Engineer I, Engineer Ii, Engineer Iii, Or Senior Engineer

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

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.

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.

Engineer I

• Under direct supervision, develops reports and work plans which recommend action considering short and long-range objectives, economic and budget considerations, etc.
• Under direct supervision, develops and coordinates individual project work plans and manages through completion taking needed corrective action. Informs supervisor and manager of any major developments or changes in direction of the project.
• Assists with status report for all work assignments and keeps management informed on progress.
• Assists with preparation of estimates (cost, work order, schedules).
• Analyzes data and makes recommendations and/or decisions.
• Maintains technical records (e.g. drawings, files, databases).
• Gains awareness of all relevant procedures, specifications, and applicable codes, regulations, compliance rules, and standards (e.g. RUS, etc.).
• Gains technical expertise and awareness of job related field, and remains current on the industry.
• Works with other team members and supervisors in carrying out assignments.
• Under guidance, provides engineering assistance for Member Cooperatives.
• Assists with the creation of corporate standards and specification related to respective expertise.
• Develops working knowledge of sound engineering practices and standards.
• Performs all work in a safe and timely manner.
• Investigates protective relaying and control issues/events and provides technical assistance and support to member systems, G&T Operations, G&T Maintenance, Generation Production, and Transmission Planning under direct supervision.
• Assists with development and use of computer programs/applications as needed, (power quality studies, fault studies, system coordination studies, loss evaluations, relay software, relay event analysis, protection asset databases, arc flash, etc.).
• Assists in the development of detailed drawings for secondary protective relay schemes, low voltage equipment power, and control system connections for generation, transmission, and distribution protection.
• Develops protective relay settings as required for new facility (generation, transmission, and distribution) equipment protection and modifies existing facility protective relay settings to maintain optimum system protection under direct supervision.
• Manages assigned NERC and/or CIP Compliance standards with assistance from Subject Matter Expert (SME).
• Assists with the development of equipment specifications and scope of work.
• Assists with bid evaluation and recommended suppliers and contractors for system protection.
• May coordinate substation control system field testing and modification, phasing tests, and other commissioning and check-out activities, with contractors and other EKPC departments, at the substation site under direct supervision.
• Assist in protection system switching procedures development.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Engineer II

• Under limited supervision, develops reports and work plans which recommend action considering short and long-range objectives, economic and budget considerations, etc.
• Under limited supervision, develops and coordinates individual project work plans and manages through completion taking needed corrective action. Informs supervisor and manager of any major developments or changes in direction of the project.
• Collaborates on the preparation 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.
• May provide work direction to other staff/contractors on projects as assigned.
• Trains and develops less experienced engineers.
• Manages multiples assignments with minimal assistance.
• Completes preparation of estimates (cost, work order, schedules).
• Analyzes data and makes recommendations and/or decisions.
• Maintains technical records (e.g. drawings, files, databases).
• Aware 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.
• Gains understanding of how decision making and work product impacts other systems, operations, and processes.
• Under limited guidance, provides engineering assistance for Member Cooperatives.
• Assists with the creation of corporate standards and specification related to respective expertise.
• Demonstrates working knowledge of sound engineering practices and standards.
• Demonstrates ongoing 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.
• Provides technical assistance and support for system protection and power engineering to member systems G&T operations, G&T maintenance, generation production, and transmission planning utilizing department expertise when necessary.
• Investigates protective relaying and control issues/events to assist in root cause analysis.
• Investigates all technical aspects of protective relaying and controls to apply new ideas or new technology that would improve procedures and results.
• Works with digital computer programs as needed (e.g. power quality studies, fault studies, system coordination studies, loss evaluations, relay software, relay event analysis, protection asset databases, arc flash, etc.)
• Performs SME tasks on assigned NERC and/or CIP compliance standards with assistance, delivering document updates, RSAWs, and evidence as required to internal compliance department and external entities as needed.
• Assists in developing detailed drawings for relaying single lines, secondary protective relay schemes and schematics, low voltage equipment power, and control system connections for generation, transmission, and distribution protection.
• Develops cabling requirements for relay cabinets, equipment, and relay panels.
• Develops building layout drawings for switchyard control houses and battery buildings.
• Assists in providing protective relay settings as required for new facility (generation, transmission, and distribution) equipment protection and modifies existing facility protective relay settings to maintain optimum system protection.
• Prepares equipment specifications and scope of work.
• Evaluates bids and recommends suppliers and contractors for system protection.
• Maintains and coordinates contracts with equipment suppliers and monitors progress, expediting as required to meet schedules.
• Assists in preparation of job status reports on projects for review.
• Prepares cost estimates on certain projects for submittal to accounting and planning departments.
• Coordinates substation control system field testing and modification, phasing tests, and other commissioning and check-out activities with contractors and other EKPC departments at the substation site.
• Collaborates on the preparation of the transmission system work plan and monitors actual progress of applicable portions, taking any corrective action required.
• Assists with development of protection system switching procedures where applicable and necessary for transmission operations personnel.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Engineer III

• Develops reports and work plans which recommend action considering short and long-range objectives, economic and budget considerations, etc.
• Develops and coordinates individual project work plans and manages through completion taking needed corrective action. Informs supervisor and manager of any major developments or changes in direction of the project.
• Develops 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 completes increasingly complex assignments.
• Trains and develops less experienced engineers.
• Provides work direction to other staff/contractors on projects as assigned.
• Manages multiples assignments and assists other staff.
• Analyzes data and makes recommendations and/or decisions.
• Maintains technical records (e.g. drawings, files, databases).
• Completes preparation of estimates (cost, work order, schedules). Analyzes data and makes recommendations and/or decisions.
• Aware 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.
• Gains understanding of how decision making and work product impacts other systems, operations, and processes.
• Provides engineering assistance for Member Cooperatives.
• Contributes to creation of corporate standards and specification related to respective expertise.
• Demonstrates working knowledge of sound engineering practices and standards.
• Demonstrates ongoing 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.
• Provides technical assistance and support for system protection and power engineering to member systems G&T operations, G&T maintenance, generation production, and transmission planning.
• Provides protective relay scheme insight to help establish the arrangement and location of substation facilities.
• Develops and works with digital computer programs as needed (e.g. power quality studies, fault studies, system coordination studies, loss evaluations, relay software, relay event analysis, protection asset databases, arc flash, etc.).
• Develops detailed drawings for relaying single lines, secondary protective relay schemes and schematics, low voltage equipment power, and control system connections for generation, transmission, and distribution protection.
• Coordinates substation control system field testing and modification, phasing tests, and other commissioning and check-out activities with contractors and other EKPC departments at the substation site.
• Develops protection system switching procedures where applicable and necessary for transmission operations personnel.
• SME for assigned NERC and/or CIP compliance standards, delivering document updates, RSAWs, audit expertise, and evidence as required to internal compliance department and external entities as needed.
• Assists in development of communication assisted tripping schemes and understanding the logic involved in these types of schemes including, but not limited to DCUB, DCB, POTT, and current differential protection.
• Designs and manages the installation of generation, transmission, and distribution facility replacements and upgrades.
• Assists with routine and area coordination studies for SERC, PJM, neighboring utilities, and system facilities upgrades.
• Assists in developing a plan and working with telecommunications engineers to provide hardware for protective relay communication medium (microwave, fiber, radio, etc.).
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Senior Engineer

• 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.
• Provides technical assistance and support for system protection and power engineering to member systems G&T operations, G&T maintenance, generation production, and transmission planning.
• Prepares construction, equipment, and material specification and provides project management for protection and control projects in engineering and construction and/or generation production.
• Develops and/or applies new technologies to generation, transmission, and distribution facilities to achieve an optimum level of protection.
• Provides all NERC and CIP compliance support related to generation and transmission system protection standards and SERC PCWG committee representation.
• Provides direction and technical assistance with digital computer programs as needed (power quality studies, fault studies, system coordination studies, loss evaluations, relay software, relay event analysis, protection asset databases, arc flash, etc.).
• Provides system protection inputs in establishing the arrangement and location of substation facilities.
• Develops and directs detailed drawings for relaying single lines, secondary protective relay schemes and schematics, low voltage equipment power, and control system connections for generation, transmission, and distribution protection.
• Develops cabling requirements for relay cabinets, equipment, and relay panels.
• Develops building layout drawings for switchyard control houses and battery buildings.
• Develops protective relay settings as required for new and upgraded facility (generation, transmission, and distribution) equipment protection and modifies existing facility protective relay settings as required to maintain optimum system protection.
• Performs routine and area coordination studies for SERC, PJM, neighboring utilities, and system facilities upgrades.
• Performs analysis of system disturbances to determine proper operation of the protection scheme and assist in investigation of root cause.
• Provides emergency technical support/callout, when required, during system outages/events.
• Designs and manages the installation of generation, transmission, and distribution facility replacements and upgrades.
• SME for assigned NERC and/or CIP compliance standards and support for unassigned standards, delivering document updates, RSAWs, audit expertise, and evidence as required to internal compliance department and external entities as needed.
• Advises, coordinates, and works with technicians to develop and maintain protection and control systems.
• Coordinates and oversees control system field testing (phasing tests, directional tests, SCADA tests, functional tests, and continuity tests) for all generation, transmission, and distribution protection schemes.
• Develops bidding documents, evaluates, and establishes low bidder on substation equipment.
• Maintains and coordinates contracts with equipment suppliers and monitors progress, expediting as required to meet schedules.
• Designs communication assisted tripping schemes and understands the logic involved in these types of schemes including, but not limited to DCUB, DCB, POTT, and current differential protection.
• Develops a plan and works with telecommunications engineers to provide hardware for protective relay communication medium (microwave, fiber, radio, etc.).
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Engineer I

Education and Certifications / Licenses:

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from an ABET accredited program required.

