POSITION PURPOSE

This position is located at our Headquarters building in Bismarck, ND and is not a remote position.

This position is open to varying levels (Electrical Engineer I, II, III or Senior) depending on experience. 

Successful candidates at an entry level will be responsible for assisting experienced engineers in completing smaller projects in a safe and cost effective manner and for providing occasional assistance to other more experienced electrical engineers with engineering work on projects of varying scope.  The position evaluates, selects, and applies standard engineering practices and principles to perform electrical engineering to meet the generation and transmission needs of the Cooperative in accordance with the Cooperative's policies and procedures, industry standards, guidelines and regulations governing the Cooperative's facilities.

Successful candidates with more experience will be responsible for similar duties on large projects and shall demonstrate the ability to plan, conduct, and coordinate engineering assignments for multiple projects of major magnitude and scope. The position develops, plans, and conducts research in problem areas of considerable scope and complexity. This position has full technical responsibility for interpreting, organizing, executing, and coordinating all assignments. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Entry Level: 

• Under supervision, provide engineering support for assigned projects. Typical project assignments include power systems, instrumentation & controls, and telecommunication systems.
• Assigned projects will generally include coordination with other groups, departments, and outside entities, including those public and governmental, such as consultants, vendors, Western Area Power Administration (WAPA), Southwest Power Pool (SPP), etc.
• Assist in solving engineering problems, applying standard practices and principles in specific situations; equipment design and development, testing materials, preparation of specifications, process study, research investigations, report preparation, and other activities of a limited scope. Some economic analysis of possible solutions is required.
• Assist in developing drawings, specifications, and other documentation to ensure projects are completed on schedule and reflect the Cooperative's philosophy and standards.  May also witness or assist in factory acceptance tests of equipment purchased.
• Provide electrical engineering, installation support, and commissioning support for projects assigned to more experienced engineers. Assist with calculations, costs estimates, and other engineering activities necessary to reflect the cooperative's design philosophy and standards, while maintaining compliance with all safety rules, policies, and guidelines, meeting project schedules and budgets.
• Responsible, under supervision, to develop schematic and wiring drawings, verify as-built conditions and subsequent drawing updates, assist on project assignments, and generate tracking reports.
• Develop a working knowledge of current electrical, I&C, and telecommunications technologies through independent study and company provided training.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

More experienced Engineers will perform the essential duties above as well as: 

• Recommend the purchasing of equipment and contracting for the construction of new facilities and/or additions and modifications to existing facilities. This includes input in selection of bidders, establishment of technical design criteria, preparation of detailed specifications and drawings, participation in evaluation of bids for each contract, and assistance in negotiations with bidders as required.
• Provide technical guidance to lower-level engineers when requested. Monitor and direct turnkey design or engineering consultants in the preparation of drawings, specifications, and other documentation to ensure the design of systems is completed on time, within budget, and meets construction schedules. Initiate, review, and approve design changes throughout the design review and construction of projects. Witness and participate in factory acceptance tests of purchased equipment.
• Conduct economic and technical feasibility studies for new or retrofit projects that may require unusual solutions, advanced technology, or sophisticated research.
• Provide technical expertise and guidance in solving engineering issues which may include incident investigation, problem identification, solution development, and implementation.
• Develop and maintain liaisons through frequent contact within the department and between other departments, consultants, vendors, and other utilities in interface areas such as design, start-up, purchasing, spare parts and construction, etc. This work will generally include coordination with other groups and departments, and occasionally outside entities including those public and governmental, such as Western Area Power Administration, Southwest Power Pool, etc.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree from an Engineering Accreditation Commission/Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (EAC/ABET) accredited electrical engineering program.
• A valid driver’s license.
• Occasional travel required.

This position is identified as a Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP) related position, which may involve physical and/or logical access to Bulk Electric System (BES) cyber-related assets or systems. This position may involve access to privileged information relating to such assets or systems. Applicants for this position will be required to meet applicable CIP eligibility requirements to be hired, and employees in this position must strictly adhere to all Basin Electric policies, procedures, and programs applicable to CIP requirements.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Professional Engineering (PE) registration (required for senior level Engineer).

PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL DEMANDS

This position requires the ability to remain in a stationary position and to move about the office building, occasional reaching below and above shoulder level, constant use of keyboard/computer and other office productivity machinery, bending, kneeling, pushing/pulling up to 20 pounds, and lifting/carrying up to 50 pounds. This position also requires finger dexterity, hand coordination, the ability to communicate and must be able to clearly exchange accurate information. This position occasionally works in conditions of dirt/dust, fumes, chemicals, extreme heat/cold, vibration, noise, poor ventilation, electrical risks, and confined areas. The incumbent must be respirator qualified. The incumbent may have to work at heights up to 600 feet, which requires the use of safety equipment, including a harness, in accordance with ANSI Z359 standards, and access all areas of the plant site. 

KEY SKILLS

• Knowledge of electrical engineering principles and practices.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Proficient with Microsoft Word, Outlook, and Excel.
• Able to analyze data/reports and conduct research; implement recommendations; develop plans, procedures, and goals; and present information to others. 
• May be required to work under pressure due to conflicting priorities and deadlines.