Electrical Distribution Systems Engineer
Contract till June 2026
Onsite in Chapel Hill, NC
JOB Description
Understand electrical protection principles of the 12 kV or higher utility electrical systems. Familiarity with Schweitzer Electric relays is preferred or any protective engineering model is ok.
Ability to interpret and understand engineering drawings.
Ability to learn new concepts, particularly in the electric power discipline.
Ability to prioritize work and meet deadlines.
Ability to work effectively on projects, and in different campus settings, with a wide range of professionals.
Fluency with the Microsoft Office Suite (particularly Word, Excel, and PowerPoint), and the ability to utilize them to make effective reports and presentations.
ACCURACY OF WORK
The selection, evaluation, installation and maintenance of electric utility systems are based on precise requirements. Inaccuracies in specification details (setup/integration, etc.) can be very expensive, time consuming and dangerous. Proper oversight and diligence regarding accuracy ensures that such problems are avoided. Oversight must ensure that all modifications, calibration procedures and repairs to these systems are carefully documented. Complex diagrams/procedures must be followed to analyze problems and take corrective action.
CONSEQUENCE OF ERROR
The relays and controls this position will oversee in operation and maintenance protects equipment valued in the millions of dollars. Improperly calibrated, calculated or tested relays can lead to the catastrophic failure of this equipment and/or grossly inaccurate information. This would result in loss of electricity to campus jeopardizing many research and other university operations and/or high costs of operations.
INSTRUCTIONS PROVIDED TO THE EMPLOYEE
General goals and objectives, schedule requirements and limited technical directions are provided to the employee. The employee works independently, using web-based information, vendor manuals, diagrams, drawings and other written documentation.
GUIDES, REGULATIONS, POLICIES, AND REFERENCES USED BY THE EMPLOYEE
The employee should have familiarity with the National Electric Safety Code (NESC), National Electric Code (NEC), OSHA and UNC Safety Policies/Procedures, as related to the UNC electric distribution system.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED BY EMPLOYEE
The employee works independently. The Planning Engineer establishes the general planning required for the utility system. Maintenance schedules are reviewed and approved by the supervisor. Purchases are reviewed and approved by the supervisor.
VARIETY AND PURPOSE OF PERSONAL CONTACTS
Must maintain close communication with a wide variety of individuals, supervisors, and departments. Must coordinate with the above to develop, schedule and implement control system projects and day to day maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of the control system components. Discusses work assignments, schedules, operation with supervisors and co-workers. The position will consult with operations before, during, and after installation/maintenance to determine effectiveness of work plus follow-up as required. This position must work closely with EDS operations, vendors, contractors, engineering firms, and EDS staff during the planning and design.
PHYSICAL EFFORTS
This position requires bending, stooping, climbing/working from high ladders/scaffolding, working on hands and knees, working with arms/hands above head for long periods of time and working with large pieces of equipment, as well as, moving/lifting to 50 lbs. and other physical activities.
WORK ENVIRONMENT AND CONDITIONS
The environmental conditions vary tremendously from air conditioning and heat to dusty, hot, humid, and cold conditions. This position will be required to work in all conditions for various lengths of time depending on the operational requirements. This position will work in an industrial environment. This position could be exposed to high voltage equipment, heights.
WORK SCHEDULE
Duties for this position are performed during normal work hours (Monday through Friday 7am-4pm).
The position must respond to control system problems any time outside of the normal work schedule including nights, weekends and/or holidays. This is a critical position. This position is considered an Emergency Duty Position and must report during periods of adverse weather or other University emergency. This position is considered a Communicable Disease Mandatory and must report during a pandemic or other health emergency.
VISUAL ATTENTION, MENTAL, CONCENTRATION AND MANIPULATIVE SKILLS
This position requires the ability to concentrate and the ability to work with one's hands on small, detailed parts and wires.
SAFETY FOR OTHERS
This position must adhere to all safety rules, procedures and regulations, comply with all federal, state, local health and safety as well as departmental safety practices and procedures. DYNAMICS OF WORK Workloads may increase unexpectedly. This position must be able to react to these changes and re-set priorities to meet work load.
COMPETENCIES REQUIRED FOR THE POSITION
Positions in this banded class are responsible for consultation, investigation, evaluation and planning, design, design review and approval, and/or determination of environmental and safety impacts of work processes and products (buildings, utilities, systems, sites, mapping, or infrastructures); provide project management oversight, which may include supervision of lower level staff; oversee or review environmental, infrastructure and geomatic projects; and manage implementation of projects/plans according to codes and regulations.
Positions at this level perform engineering or geomatics work of a limited to moderate degree of complexity. Positions may review/evaluate/prepare plans, specifications, calculations, and/or other engineering documents, provide recommendations to higher-level engineers for action; conduct inspections/audits/investigations; provide consultation; and may analyze or design projects of limited complexity and scope.
Knowledge - Professional:
Possession of a designated level of technical engineering skill such as electrical theory, the ability to apply elementary mathematics and to keep up with current developments and trends in areas of expertise. May be acquired through academic, apprenticeship or on-the-job training or a combination of these.
Possession of knowledge of statues/codes/regulations, industry standards, methods and practices and their application to specific situations, usually acquired on the job or in lower-level positions in the same or similar career path.
Ability to understand and apply the basic engineering concepts, practices and theories involved in the design/development/review/permitting, construction, maintenance, operations or repair of projects/sites and their potential environmental and safety impacts.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:
Minimum: Bachelor's degree in the engineering discipline related to the area of assignment; or equivalent combination of training and experience.
All degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions. Preferred: Experience working with a utility electrical system.
Has passed the NCEES Fundamental of Engineering (FE) exam and has EIT professional credentials
. Experience with a municipality underground electrical system is highly preferred.