Power Systems Engineer Jobs

Posting Title: Power Systems Engineer – PE – Renewables

Reports To: Supervising Electrical Engineer

Location: San Jose, California / Remote

Salary Range: $97,000 to $142,000

Final determination of a successful candidate’s starting pay will vary based on a number of factors, including market location and may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, education and experience. The pay scale listed for this position is generally for candidates that meet the specified qualifications and requirements listed on this specific job description. We provide a competitive compensation package that recognizes your experience, credentials, and education alongside a robust benefits program to meet your needs. Our compensation reflects the cost of labor across several US geographic markets.

WHO WE ARE
For nearly 70 years, Cupertino Electric, Inc. (CEI) has been powered by people who’ve built a reputation for delivering high-profile, complex projects. Real, tangible things that alter the landscape and improve lives. But even more than that, we’ve built a reputation for integrity. We’re problem solvers and innovation seekers. We’re team players and safety fanatics. And we always—always—do the right thing. Even when no one is looking. Because what we do here is important, but how we do it is everything.

THE ENGINEERING TEAM
With an in-house team of electrical engineers, designers, VDC coordinators and CAD operators, our resources rival those of standalone engineering firms. We are a true provider of turnkey electrical solutions—from design to delivery. As a part of this department, you can expect to work closely with our project management and field installation teams to streamline the construction process.

ABOUT THE ROLE
The Power Systems Engineer/Engineer Level 4 is a fully competent engineer with functional knowledge and in-depth experience in the power systems analysis of large-scale solar PV/BESS projects ranging from 1 to 500+ MW interconnected at medium-voltage levels to customer/utility substations. Scope of work includes: performs power studies and creates technical reports requiring judgment in the evaluation, selection, and adaptation or modification of standard techniques, procedures, and criteria. Devises new approaches to problems. Independently performs assignments with instructions as to the general results expected. Receives technical guidance on unusual or complex problems and supervisory approval for projects.

Responsibilities for this role include the following:

• Perform AC and DC cable ampacity studies (steady-state and transient analysis) to ensure cables are adequately sized and underground trenches properly configured to meet cable manufacturer limitations, constructability constraints, and project requirements based on expected site conditions
• Perform grounding studies to define minimum requirements for the overall grounding system to meet safety requirements as defined by equipment suppliers, IEEE, and other relevant standards
• Perform peak power loss and annualized energy loss studies to ensure projects meet their specified targets
• Perform load flow studies to determine reactive and capacitive resources to meet the reactive power and voltage requirements of the project
• Ensure power study findings and recommendations meet or exceed scope requirements and all applicable codes.
• Perform design tasks assigned by Lead or Supervising Engineers
• Perform short circuit analysis to provide basis for and verify cable and equipment short circuit ratings
• Perform AC and DC arc flash studies to assess and document arc flash risk as required by pertinent codes and customer specifications, and provide labels as applicable

This role may supervise other Engineers or Designers on assigned work. This role will also coordinate with internal design leads, substation engineers, and customers to obtain required information, discuss options, develop solutions, and provide value engineering alternatives.

ABOUT YOU
You bring over five years of experience working for an electrical design firm or design build electrical contractor, preferably with a solar electrical systems background. You have thorough knowledge of the NEC, NESC, IEEE and electrical engineering theory as applicable to utility scale power systems design and construction. You can produce permit and construction quality drawings for BESS validated through Power System Studies Reports. You are experienced with the following software applications:

• ETAP (or equivalent power system analysis software)
• Microsoft Office Applications (advanced proficiency)
• Cymcap
• CDEGS and/or WinIGS (desired)

You possess meticulous work habits including close attention to detail, time management and people skills, problem-solving skills, exceptional organizational skills, ability to effectively communicate and present technical information verbally and in writing via Microsoft Office applications (mainly Excel and Word).

WHAT YOU WILL GAIN
As a Power Systems Engineer at Cupertino Electric, Inc. you will be able to thrive in a role that is ever-learning and evolving to meet the needs of our customers, both internal and external. In this role you can expect to develop proficiency in performing studies as required per project scope of work including insulation, coordination, harmonics, etc.

You will have the unique opportunity to attend and/or lead meetings with internal and external customers and provide power studying engineering support through the design and construction phases. Additionally, you will serve as a liaison by leading powering study design coordination with the internal and external teams responsible for project execution. You will sharpen your technical abilities and learn new professionally relevant skills in power systems design. You will be exposed to new, large, and technically challenging projects while having a support system of multiple other licensed engineers for collaboration and learning. You will have the opportunity to lead other junior Designers and engineers and work with your peer group to produce large projects.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities as well as possession of any required licenses or certifications is qualifying.

Education: B.S. in Electrical Engineering with Power Concentration (or equivalent) required.

Licensure/Certifications: Professional Engineer's License in California (preferred, but comity states also acceptable).

Experience: Five (5) working for an electrical design firm or design build electrical contractor. Solar electrical systems background (desired).