Senior Electrical Engineer

Position Summary

The Senior Electrical Engineer provides advanced technical expertise in the planning, design, construction, operation, and maintenance of the Cooperative's electric distribution and transmission systems. This position supports the Manager of Engineering and collaborates with operations, field personnel, and external partners to ensure safe, reliable, compliant, and cost-effective electric service for the Cooperative's member-owners. This is a senior-level technical role that includes supervising engineering staff and leading project teams to support organizational objectives.

Reporting Relationship

Reports to: Manager of Engineering

Supervision of: TBD

Supervisory Responsibilities

Provides day-to-day direction and technical oversight for assigned engineering staff. Responsible for leading and coordinating team activities related to engineering projects, setting work priorities, monitoring performance, supporting training and professional development, and contributing to performance evaluations in accordance with Cooperative policies.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Engage in comprehensive electric system planning and design, including development of long-range system plans, load forecasts, and construction work plans to support system growth, reliability, and regulatory compliance.
• Oversee the engineering design of upgrades to existing distribution, transmission, and substation assets, ensuring compliance with the National Electrical Safety Code (NESC), National Electrical Code (NEC), Rural Utilities Service (RUS) requirements, and other applicable standards.
• Plan, manage, and execute engineering projects ranging from distribution upgrades to substations and transmission lines, including project scoping, scheduling, resource coordination, and execution to ensure projects are completed on time, within budget, and in accordance with Cooperative objectives.
• Assume a leadership role in supervising, coaching, and mentoring engineering and technical staff, guiding technical work, setting priorities, supporting professional development, and contributing to performance evaluations.
• Provide technical oversight and direction for all electrical system projects, including review and approval of engineering designs, technical analyses, construction drawings, specifications, and system modifications.
• Oversee system modeling and engineering analyses, including voltage drop, fault current, protection coordination, and related power system studies to ensure safe, reliable system operation.
• Ensure all engineering and construction activities adhere to applicable federal, state, Cooperative, and industry standards, including compliance with RUS specifications, environmental requirements, and safety regulations.
• Conduct financial and contractual management responsibilities for the engineering function, including development, monitoring, and management of the engineering budget.
• Oversee the preparation and administration of engineering specifications, material standards, and construction contracts, utilizing competitive bidding processes in accordance with Cooperative policies.
• Manage stakeholder coordination and collaboration with internal departments, regulatory agencies, power suppliers, contractors, consultants, and other utilities to ensure effective project execution and seamless system operations.
• Serve as a technical resource for member support, assisting in the resolution of member inquiries related to power quality, system performance, and engineering-related service issues.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Education, Experience, and Skills

Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Electrical Engineering required. Registered Professional Engineer (PE) required. Preferred 8–10 years of progressive electric utility or cooperative experience in power systems engineering.

Must have a strong working knowledge of electric system design, system planning, and project management practices. Must have a strong working knowledge of RUS Specifications, National Electrical Safety Code (NESC), National Electrical Safety Standards (NES), and other applicable industry standards and codes.

Must have the ability and skill set to effectively navigate and utilize engineering software systems, including but not limited to GIS, SCADA, and Outage Management Systems (OMS).

Must have the ability to lead and supervise engineering teams through small to large-scale projects, drive team performance, support professional development and training initiatives, and participate in the completion of employee performance appraisals.

Physical Requirements & ADA Compliance

The physical demands described are representative of those required to perform the essential functions of this position. Duties may include office work and occasional field site visits involving uneven terrain and varying weather conditions. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).