Project Engineer

Summary

Directs and performs the design for the construction of sub-transmission/transmission, switch yard/substation facilities and other projects as directed by Chugach internal stakeholders to provide reliable, high quality facilities for Chugach's system.

Coordinates project activity with various Chugach departments and external agencies, to ensure timely and efficient completion of transmission/sub-transmission, substation/switch yard and other projects.

Duties and Responsibilities

Engineering Activities

• Prepares and directs preparation of detailed plans and specifications for project construction, as assigned.
• Monitors and reports the progress of assigned projects relative to schedule and compares the results to current budget and work plan.
• Prepares and maintains subtransmission, transmission and substation unit cost data for various types of evaluations.
• Evaluates subtransmission, transmission and substation cost data for effectiveness or method and scheduling of construction.
• Assists in the preparation of the subtransmission, transmission and substation capital projects portion of division budgets, work plans and long-range plans, as assigned.
• Develops special studies to support project selection and technical operation, as assigned.
• Establishes design criteria for facilities construction.
• Maintains Quality Assurance in the work of engineers, designers, consulting engineers, contractors, subcontractors, and vendors/ manufacturer's representatives on subtransmission, transmission and substation construction project sites.
• Coordinates outage switching and clearance requirements with Power Control.
• Reviews engineering, manufacturer and contractor submittals, specifications and other written material to ensure conformance with project requirements.
• Directs and performs inspection of projects during construction and upon completion, as assigned.

Administrative Activities

• Provides direction to consulting engineers, staff engineers and designers performing engineering services for subtransmission, transmission and substation projects, as assigned.
• Prepares or directs preparation of contract documents and administers contracts for procurement of subtransmission, transmission and substation equipment and materials, engineering services and construction.
• Prepares or directs preparation of project and contract close out documentation.
• Reviews and recommends contractor/vendor invoices for approval, within authorized limits.
• Prepares construction change orders and negotiates the cost of change orders with contractors for transmission and substation projects, within authorized limits.
• Verifies equipment acceptance tests in conformance with the manufacturer's recommendations.
• Participates in external committee assignments on behalf of the Association, as directed.
• Consults and coordinates with Federal, State and local agencies regarding location of facilities, construction methods and schedules to minimize conflict.
• Provides technical assistance to member-owners and other concerned parties.

Job Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Must have hands-on knowledge of the design and construction of sub-transmission, transmission, distribution and substation facilities including controls and protection.
• Must have a practical working knowledge of construction practices and contracts administration involving site preparation, concrete placement, welding, architectural details, mechanical, civil and electrical work, applicable environmental regulations, safety codes and requirements.
• Knowledge of effects of cold weather on the operation of equipment.
• A working knowledge of RUS construction specifications and requirements, NESC and OSHA Rules and Regulations construction drawings, contracts, materials and practices is preferred.
• Must have the ability to coordinate the activities of contractors, subcontractors, vendors, material suppliers, design engineers and other professionals involved in the design and construction of distribution, transmission and substation projects.
• Written communication skills above average are required.
• Must be competent using computer skills to be able to monitor cost and schedule of multiple contractors and provide effective supervision for engineers and technicians.
• Must be competent using computer skills, such as CAD, M.S. applications, specifically MS Project, and other software to monitor cost and schedule of multiple contractors.
• Must be able to interface effectively with contractors, engineers and Chugach operations personnel.
• Must have an in-depth understanding of design, construction and contracting principles governing transmission, sub transmission, distribution and substation facilities, as well as drawing specifications, construction contracts and administration thereof.

Working Conditions

A portion of the work takes place in an office environment. Frequent field trips and flying in fixed-wing aircraft or helicopters are required. Occasional exposure to extreme cold for extended periods will be necessary, as will working in areas around heavy equipment with high noise levels. Travel with overnight stay on the job site is sometimes necessary. This position is on twenty-four hour call.

Education

An electrical or mechanical engineering degree is required. Power Option and / or Professional Registration preferred. Experience in project management of mechanical, civil, structural or electrical work may be substituted for the registration. Registration as a Project Management Professional (PMP) is desired.

Experience

Five Years of progressively responsible experience in the field of electrical power engineering, of which three must have involved actual design and field engineering and/or project management. A minimum of two years of design experience in combination of sub-transmission, transmission, distribution or substation facilities is required.

Substitution

An engineering degree in another discipline plus an additional three years of progressively responsible experience in electrical power engineering may be substituted for the required electrical engineering degree.