Power Generation Project Engineer, Associate

Requisition ID # 171521 

Job Category: Engineering / Science 

Job Level: Individual Contributor

Business Unit: Energy Delivery

Work Type: Onsite

Job Location: Chico

Department Overview

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Power Generation operates and maintains PG&E's hydroelectric, fossil, solar generation and battery storage facilities, providing approximately 5,300 megawatts of generating capacity for our customers. Our nearly 900 coworkers are dedicated to delivering safe, reliable and cost-effective generation to California in an environmentally responsible manner. Our hydro facilities include 62 conventional hydro powerhouses, a pumped-storage facility, 98 reservoirs, 168 dams and more than 200 miles of canals and flumes, among other water conveyances. