Engineer I - Protection & Controls

Energize your future by joining our team at Northern Virginia Electric Cooperative (NOVEC)! NOVEC's mission is to create value for its members, employees and communities by providing safe, reliable electricity and quality products at competitive prices.

NOVEC is a locally owned electric distribution system headquartered in Manassas, VA. NOVEC provides reliable electric service to more than 180,000 homes and businesses in Clarke, Fairfax, Fauquier, Loudoun, Prince William and Stafford counties, the City of Manassas Park, and the Town of Clifton. NOVEC's service reliability is the best in the region with a 99.99% average system reliability.

As a leader on the high-tech frontier, NOVEC is using proven, cost-effective technology to improve productivity and reliability, reduce expenses, and increase cybersecurity – a national priority. Today’s technology includes what the industry calls "smart grid", as well as fiber optics, and mobile workforce.

OVERVIEW OF ROLE:

We are seeking an entry level Protection & Controls Engineer to join the Engineering team at our office in Gainesville, Virginia!

The selected candidate will be eligible to work a hybrid work schedule after successfully completing an on-site introductory period of up to 4 months.

Relocation assistance is available for the successful eligible candidate.

NOVEC is unable to provide work authorization or sponsorship for this position.

• Assist with the design of the substation systems and relay settings used in the control and operation of utility transmission and distribution facilities.
• Assist with analyzing the performance of protective relay operations to ensure reliability and proper coordination of the overall electric system.
• Performs work under the guidance, oversight and direction of experienced personnel for substation maintenance and installation activities.
• Assists with equipment specifications and standards for substation protection, automation, and communications equipment.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: This general overview only includes essential functions of the job and does not imply that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instruction and to perform any other job-related duties requested by management.

• Engineer protection system settings and systems.
• Ensure compliance with reliability policies and NERC and other industry standards and other programs such as special protection systems (SPS), and underfrequency load shedding (UFLS).
• Assist other members of the department in the analysis of the electrical and telecommunication systems using computerized engineering models and business databases to design improvements and additions to the electrical system based on cost- benefit ratio.
• Provide support to System Operations Department as outlined in the Cooperative's Service Restoration Plan.
• Using prescribed methods performs specific and limited portions of a broader assignment under an experienced engineer. Applies standard practices and techniques in specific situations, adjusts and correlates data, recognizes discrepancies in results, and follows operations through a series of related detailed steps or processes.
• Performs assignments designed to develop professional working knowledge and abilities, requiring the application of standard techniques, procedures, and criteria in carrying out a sequence of related engineering tasks.
• Work continually towards self-development to stay cognizant of substation and telecommunications technology.
• Follows all Cooperative, OSHA, and VOSHA Safety Rules and Cooperative human resources practices, policies, and procedures.
• Works continually towards self-development to maintain professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops; reviewing professional publications; establishing personal networks; benchmarking state-of-the-art practices, and participating in professional societies.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or a related field from an accredited institution is required.
• This is an entry-level position requiring 0+ years of experience.
• Internships and/or work experience in the electric utility industry is preferred.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Must be able to organize work to meet deadlines.
• Work requires attention to detail and the completion of reports, which require a high degree of accuracy and detail.
• Apply analytical methodology to problem-solving and decision-making and relate theoretical and/or technical concepts to practical application.
• Limited exercise of judgment is required on details of work and in making preliminary selections and adaptations of engineering alternatives.
• Apply working knowledge of and ability to operate a personal computer and related software systems including but not limited to Microsoft Office and IBM compatible office products; operate mechanical equipment including telephone, copier, and facsimile machines.
• Anticipate and meet rapidly changing customer and business needs by quickly refocusing and realigning strategic and operational direction.
• Perform job responsibilities in a timely and accurate manner within established guidelines under minimal supervision while providing superior customer service.

WHAT WE OFFER

• Competitive pay
• Premier health benefits, including an onsite wellness center
• Survivor and Disability benefits
• 401(k) retirement plan with a 4% base salary match and an additional match of your contribution at a rate of 50% up to the first 12%
• Life insurance
• Vacation, Sick and Holiday Leave
• Educational Assistance
• Annual Company Events

NOVEC is an equal opportunity employer and participates in E-Verify. We are unable to provide sponsorship for this position.