Job Description
Job Description
Sr / Principal Power Distribution Engineering Specialist
Location : Berkeley, CA
Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory - https : / / www.lbl.gov /
Hourly Pay - $65.00 per hour plus great benefits
Bay Systems Consulting Inc.
Berkeley Lab's Engineering Division is hiring a Sr / Principal Power Distribution Engineering Specialist to provide expert technical support for AC upgrades infrastructure to support the Advanced Light Source (ALS) and its upgrade project (ALS-U). This role involves providing assistance and design support, documentation, procurement, fabrication, installation, and testing of AC upgrades to the current ALS AC infrastructure.
Key responsibilities include :
- Lead efforts in the design, upgrade, and maintenance of low- and medium-voltage AC distribution systems, including electrical panels, transformers, switchgear, and circuit breakers.
- Perform and review system analyses, load calculations, and capacity planning to ensure system reliability and optimal performance.
- Ensure full compliance with NFPA 70E / NEC, IEEE, and other applicable standards, taking a proactive role in identifying and addressing compliance issues.
- Oversee and manage the fabrication, installation, and testing of electrical systems to ensure adherence to project specifications and high-quality performance.
- Collaborate closely with engineers, tradespeople, and vendors to plan, coordinate, and execute AC distribution projects effectively.
- Drive the integration of new AC distribution systems with backup power solutions, providing technical leadership and problem-solving.
- Evaluate and validate systems to ensure safety, efficiency, and operational reliability, implementing improvements where necessary.
- Develop and maintain comprehensive documentation of designs, upgrades, and maintenance activities for project tracking, compliance audits, and future reference.
This role requires hands-on experience in the Utility / R&D environment and a background in electronics or electrical engineering and strong skills in proactive problem-solving and strategic decision-making within established practices and policies. The successful candidate will play a key role in advancing ALS and ALS-U objectives by delivering high-quality technical solutions for various AC electrical designs, mentoring team members, solving technical challenges, and ensuring the reliable and efficient implementation of ALS projects.
What You Will Do :
Assist in designing and installing AC system upgrades including generating one-line diagrams and installation instructions.Perform hands-on work with power distribution, cables, power supplies within cable trays and trenches.Ensure compliance with electrical requirements (voltage, resistance, grounding, power).Lead troubleshooting connectivity issues and maintain necessary qualifications (e.g., Qualified Electrical Worker, NFPA 70E).Design and assist in implementing AC systems, conducting tests, and selecting reliable components.Test cables for continuity, signal strength, and interference post-installation.Document cabling systems and designs using CAD tools, adhering to LBNL standards.Maintain qualifications (e.g., Qualified Electrical Worker) and adhere to electrical safety practices (LOTO, NFPA 70E).Use procurement systems (ePro / eBuy) and assist in procuring electronics equipment, ensuring compliance with standards (NEC, NRTL, LBNL).Monitor project progress and ensure alignment with organizational goals, safety, budget, and timelines.Collaborate with cross-functional teams to manage project timelines, budgets, and resources.Lead and coordinate with other trades (electricians, technicians) and outside vendors to avoid conflicts.Use personal protective equipment (PPE) and follow safety protocols.Communicate clearly and adhere to safety standards.Additional Responsibilities as Needed :
Use tools like cable testers, VNAs, TDRs, OTDRs, oscilloscopes, signal generators, spectrum analyzers, power meters, and HiPot testers.Supervise personnel as needed and support non-ALS projects at LBNL.Provide mentorship to entry-level engineering associates.What is Required :
Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or related field, or equivalent experience, plus 5 years of professional experience.Proven expertise in the design, testing, troubleshooting, and maintenance of low- and medium-voltage AC distribution systems, including power distribution, control systems, and wiring.Proficient in interpreting and applying electrical schematics, mechanical drawings, and technical diagrams to support system design and troubleshooting.Ability to draft one-line diagramsUnderstanding of 3 Phase Power SystemsInterpret / Draft AC Distribution schematic drawingsAbility to load balance and perform load calculationsSolid foundation in electronic circuit / system design, testing, and troubleshooting, with experience in integrating electronic and electrical systems.Familiarity with various cable types (e.g., multi-conductor, fiber optic, coaxial, twisted pair, power) and their specifications for system integration and performance.Comprehensive knowledge of electrical codes (e.g., NEC), safety standards (e.g., NFPA 70, NFPA 70E, OSHA, IEC), lab safety protocols, and risk assessment in electromechanical systems, with awareness of Qualified Electrical Worker (QEW) certification requirements.Proficiency in CAD software (e.g., AutoCAD, OrCAD, KiCAD) for schematic capture, layout, and system modeling.Ability to collaborate with mechanical engineers and work with mechanical models to ensure seamless integration of electrical and mechanical systems.Strong interpersonal and communication skills for effective collaboration with multidisciplinary teams, vendors, and stakeholders.Desired Qualifications :
10-15 years of relevant field experienceProfessional Engineer (PE) license or Licensed Electrician certification.Additional certifications such as NFPA 70E (Electrical Safety).Experience working with backup power systems (e.g., generators, UPS)Familiarity with infrastructure in laboratory or industrial environments.
Salary : $65