Principal Electrical Engineer

Requisition ID # 152521 

Job Category: Engineering / Science; Information Technology; Maintenance / Construction / Operations; Power Generation 

Job Level: Manager/Principal

Business Unit: Electric Engineering

Work Type: Onsite

Job Location: San Ramon

Department Overview

Applied Technology Services (ATS) has been providing technology-based, innovative, high-value services to the Company for over 40 years. ATS is a multidisciplinary team of over 120 engineers, scientists, and technicians. The ATS vision is to be a forward-thinking, technological leader providing high-value solutions and services needed across the Company. ATS high-value services also help proactively avoid future problems through solutions and methods that are best practices in the industry.

Position Summary

The Applied Technology Services (ATS) Engineering staff provides engineering, testing and analysis services and expertise across multiple disciplines to various company organizations to identify, diagnose and solve technical problems. The staff provides consultation and advice to internal departments to proactively avoid future problems by specifying equipment, materials and methods that are best practices in the industry. Services include technology demonstrations, inspections, failure analysis, performance assessments, and evaluations on a wide variety of systems and components ranging from utility scale transmission and distribution to distributed generation. The engineering staff partners with management in the creation of bid proposals for requested project work. The incumbents maintain knowledge of and adhere to all company and regulatory safety and quality processes and procedures.

The Principal Electrical Engineer will be responsible for providing technical leadership to the broader ATS Electrical Engineering staff and other engineering groups withing PG&E and may include:

• Electrical Engineering Testing, Analysis, and Consulting Services
• High Voltage (up to 720,000 Volts) and High Current (up to 90,000 Amps) Testing
• Evaluation of new equipment and tools
• Equipment Failure Analysis
• Electrical Safety Incident Investigation and recreation
• Grounding Grid Measurements and Analysis
• Arc-Flash Hazard Analysis and Program Development
• Travel required; frequency depends on the assignment and is typically 10% - 25%.

PG&E is providing the salary range that the company in good faith believes it might pay for this position at the time of the job posting. This compensation range is specific to the locality of the job.  The actual salary paid to an individual will be based on multiple factors, including, but not limited to, specific skills, education, licenses or certifications, experience, market value, geographic location, and internal equity.  Although we estimate the successful candidate hired into this role will be placed towards the middle or entry point of the range, the decision will be made on a case-by-case basis related to these factors.

A reasonable salary range is:

• Min  $147,000.00
• Mid  $199,000.00
• Max  $251,000.00

Responsibilities:

• Exercises independent judgment in leading and resolving problems of large impact, scope and complexity with few precedents or standards requiring integration of information from a variety of sources. Leads team determining scope, schedule, budget and preparing client bid proposals.
• Is recognized as a subject matter expert in one or more disciplines and provides breadth of knowledge and performs analysis and projects across several areas.
  • Substation switchyard grounding analysis
  • Temporary protective grounding procedure development
  • Arc flash hazard analysis and program development
  • Engineering support for the development of live line work procedures
  • Special studies including interference from proximity to high voltage lines and equipment
• Searches for new practical solutions to highly complex problems. Assesses business conditions, identifies opportunities, and develops projects & solutions from a multifunctional or multidisciplinary perspective.
• Leads project teams performing tests to identify, define, solve problems, and prepare technical reports and specifications. Prepares and delivers presentations and recommendations to clients based on project results/findings. Oversees assembly of technical systems and prototypes according to engineering standards and knowledge of related principles.
• Modifies prototypes, parts, assemblies, and systems to correct functional deviations. Continually identifies testing or process improvements.
• Develops, evaluates, and deploys new technologies. Identifies innovations and cost-reduction potential of new and existing technologies.
• May provide expert opinion or information related to projects or other issues to external customers, agencies, or other parties.
• Interfaces with clients to understand expectations, concerns and ensure strong customer satisfaction. 
• Will represent PG&E at industry association meetings or seminars as assigned which may include ASTM, IEEE, EPRI, CIGRE, and the like.

Qualifications

Minimum:

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering
• P.E. (Professional Engineer License)
• 10 years of related experience

Desired:

• Expertise in engineering research and testing concepts, theories, practices, methods, techniques in area of specialty. May have thorough understanding of other engineering specialties.
• Experience at an electrical utility with expertise in a variety of electrical engineering roles including power system studies;  system planning and operations; engineering design; equipment specifications and testing;  development of work methods and procedures. 
• Knowledge of current and new technologies used in technical testing in area of specialty.
• Leadership and participation in industry for the development of industry standards
• Thorough understanding of quality assurance and control concepts and practices.
• Expertise in investigative and analytical problem-solving methods and techniques.
• Excellent organizational skills to effectively monitor and lead technical tests.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills to effectively deliver findings and recommendations to clients of various levels.
• Project management and team leadership skills.
• Strong customer service orientation, adapting project plan and team leadership to customer needs as appropriate.