Job DescriptionThe Senior Engineer, under general guidance, directs or performs electrical power engineering assignments of major size or complexity and makes independent decisions on engineering problems and methods. This is a power engineering role requiring deep expertise in electrical power systems analysis, equipment specification, and generating station design. The Senior Engineer performs load flow studies, short circuit analyses, protective relay coordination, cable and equipment sizing calculations, and power quality assessments for the companys steam and gas generating stations. The role demands thorough knowledge of generator ratings, transformer applications, switchgear, protective relaying, grounding systems, and their relationship to NERC, NPCC, and NYSRC reliability requirements.
Beyond technical analysis, this role carries full project engineering responsibility: managing budgets, schedules, scoping documents, vendor relationships, and purchase specifications from conception through commissioning. The Senior Engineer coordinates closely with Steam & Gas Engineering working groups, plant operations personnel, and external vendors to deliver safe, reliable, and code-compliant solutions. This position demands a proactive engineer who takes ownership, surfaces issues and ambiguity early, upholds design basis discipline, and is comfortable working in active power generation plant environments.
This position does not provide employment pursuant to the terms of a STEM OPT Training Plan.
ResponsibilitiesCore Responsibilities- Performs load flow studies, short circuit analyses, and arc flash hazard assessments for generating station electrical systems, including medium-voltage and low-voltage distribution.
- Conducts electrical equipment sizing calculations for cables, transformers, switchgear, motor starters, bus duct, and associated protective devices based on load demands, voltage drop limits, ambient conditions, and derating factors.
- Develops and maintains one line diagrams, power system models, and coordination study documentation for generating station electrical distribution systems.
- Evaluates generator capability curves, nameplate ratings, and operating limits; understands their relationship to NERC reliability standards including MOD-025 (real and reactive power verification), PRC-019 (relay-to-capability coordination), and PRC-024 (frequency/voltage ride through).
- Specifies, evaluates, and oversees testing of electrical distribution equipment including transformers, breakers, surge arresters, UPSs, and protective relays.
- Understands CT and PT applications, burden calculations, saturation characteristics, and the implications for metering and relay accuracy.
- Reviews vendor calculations, test reports, and equipment submittals for technical accuracy and compliance with company engineering specifications and applicable codes (NEC, NFPA, IEEE, ANSI).
- Develops scoping documents, technical specifications, and purchase specifications for electrical equipment and contractor services.
- Serves as the primary liaison with vendors and contractors, managing procurement, reviewing bids, evaluating proposals, and overseeing contract deliverables.
- Conducts technical reviews of engineering drawings, specifications, and vendor submittals, ensuring compliance with design standards and regulatory requirements.
- Coordinates with estimating, erection, testing, maintenance and engineering groups to support seamless project execution. Maintains accurate and up to date project documentation in company tracking systems (e.g., Engage), including status updates, resource loading, and financial reporting.
- Partners with Steam & Gas Operations personnel (plant operators and maintenance staff) to understand operational needs, address field issues, and validate engineering solutions.
QualificationsRequired Education/Experience- Bachelor's Degree in Engineering and eight (8) years of engineering related experience. Experience in electrical power engineering, with emphasis on power systems analysis, equipment specification, and generating station or heavy industrial facility design. Experience should be acceptable to NY State for P.E. examination eligibility. or
- Master's Degree in Electrical or Power Systems Engineering and six (6) years of engineering related experience. Experience in electrical power engineering, with emphasis on power systems analysis, equipment specification, and generating station or heavy industrial facility design. Experience should be acceptable to NY State for P.E. examination eligibility.
Preferred Education/Experience- Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering and eight (8) years of engineering experience in electrical power engineering, with emphasis on power systems analysis, equipment specification, and generating station or heavy industrial facility design.
Relevant Work Experience- Demonstrated proficiency in performing load flow studies, short circuit analyses, arc flash assessments, and protective device coordination studies, required.
- Hands-on experience with electrical equipment sizing calculations: cables (ampacity, voltage drop, conduit fill, derating), transformers (kVA/MVA sizing, impedance, tap selection), switchgear, and motor starters, required.
- Strong working knowledge of protective relaying principles, including overcurrent, differential, distance, and generator protection schemes, and the ability to develop and review relay coordination studies and time-current curves, required.
- Understanding of generator ratings, capability curves, excitation systems, and synchronization, and their relevance to NERC/NPCC/NYSRC reliability standards and compliance requirements, required.
- Proficiency with power system analysis software (e.g., ETAP, SKM, EasyPower, or equivalent) for modeling, simulation, and coordination, required.
- Working knowledge of applicable codes and standards: NEC, NFPA 70E, IEEE (C37 series, 80, 141, 242, 399, 551), ANSI, and NERC reliability standards applicable to generating stations, required.
- Experience specifying and evaluating testing of power equipment: transformers (DGA, HiPot, turns ratio, winding resistance), breakers, surge arresters, CTs/PTs, and protective relays, required.
- Understanding of grounding system design, ground fault protection, and step-and-touch potential analysis, required.
- Demonstrated experience managing project budgets, schedules, and full project lifecycle activities in a utility or heavy industrial environment, required.
- Experience with cross-discipline drawing verification and peer review processes; ability to reconcile information across multiple drawing sets (e.g., electrical, instrumentation, mechanical) to ensure field accuracy, required.
- Experience with purchase specification development and vendor management for major electrical equipment (transformers, switchgear, generators, protective relays), preferred.
- Direct experience supporting NERC compliance activities, including generator verification testing (MOD-025), relay-to-capability coordination (PRC-019), or reliability standards documentation, preferred.
- Experience with medium-voltage switchgear design, specification, and commissioning (5 kV, 15 kV, or 27 kV class), preferred.
- Familiarity with battery systems, DC distribution, UPS design, and emergency power supply systems in generating stations, preferred.
Skills and Abilities- Effective interpersonal skills
- Develops and delivers effective presentations
- Project Demonstrated project management skills
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to simultaneously handle multiple priorities
Licenses and Certifications- Driver's License Required
- Professional Engineer (PE) Preferred
Physical Demands- Ability to respond to system emergencies
- Able to work in all weather conditions, i.e. excessive heat and/or cold
- Ability to climb ladders and stairs
- Stand, walk, and climb ladders and stairs for the duration of the workday
- Ability to travel to company locations to work on storm restoration and heat contingencies
- Wear necessary Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), i.e. fire-retardant clothing and safety harnesses
Additional Physical Demands- The selected candidate will be assigned a System Emergency Assignment (i.e., an emergency response role) and will be expected to work non-business hours during emergencies, which may include nights, weekends, and holidays.
- Comfortable working in and around steam and gas power generation plants, including field visits and on-site engineering support.
