The Electrical Power Engineer supports MVEC's and MVUS's (Minnesota Valley Utility Services) Electrical Engineering needs.  Provides day-to-day technical support in the areas of either Engineering Planning, Distributed Energy Resources (DER's), Substation Planning and Design, or General Engineering. Assists in the development and implementation of load control strategies positively impacting rates and power-supply.  

This unique opening will focus on Substation Planning and Design. This position will be responsible for the planning, design, equipment bids, and overall project management of future substations as well as the yearly maintenance on MVEC’s existing 30 substations. This role will also implement new DER’s onto MVEC’s distribution system.

At MVEC we are a Team! Team Members are empowered to spend most of their time doing MVEC’s hands-on work.

Leading by example, a Team Member’s focus is to:

• Successfully carry out daily work, implement process improvements, suggest new ideas, serve on Teams, and proactively identify and resolve problems.
• Participate in setting goals and investigate training opportunities to build their skill set which allows work objectives to further the cooperative's strategy.
• Work cooperatively across departments, communicate effectively and be responsive.

All Team Members are accountable to MVEC's vision and mission, serving the membership and Team with servant leadership, dedication to safety and following the Team Member handbook.                                                                                                

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Designing and engineering electrical substations, including layout, equipment selection, and component specifications.
• Managing substation projects from inception to completion, including project scheduling, budgeting, resource allocation, and coordination with contractors. Ensure projects are executed within established timelines, budgets, and quality standards.
• Design distributed energy systems that include solar panels, energy storage, microgrids, and other innovative technologies.
• Ensure compliance with relevant regulations, standards, and codes which govern interconnected distributed energy resource systems.
• Work cross departmentally with the Energy Resources and Services Team to understand MVEC’s power supply portfolio and rates regarding distributed energy resources.
• Provide day-to-day technical support to Distribution Designers and Apparatus/Substation Technicians including substation planning and design, substation relay settings, and overall project management.
• Provide back-up support in the following areas listed but not limited to budgeting, long-range plans, construction work plans, sectionalizing studies (relay/recloser settings), arc-flash assessments, areas related to the National Electric Safety Code, and National Electric Code. Liaison to engineering consultants.
• Work with Accounting to assure accuracy, invoicing and completion of Work-Order / Staking-Sheets and annual review of schedule of charges. Assists in the development and implementation of load control strategies positively impacting rates and power-supply.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor of Science Degree in Electrical Engineering with Power emphasis from an ABET-accredited University.
• FE Exam completed and EIT Certified or able to obtain within 6 months of hire.
• Ability to obtain Professional Engineer (P.E.) License within 4 years of EIT Certification.
• Valid Minnesota Drivers License.
• In-depth knowledge of distribution system engineering, construction and operations.
• Familiar with safety codes, Rural Utilities Service (RUS) requirements, and other standards that apply.
• Ability to organize a project into defined tasks and delegate to appropriate personnel.
• Ability to work with diverse interests and be able to debate controversial issues when making objective.
• Good analytical, interpretative, interpersonal, complex problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• A strong working knowledge of Engineering Design Software (i.e. Milsoft, CYME), Electronic Staking Software, AutoCAD, or ESRI Mapping.
• Represent the Cooperative with professionalism and integrity when in contact with members, co-workers, the general public, consultants, contractors, vendors or other businesses.

Preferred Qualifications:

• 5+ years of related work experience and a P.E. License

Compensation will depend on qualifications and certifications.                                             

Safety Class:

This position is considered a safety-sensitive position. This position is subject to pre-employment drug screens. This position is also subject to random drug screening during employment. Both screenings include cannabis and hemp-derived products.

Applicants must be committed to providing service beyond members’ expectations and lead by example. Position open until filled. Preference to applicants that apply by Friday, September 20, 2024.

Equal Opportunity Employer 

About Minnesota Valley Electric Cooperative

Minnesota Valley Electric Cooperative is a member-owned distribution cooperative in the southwest metro of the Twin Cities.

Connections working at Minnesota Valley Electric Cooperative