What are the responsibilities and job description for the Engineer I - Substation Operations position at BHE Renewables?
Job Description
The Engineer I – Substation Operations supports the planning, design, construction, operation, and maintenance of substation and generation facilities across the BHE Renewables fleet. This entry-level engineering role focuses on developing technical skills while supporting safe, reliable, and compliant operations. The Engineer I performs engineering assignments under general supervision and applies standard engineering principles and practices. This role supports project execution, maintenance programs, and compliance activities while emphasizing safety, Human Performance Improvement (HPI) tools, and continuous learning.
Responsibilities
Assist with maintaining and analyzing substation and generation maintenance programs, including oil sampling, SF6 usage, asset tracking and commissioning activities.
Understand safe electric work principles and provide guidance during site work.
Support project management activities, including scheduling, design support, cost estimates, material procurement, and construction coordination.
Conduct basic engineering studies including protective relay coordination, arc flash and assist in preparing technical reports and documentation.
Participate in risk identification, loss control measures, emergency response planning, and recovery exercises.
Provide engineering and technical support to Operations, Maintenance, and other internal stakeholders.
Apply Human Performance Improvement (HPI) principles to support safe and reliable operations and mitigate human error in engineering and operational activities.
Perform protective relay and other programmable substations and electric equipment device programming, backup and testing.
Interact with programmable devices to ensure appropriate data capture setup and pull event records.
Perform event analysis including fault and event records.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Related internship experience preferred.
Additionally, Engineer II typically requires at least three years of engineering experience, with demonstrated knowledge of substation operations and equipment.
Bachelor’s degree in Engineering from an accredited institution.
Strong computer skills, particularly Microsoft Office applications.
Effective oral and written communication skills. Strong technical writing ability.
Effective analytical and problem-solving skills. Project management skills: ability to prioritize and handle multiple tasks and projects concurrently.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office; CAD experience preferred, not required.
Ability to manage multiple tasks in a dynamic environment.
Up to 25% travel required.
Valid driver’s license required.
About Us
BHE Renewables delivers sustainable energy solutions for customers and communities. We own, operate and develop wind, solar, geothermal, hydroelectric and natural gas projects in 11 U.S. states. The power generated is sold into energy markets or directly to customers through long-term purchase agreements.
Headquartered in Des Moines, Iowa, BHE Renewables is an innovative and growing company with new offices in Phoenix and San Diego. Our 50/50 joint venture with Occidental Petroleum has led to a demonstration project showing how TerraLithium technology is used to extract lithium from the brine presently flowing through our geothermal plants in Imperial Valley, CA.
Our CHAMPION culture drives our success by fostering high expectations, ownership and continuous improvement within a respectful and inclusive team environment. Through the CHAMPION mindset, we focus on the fundamentals – preparation, planning and attention to detail – holding ourselves accountable to do simple better. Alongside this, the BHE Renewables CARES program encourages employee volunteerism and invests in our communities, reinforcing our commitment to excellence and collaboration, making us stronger together.
About The Team
BHE Renewables is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion or religious creed, age, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status (except as required by law), gender (including gender identity and expression), sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, genetic information, physical or mental disability, medical condition, veteran or military status, familial or parental status, marital status or any other category protected by applicable local, state or U.S. federal law. Employees must be able to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without an accommodation.
The Engineer I – Substation Operations supports the planning, design, construction, operation, and maintenance of substation and generation facilities across the BHE Renewables fleet. This entry-level engineering role focuses on developing technical skills while supporting safe, reliable, and compliant operations. The Engineer I performs engineering assignments under general supervision and applies standard engineering principles and practices. This role supports project execution, maintenance programs, and compliance activities while emphasizing safety, Human Performance Improvement (HPI) tools, and continuous learning.
Responsibilities
Assist with maintaining and analyzing substation and generation maintenance programs, including oil sampling, SF6 usage, asset tracking and commissioning activities.
Understand safe electric work principles and provide guidance during site work.
Support project management activities, including scheduling, design support, cost estimates, material procurement, and construction coordination.
Conduct basic engineering studies including protective relay coordination, arc flash and assist in preparing technical reports and documentation.
Participate in risk identification, loss control measures, emergency response planning, and recovery exercises.
Provide engineering and technical support to Operations, Maintenance, and other internal stakeholders.
Apply Human Performance Improvement (HPI) principles to support safe and reliable operations and mitigate human error in engineering and operational activities.
Perform protective relay and other programmable substations and electric equipment device programming, backup and testing.
Interact with programmable devices to ensure appropriate data capture setup and pull event records.
Perform event analysis including fault and event records.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Related internship experience preferred.
Additionally, Engineer II typically requires at least three years of engineering experience, with demonstrated knowledge of substation operations and equipment.
Bachelor’s degree in Engineering from an accredited institution.
Strong computer skills, particularly Microsoft Office applications.
Effective oral and written communication skills. Strong technical writing ability.
Effective analytical and problem-solving skills. Project management skills: ability to prioritize and handle multiple tasks and projects concurrently.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office; CAD experience preferred, not required.
Ability to manage multiple tasks in a dynamic environment.
Up to 25% travel required.
Valid driver’s license required.
About Us
BHE Renewables delivers sustainable energy solutions for customers and communities. We own, operate and develop wind, solar, geothermal, hydroelectric and natural gas projects in 11 U.S. states. The power generated is sold into energy markets or directly to customers through long-term purchase agreements.
Headquartered in Des Moines, Iowa, BHE Renewables is an innovative and growing company with new offices in Phoenix and San Diego. Our 50/50 joint venture with Occidental Petroleum has led to a demonstration project showing how TerraLithium technology is used to extract lithium from the brine presently flowing through our geothermal plants in Imperial Valley, CA.
Our CHAMPION culture drives our success by fostering high expectations, ownership and continuous improvement within a respectful and inclusive team environment. Through the CHAMPION mindset, we focus on the fundamentals – preparation, planning and attention to detail – holding ourselves accountable to do simple better. Alongside this, the BHE Renewables CARES program encourages employee volunteerism and invests in our communities, reinforcing our commitment to excellence and collaboration, making us stronger together.
About The Team
BHE Renewables is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion or religious creed, age, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status (except as required by law), gender (including gender identity and expression), sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, genetic information, physical or mental disability, medical condition, veteran or military status, familial or parental status, marital status or any other category protected by applicable local, state or U.S. federal law. Employees must be able to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without an accommodation.