Overview

Pattern Energy is a leading renewable energy company that develops, constructs, owns, and operates high-quality wind and solar generation, transmission, and energy storage facilities. Our mission is to transition the world to renewable energy through the sustainable development and responsible operation of facilities with respect for the environment, communities, and cultures where we have a presence. 

Our approach begins and ends with establishing trust, accountability, and transparency. Our company values of creative spirit, pride of ownership, follow-through, and a team-first attitude drive us to pursue our mission every day. Our culture supports our values by fostering innovative and critical thinking and a deep belief in living up to our promises.

Headquartered in the United States, Pattern has a global portfolio of more than 30 power facilities and transmission assets, serving various customers that provide low-cost clean energy to millions of consumers.

Responsibilities

The purpose of the Senior Electrical Engineer role is to provide subject matter expertise to Pattern Operations to ensure equipment reliability and optimal performance of Pattern’s High Voltage (HV) and Medium Voltage (MV) assets. Specifically, this involves providing remote technical support during major plant outages, acting as an authority on safe return-to-service decisions, performing root cause analysis on outages and equipment failures, preparing engineering reports and technical communications to field staff, and developing and communicating new standards and best practices for new plant design and equipment selection.

The Senior Electrical Engineer is additionally tasked with identifying new techniques and technologies that evolve Pattern’s operational capabilities with respect to electrical equipment and controls, as well as leading the internal and external resources to develop and implement these solutions.

Key Accountabilities

The key responsibilities will include the following:

For Operational Projects:

• Provide technical assistance for plant outages, conduct investigations into source and root cause of the outage, and act as authority on safe return-to-service decisions.
• Interface with site personnel, operations personnel, and the Pattern Operations Control Center to resolve issues related to the daily operation of operating assets.
• Lead initiatives for new technology R&D on electrical system monitoring, maintenance, and reliability & performance improvements.
• Review equipment configurations and protection & control settings; manage and monitor updates and revisions to electrical equipment for accuracy and compliance.
• Investigate and conduct root cause assessments on electrical equipment failures and communicate near-term and long-term mitigating actions.
• Periodic review of event records and oscillography.
• Periodically monitor and safe keep fault and disturbance records.
• Maintain a comprehensive list of all protective equipment at the site and their protective functions as well as access requirements.
• Collaborate with Pattern’s Regulatory Compliance organization to ensure continuous compliance of all Pattern assets with NERC regulatory standards and market rules on electrical operations and modeling.

For Projects in Design and Construction:

• Provide Operations’ perspective and input in support of the development of protection scheme and equipment selection standards.
• Provide periodic support to the Engineer Procure Construct team to review engineering deliverables including drawings, studies, metering configurations, relay settings and equipment selection

Qualifications

Educational Experience

A bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or equivalent is required.

Work Experience

• 5 years or more experience in medium and high voltage electrical equipment and protection & controls.
• Relevant experience in power generation or transmission/distribution utility engineering and/or field operations preferred.
• Experience with NERC electrical reliability standards, specifically MOD and PRC requirements preferred.

Additional Qualifications

• Strong technical capabilities and a creative, curious, self-driven work ethic
• Ability to travel as needed (Up to 30% travel)

Technical Skills

• Advanced knowledge of medium- and high-voltage substation electrical equipment and operations; knowledge of, and ability to apply, pertinent industry standards and codes, including those of the Institute of Electrical & Electronic Engineers (IEEE), National Electric Safety Code (NESC), and ANSI (American National Standards Institute); familiarity with programming and operation of microprocessor relays.
• Able to quickly assess emergency situations and requirements, and to develop and implement appropriate action plans.
• Able to extract and analyze relay settings, event data, and oscillography from all SEL, GE, ABB and Siemens relays.
• Well developed electrical troubleshooting skills including the ability to remotely assist site personnel with electrical equipment troubleshooting.
• Able to occasionally perform physical requirements including standing, sitting, walking, kneeling, twisting, reaching, and climbing at project locations to inspect equipment or collect information.
• Able to perform and review electrical discipline mathematical calculations and electrical protection designs, interfacing closely with Engineering and Construction teams and consultants to ensure proper protection system design and operation.
• Able to read and understand plans, specifications, drawings, and documents relating to engineering and construction, including one-line diagrams, three-line diagrams, and wiring diagrams.

The expected starting pay range for this role is $90,000 - $122,000 USD. This range is an estimate and base pay may be above or below the ranges based on several factors including but not limited to location, work experience, certifications, and education. In addition to base pay, Pattern’s compensation program includes a bonus structure for full-time employees of all levels. We also provide a comprehensive benefits package which includes medical, dental, vision, short and long-term disability, life insurance, voluntary benefits, family care benefits, employee assistance program, paid time off and bonding leave, paid holidays, 401(k)/RRSP retirement savings plan with employer contribution, and employee referral bonuses.

Pattern Energy Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer.