Senior Engineer, High Voltage Project

At AES, we raise the quality of life around the world by changing the way energy works. Everyone makes an impact every day in our small, global teams. Apply here to start an extraordinary career today.

As part of the Grid Integration Division, the High Voltage Engineering team delivers pre-construction engineering and construction/commissioning engineering for High Voltage facilities associated with renewable energy power plants. Voltage ranges from 35kV up to 500kV. We are currently looking for a dynamic and passionate substation engineer to oversee the execution of high voltage projects located in the Western United States portfolio (California, Arizona, Utah, Nevada, and Hawaii). The engineer for this position should enjoy the versatility of technical tasks with a strong focus on understanding grid integration requirements for renewables. The primary focus of this role is that of an owner's engineer to oversee high voltage designs from EPC firms contracted to design and build the high voltage facilities for our projects, and to provide technical guidance during the construction. Strong experience in detailed substation design preferred. This is a solid opportunity for an engineer that not only is proficient in the technical engineering aspects but enjoys building and maintaining relationships with suppliers, consultants, and electric utilities.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities:

• Responsible for oversight of EPC contractor engineering design and construction activities for Solar, Wind, and BESS collector high voltage substations and transmission lines (35kV to 500kV).
• Establish and maintain relationships with high voltage contractors.
• Review Substation EPC designs for compliance with interconnection agreement requirements, applicable reliability standards, standard industry practices, etc.
• Provide design review and advice on any issues that appear technically incorrect or inconsistent with project documentation.
• Review power system studies such as load flows, short circuits, harmonics, TOV, insulation coordination, etc.
• Direct coordination with interconnection providers to design collector substations per Transmission Provider requirements.
• Support role during substation commissioning by reviewing apparatus testing and coordinating testing with utility and ISO.
• Growth opportunity for a leadership role within the engineering team.
• Work with a project team including real estate, permitting, interconnection, attorneys, finance, and construction in the field.
• Travel and fieldwork 25%. Majority of projects are located in California, Hawaii, and Arizona.

Minimum Qualifications

• B.S. Electrical Engineering with emphasis on Power Systems.
• 7+ years of substation design experience, either Physical or P&C.
• 2+ years of project engineering experience in an HV related role.
• Proficient in readings control schematics for HV breakers, Main Power Transformers, etc.
• Basic Knowledge of power system modeling such as load flow, insulation coordination, grounding, arc-flash, TOV, harmonics, etc.
• Basic understanding of grid integration requirements for renewables.
• Strong communication skills and ability to lead technical discussions among HV EPCs, Power Utilities, and internal collaborators.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to prioritize projects and tasks.

Desired Skills and Experience

• Project Management experience handling HV EPCs.
• PE Licensure in the state of Arizona, California, Hawaii, Nevada, or Utah.
• Technical lead experience coordinating engineering packages such as IFPs and IFCs.
• Experience with ETAP, PSLF, or PSS/E.
• Experience in relay system testing.
• Experience in SCADA controls and architecture.

AES is an Equal Opportunity Employer who is committed to building strength and delivering long-term sustainability through diversity and inclusion. Respecting all backgrounds, differences and perspectives enables us to improve the lives of our people, customers, suppliers, contractors, and the communities in which we live and work. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity and/or expression, race, national origin, ethnicity, age, religion, marital status, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical condition, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law. E-Verify Notice: AES will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) with information from each new employee's I-9 to confirm work authorization.

The expected salary for this position, at commencement of employment, is between $115.000 and $140.250/Annual; however, base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. The total compensation package for this position may also include other elements such as annual bonus, in addition to a full range of medical, dental, vision, life, financial, and/or other benefits (including 401(k) eligibility and various paid time off benefits, such as vacation, sick time, and parental leave), dependent on the position offered. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if a candidate receives an offer of employment. If hired, employee will be in an "at-will position" and the Company reserves the right to modify base salary (as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, Company or individual department/team performance, and market factors.

Safety comes first at AES. To protect the health and safety of our people, customers, communities and partners, and to provide and maintain a workplace that is free of known hazards, AES requires all newly-hired people or current AES people applying for U.S.-based role(s), to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or be willing to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by their date of hire. Except where prohibited by law or not specifically covered in a collective bargaining agreement, new hires and transfers will be required to provide proof of vaccination during onboarding and periodically thereafter. This policy will comply with all applicable laws and is based on guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and local health authorities, as applicable.