Engineer I, II, III or Senior (Transmission Planning)

EKPC Company Information

Located in the heart of the Bluegrass state, East Kentucky Power Cooperative is a not-for-profit generation and transmission (G&T) electric utility with headquarters in Winchester, KY which is just a short distance from Lexington. Our cooperative has a vital mission: to safely generate and deliver reliable, affordable and sustainable energy to our 16 owner-member cooperatives serving more than 1 million Kentuckians across 87 counties. We’re leaders in environmental stewardship and we’re committed to provide power to improve the lives of people in Kentucky.

As passionate as we are about providing smart energy solutions, we are equally excited about people. We strive to cultivate connected workplaces where great ideas are born and rewarding careers are built.

EKPC offers a wage and benefits package that ranks among the best in the state. There is no waiting period on our medical, dental and vision insurance plans so you are covered on day one, and the dental plan is free for employees. Our generous 401(k) retirement plan allows employees to start contributing to their plan after a month of service, and after 3 months of service, EKPC will automatically contribute 6% of base wages AND match employee contributions up to 4%. Our competitive vacation and sick leave package starts day one to allow for flexibly and a healthy work-life balance.

For more information on our plentiful benefits package visit our website at https://www.ekpc.coop/work-ekpc

EKPC is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer

No Expiration Date

This posting will remain open until the position is filled. We encourage you to apply early as we will review and consider candidates as they are received.

Key Roles

The highest level senior requirements have been included in this posting; however, we will be considering all levels of engineers. If you are an Electrical Engineer at any level, we encourage you to apply.

To provide expert engineering services and support to assigned group. To successfully manage assignments in a safe, regulatory compliant, timely, and cost effective manner. Demonstrates robust technical expertise in work group area and related technical areas. Ability to work independently on assignments and provide work direction to staff/contractors. Willingly accepts range of assignments. Serves as a technical representative of EKPC in a variety of public and corporate settings.

Key Responsibilities

All Specialties

• Develops/finalizes reports and work plans which recommend action considering short and long-range objectives, economic and budget considerations, etc.
• Develops and coordinates departmental project work plans and manages through completion taking needed correction action. Informs supervisor and manager of any major developments or changes in direction of the project.
• Leads development of work plans and monitors actual progress of applicable portions, taking any corrective action required.
• Completes status report for all work assignments and keeps management informed on progress.
• Technical representative in meetings with public, members, vendors, contractors, and other utilities.
• Successfully manages complex assignments on routine basis.
• Trains and develops less experienced engineers.
• Provides work direction to other staff/contractors on projects as assigned.
• Manages multiples assignments and mentors other staff.
• Analyzes data and makes recommendations and/or decisions.
• Maintains and approves technical records (e.g. drawings, files, databases).
• Oversee and/or completes preparation of estimates (cost, work order, schedules).
• Thorough knowledge of all relevant procedures, specifications, and applicable codes, regulations, compliance rules, and standards (e.g. RUS).
• Collaborates with other team members and supervisors in carrying out assignments.
• Thorough understanding of how decision making and work product impacts other systems, operations, and processes.
• Provides engineering assistance for Member Cooperatives.
• Creates corporate standards and specification related to respective expertise.
• Requires mature engineering knowledge and judgment of sound engineering practices and standards.
• Demonstrates strong technical expertise and awareness of job related field, and continues to remain current on the industry.
• Performs all work in a safe and timely manner.

Planning

• Performs, documents, and/or leads complex electric transmission planning steady-state power-flow studies related to the EKPC system without direction. Successfully manages multiple large-scale studies simultaneously.
• Develops potential solutions and associated economic analyses to address identified transmission system needs.
• Leads transmission studies and analysis associated with regulatory requirements and standards, such as FERC, NERC, SERC, and PJM requirements and activities. Provides technical expertise and support in Kentucky PSC proceedings, as needed.
• Develops and maintains appropriate planning models, processes, and standards.
• Provides technical guidance to transmission planning team members and other EKPC departments regarding planning issues.
• Collects, organizes, and analyzes information associated with planning the EKPC system.
• Coordinates with other EKPC departments regarding development and implementation of projects to enhance the EKPC system.
• Represents EKPC in external planning activities (PJM, SERC, NATF, etc.).
• Interprets and performs dynamic (generator and voltage) stability studies, as needed.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Key Requirements

Education and Certifications / Licenses:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering from an ABET accredited program required. Electrical Engineer preferred.
• Registered Professional Engineering license in the Commonwealth of Kentucky preferred.

Experience:

• Minimum seven (7) years of progressively responsible engineering work experience required.

Skills and Abilities:

All Specialties

• Thorough understanding of business acumen, Cooperative financial structure, and business plans.
• Proven ability to negotiate and resolve conflict.
• Ability to lead and provide work direction to others.
• Thorough understanding of commercial and contractual aspects of Cooperative business.
• Ability to present technical information to wide range of audiences.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills (e.g. reports, emails, presentations).
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to collaborate with other contacts, both inside and outside the Cooperative.
• Proven ability to creatively apply technical skills to projects and activities.
• Ability to think logically, and to understand instructions on specific objectives, complex features and possible solutions.
• Ability to plan, schedule, conduct, and coordinate assigned work activities.
• Excellent data analysis and problem solving abilities.
• Proficient use of Microsoft Office and other common business applications required.

Planning

• Experience and proficiency in developing computer programs or scripts (Python).
• Knowledge of electric substation/transmission line design and construction techniques.
• Knowledge of operation and maintenance of electric substations and transmission lines.
• Understanding of one-line diagrams and engineering drawings and schematics.
• Understanding of project management principles, concepts, and practices.

Competencies

• Technical/Professional Knowledge and Skills
• Contributing to Team Success
• Decision Making
• Gaining Commitment
• Customer Focus
• Adaptability

Working Conditions

• This is primarily an inside position with usual office conditions.
• Occasional work in the field is required.
• Requires occasional in-state and out-of-state travel; travel may be overnight.
• Must maintain a valid driver’s license.
• May be required to work outside normal hours.
• Regular lifting up to ten (10) lbs. and occasional lifting up to twenty (20) lbs.