Principal Engineer - Solar / Renewable Major Projects

Job Description

Provides professional electrical or civil engineering services and support in the planning, design, construction, and analysis of renewable generation facilities. Provides technical leadership to department management and resource development staff, providing expertise to broadly stated technical problems in the specialized field of renewables development. Solutions provided by the Principal Engineer may involve unconventional or advanced problem-solving techniques. Schedules and coordinates major segments of complex projects to meet cost and time objectives. Reviews design and documentation to ensure compliance with PSE design criteria and standards. Assignments may involve a substantial degree of complexity, with many interrelated elements, requiring considerations not previously encountered. Supports the continued development of PSE’s engineering workforce by sharing knowledge with others.

Upholds the safety compliance standards inherent in PSE’s operating and/or field procedures related to work responsibilities. Promotes and supports a culture of total safety.

Demonstrates commitment to conduct business honestly, ethically and consistent with our core values and Code of Conduct.  Ensures duties are performed in accordance with all regulatory compliance obligations.

This job is considered “safety sensitive” as defined in RCW 49.44.240 and is subject to pre-employment drug screening that includes screening for the presence of marijuana and marijuana metabolites.

Job Responsibilities

• Prepares complex engineering plans, designs, specifications, standards, evaluations, due diligence documentation, and studies utilizing specialized analytical skills.
• Manages technical issues for new generation resource acquisition and development, from early-stage feasibility analyses through beginning of construction.
• Provides review of technical exhibits, equipment supply agreements, engineering/procurement/construction agreements, performance standards, power purchase agreements, and other technical documents.
• Leads multiple critical and/or complex projects, including research, design, equipment specifications and evaluation, and development of internal standards and procedures.
• Communicates solutions to personnel possessing a wide variety of educational and employment backgrounds, including in public forums in both verbal and written forms.
• Ensures compliance with codes, standards, and design, operation, and maintenance requirements.
• Identifies potential areas of weakness with team’s work, and initiates corrective action.
• Documents and shares work with others to strengthen the depth and breadth of skills within PSE’s engineering workforce.
• Provides technical leadership to others in the department and throughout the company.
• Ensures that problem solutions are tailored to PSE’s business environment.
• Maintains knowledge of industry developments and best practices and their application at PSE to further business objectives.
• Coordinates and review the work of engineers, project managers, and others who assist in specific assignments (including contractors or consultants).
• Plans and schedules engineering resources to meet department needs.
• Develops and executes department strategy to support overall business objectives.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science degree or PE license in electrical, mechanical, civil, or other appropriate engineering field. A PE license may qualify in lieu of a degree.
• Extensive experience in planning, design, specification preparation, maintenance, project cost estimating and scheduling (typically achieved after ten (10) or more years practice as a degreed engineer).  Years of acquired experience is provided as a guide and alone does not constitute readiness for job level as individual’s skill acquisition rates can vary significantly.
• Advanced technical and scientific expertise.
• Experience leading engineering projects.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively and collaborate with a wide range of internal and external customers.

Desired Qualifications

• At least 7-10 years’ experience in the planning, design and construction of utility-scale solar projects is highly preferred.
• Experience working within the utility industry is highly preferred.
• Familiarity with codes, standards, and equipment utilized in the design and construction of solar facilities.
• Bachelor of Science degree in electrical or civil engineering.
• Possession of a Professional Engineering License.
• Knowledge of engineering economics and utility accounting practices.
• Experience in technical management of complex, multimillion-dollar engineering projects.

Additional Information