Professional Engineer

Job Title: Professional Engineer

Department: Engineering

Reports To: Manager of Engineering

FLSA Status: Exempt

Safety Sensitive: Yes

 Summary

Serves the cooperative by applying sound engineering principles to ensure the reliable, safe, and cost-effective delivery of both electric and fiber-optic services to members/subscribers. Responsible for the short- and long-term planning, design, and capacity needs of the cooperative’s electric distribution system and Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH) network, ensuring compliance with industry standards and regulatory requirements. Collaborates with internal departments, contractors, vendors, and members/subscribers to implement engineering solutions that enhance system performance, efficiency, and members/subscribers satisfaction. Supports the integration of fiber communication systems with the electric grid to improve automation, reliability, and smart grid applications.

Standards of Excellence

The standards of excellence represent the code of conduct required of every employee to ensure a culture of excellence is maintained throughout the cooperative.

• Supports the organization by having sufficient knowledge of programs and services offered and professionally representing the organization in a positive manner. Contributing to high organizational and team performance through a commitment to excellence.
• Accepts challenges and supports change within the organization. Demonstrates commitment, and overcomes resistance through resourcefulness and creative problem-solving. 
• Allocates time and attention based on what is most important to achieve key goals and objectives.
• Effectively organizes and balances tasks and priorities to keep multiple duties on track.
• Demonstrates effective skills in obtaining and researching facts and information. Interprets and analyzes information, including instructions and guidelines to make appropriate decisions.
• Selects and uses appropriate communication methods and demonstrates follow-through with commitments.
• Observes safety and security procedures and actively demonstrates safe work practices at all times.
• Exhibits integrity and demonstrates ethical behavior in everyday business conduct.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Ensure a safe working environment by adhering to cooperative safety policies, OSHA, NESC, and NEC regulations.
• Plan, design, and oversee the implementation of both the electric distribution system and Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH) network to ensure reliable, safe, and cost-effective service to members and subscribers.
• Conduct system analysis and special studies, including voltage levels, phase balancing, capacitor and regulator applications, conductor and transformer sizing, and fiber network performance.
• Ensure protection and reliability of the electric and fiber distribution systems through proper system design, protective equipment application, and infrastructure upgrades.
• Coordinate with internal departments, contractors, and vendors to ensure seamless electric and fiber system operations, maintenance, and expansion efforts.
• Prepare cost estimates and project timelines for both electric infrastructure upgrades and fiber deployment projects.
• Ensure compliance with RUS specifications, NESC, NEC, and industry standards for both electric and fiber facilities.
• Oversee contract crews and negotiate contracts related to electric distribution, fiber network expansion, and maintenance operations.
• Develop and manage short- and long-term system plans, including electric system improvements, fiber deployment strategies, and smart grid integration.
• Support integration of fiber communication systems with the electric grid to enhance system reliability, automation, and smart grid applications.
• Assist with disaster response planning by maintaining FEMA compliance, conducting damage assessments, and coordinating power and fiber network restoration efforts after natural disasters.
• Address member concerns related to both electric service reliability and fiber broadband connectivity, ensuring prompt and effective solutions.
• Perform additional engineering-related tasks as needed to support cooperative objectives.

Competencies:

Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner. Gathers and analyzes information skillfully. Generates creative solutions, develops innovative approaches and ideas, and demonstrates attention to detail.

Project Management - Develops project plans, coordinates with others, communicates changes and progress and completes projects on time and on budget.

Technical Skills - Maintains expertise in electrical engineering and Fiber-to-the-home practices, emerging technologies, and industry best practices through continuous learning and professional development.

Communication Skills - Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations. Listens and gets clarification, responds well to questions and participates in meetings.

Written Communication - Writes clearly and informatively, edits work for grammar and spelling, and varies writing style to meet needs.

Teamwork - Exhibits objectivity and openness to others' views, gives and welcomes feedback, contributes to building a positive team, and supports everyone's efforts to succeed.

Leadership - Inspires and motivates others to perform well, includes appropriate employees in planning and decision-making, takes responsibility for employees' activities, makes self-available to employees, develops employee's skills and encourages growth, gives appropriate recognition to others and continually works to improve work environment and leadership skills.

Ethics - Treats people with respect, keeps commitments and accepts responsibility for own actions, inspires the trust of others, works with integrity and upholds organizational values.

Organization Support - Follows policies and procedures, supports company goals and values, promotes a harassment-free environment, supports affirmative action and respects diversity.

Confidentiality - Uses discretion and maintains confidentiality regarding sensitive and personal matters related to the function.

Qualifications 

• A Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering (BSEE) is preferred.
• Professional Engineer (PE) licensure is preferred; the ability to obtain licensure within a reasonable timeframe is required.
• A minimum of 10-15 years of experience with an electrical distribution utility is preferred, with additional experience in Fiber-to-the-home network design, construction, or operations is highly desirable.
• Extensive knowledge of electric distribution system design, RUS specifications, construction, operations, and maintenance standards is required.
• Strong working knowledge of national and local electrical codes, regulations, and standards, including NESC, NEC, OSHA compliance, and fiber industry best practices.
• Proficiency in engineering modeling tools and CAD systems, such as Milsoft, AutoCAD, or equivalent software, is preferred.
• Familiarity with grant compliance, permitting, and regulatory requirements related to FTTH deployments is a plus.
• Experience in budgeting, forecasting, and engineering-related systems is desirable.