Experience:

• No experience required.

Skills and Abilities:

• Developing written and oral communication skills (e.g. reports, emails, presentations).
• Must develop good interpersonal skills and the ability to collaborate with other contacts, both inside and outside the Cooperative.
• Must have the ability to creatively apply technical skills to projects and activities.
• Must have the ability to think logically, and to understand instructions on specific objectives, complex features and possible solutions.
• Must have the ability to plan, schedule, conduct, and coordinate assigned work activities, with direction.
• Must have good data analysis and problem solving abilities.
• Proficient use of Microsoft Office and other common business applications required.
• Must be capable and willing to learn on-the-job and advance to the next level of engineering responsibility.
• Must have an understanding of basic electrical systems and circuitry.
• Previous power systems education or experience preferred.
• Previous experience with logic circuits preferred.

Engineer II

Education and Certifications / Licenses:

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from an ABET accredited program required.

Experience:

• A minimum of three (3) years of experience.

Skills and Abilities:

• Gains understanding of business acumen, Cooperative financial structure, and business plans.
• Proficient written and oral communication skills (e.g. reports, emails, presentations).
• Demonstrates good interpersonal skills and the ability to collaborate with other contacts, both inside and outside the Cooperative.
• Must have the ability to creatively apply technical skills to projects and activities.
• Must have the ability to think logically, and to understand instructions on specific objectives, complex features and possible solutions.
• Must have the ability to plan, schedule, conduct, and coordinate assigned work activities, with limited direction.
• Must have good data analysis and problem solving abilities.
• Proficient use of Microsoft Office and other common business applications required.
• Must be capable and willing to learn on-the-job and advance to the next level of engineering responsibility.
• Demonstrates understanding of protection and control in a T&D and/or power plant environment.
• Demonstrates understanding of T&D and power plant protection and control installations, operations, and maintenance procedures.
• Demonstrates logical thinking and creativity when working on specific objectives and complex features to engineer solutions.
• Ability to understand equipment manuals, schematic diagrams, and engineering drawings.

Engineer III

Education and Certifications / Licenses:

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from an ABET accredited program required.

Experience:

• A minimum of five (5) years of experience.

Skills and Abilities:

• Demonstrates understanding of business acumen, Cooperative financial structure, and business plans.
• Demonstrates understanding of negotiation and conflict resolution.
• Demonstrates ability to lead or provide work direction to others.
• Gains 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).
• Demonstrates good interpersonal skills and the ability to collaborate with other contacts, both inside and outside the Cooperative.
• Demonstrates ability to creatively apply technical skills to projects and activities.
• Demonstrates ability to think logically, and to understand instructions on specific objectives, complex features and possible solutions.
• Demonstrates ability to plan, schedule, conduct, and coordinate assigned work activities.
• Demonstrates sound data analysis and problem solving abilities.
• Proficient use of Microsoft Office and other common business applications required.
• Must be capable and willing to learn on-the-job and advance to the next level of engineering responsibility.
• Proficient knowledge and judgement in the area of protection and control in a T&D and/or power plant environment.
• Proficient knowledge of T&D and power plant protection and control installations, operations, and maintenance procedures.
• Ability to plan, schedule, conduct, or coordinate detailed phases of engineering.

Senior Engineer

Education and Certifications / Licenses:

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering from an ABET accredited program required.
• 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:

• 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.
• Requires mature engineering knowledge and judgment in the area of protection and control in a T&D and/or power plant environment.
• Requires knowledge of good engineering practices and standards.
• Requires knowledge of T&D and/or power plant protection and control installations, operations and maintenance procedures.
• Requires knowledge of contract procedures.
• Demonstrates ability to make responsible decisions in the execution of contract requirements.
• Must be able to read, interpret, and prepare system and equipment manuals, schematic diagrams, and engineering drawings.
• Must have the ability to think logically and creatively and to understand instructions on specific objectives, any complex features, and possible solutions, and formulate good engineering work.
• Must be able to plan, schedule, conduct, or coordinate detailed phases of engineering.

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

• Works in and around operating plant and construction environments where environmental demands include: dust, noise, fumes, rough/uneven terrain, extreme temperatures, etc.
• This position often works at heights; regularly lifts up to 20 pounds; and occasionally lifts up to 50 pounds.
• Travel in and outside the system may be required. Travel may be overnight.
• Must maintain a valid driver’s license.
• Some work outside normal hours and some overnight travel required. Subject to emergency call in.