
• Collaborate with senior management to define long-term engineering strategies and goals.
• Evaluate emerging technologies and industry trends to identify opportunities for innovation and competitive advantage.
• Complies with established CoServ safety and operating rules, procedures and guidelines including reporting unsafe practices to a supervisor.
• Complies with established CoServ Information Security Handbook, policies, procedures, and guidelines including reporting suspected information security incidents to Tech Support.

Secondary Position Responsibilities

• Maintains department standards on a consistent basis.
• Oversees technical material aspects stored in databases within Engineering & GIS software.
• Complies with established CoServ safety and operating rules, procedures, and guidelines.
• Attends power distribution conferences and other meetings to stay abreast of the latest developments in the transmission and distribution of electricity.
• Represent the organization in industry conferences, seminars, and technical forums.
• Develop and maintain relationships with industry partners, vendors, and research institutions to stay at the forefront of technological advancements.
• Mentor and coach junior engineers, providing guidance and support in their professional development.
• Participate in professional societies and maintain relevant certifications to enhance professional expertise and credibility.
• Mentors engineering staff in calculations and analysis, such as distribution analysis, power flow, voltage drop, power factors, fault current, conductor capacities, transformer and regulator capacities, sectionalizing studies, and equipment, without supervision.
• Demonstrates self-motivation, ownership of job responsibilities, and being pro-active in seeking solutions for the department.
• Authorizes various required forms for both state and federal agencies (road crossings, FCC, REA, Public Utility Commission, Corps of Engineers etc) on behalf of Engineering department staff as needed.

• Performs other duties and activities as directed.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Supervises engineering consultants on projects.
• Supervises investigation of failed equipment including technical oversight of forensic analysis provided by manufacturer.
• Supervises CoServ and contractor crews in their performance of work on special projects to ensure technical criteria.

Education and Certifications Required

•  High School Diploma or G.E.D equivalency.
• Bachelor of Science from an ABET accredited university in Engineering.
• Professional Engineer License.

Education and Certifications Preferred

• Master of Science in Engineering.
• Engineering related continuing education credits.

Experience Required

• 15 years’ experience in electrical utility power engineering.

Experience Preferred

• 20 years’ experience in electrical utility power engineering.

Skills and Abilities Required

• Ability to perform load growth analysis and provide a system forecast.
• Able to learn and gain understanding and utilization of NEC, NESC, IEEE, and OSHA requirements.
• Able to learn and gain knowledge in computer software including Microsoft Suite products, CoServ’s GIS, Engineering Analysis, and SCADA Systems.
• Demonstrates excellent grammar/composition skills and interpersonal/communication skills.
• Able to work in a team-based environment and achieve common goals with excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Able to maintain accurate records and be proficient with technical details.
• Demonstrates self-starting, organizational skills, and ability to work with limited supervision.
• Demonstrates a higher level of independent judgment and responsibility.
• Able to understand and carry out complex oral and written instructions.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and strict timelines.
• Excellent decision making, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills.

Skills and Abilities Preferred

• Understanding of an electric distribution system; and a general knowledge of the equipment needed to build, maintain, and distribute power through that system.
• Able to learn and gain understanding of city, county, and state permitting requirements.
• Ability to provide solutions to various system issues such as low voltage, overloads, improving power factor, and improving coordination of protective devices.
• Ability to use Milsoft, or other engineering analysis software tools, to perform trend analysis, mapping, curve plotting, and various power system studies.
• Must be capable of effectively executing company objectives and goals.
• Ability to create win/win situations in conflict resolutions.

Physical Requirements

• Works both in the office and outdoors.
• Ability to lift a minimum of 25 pounds.

• Drives company vehicle as needed.

• Operates office equipment such as a computer, telephone, fax machine, copier, etc.
• Ability to sit for long periods of time.

• Works in potentially hazardous conditions caused by pets and wildlife in or near the work site.

• Works in areas with possible exposure to poison oak, poison ivy, and insect stings.

Other Requirements

• Must have and maintain a valid Texas driver's license.

About CoServ

CoServ is an electric and gas distribution company serving North Texas since 1937. Doing business as CoServ Electric since 1998, we now have over 9,800 miles of electric infrastructure serving more than 300,000 meters across Denton, Collin, Cooke, Grayson, Tarrant and Wise counties. Our natural gas affiliate, CoServ Gas, was established in 1998 and serves more than 125,000 gas meters in Denton, Collin and Kaufman counties. North Texas is growing, and so is CoServ. We value innovative and dedicated Employees and are committed to providing them with a stable work environment filled with opportunities to learn and grow. Guided by our Core Values—Respect, Accountability, Integrity, Service, Excellence and Safety—we serve each other as we serve our Members and Customers. We offer a wide variety of careers—from Customer Care Representatives and Billing Clerks to Linemen and Engineers. CoServ is a company you can believe in.

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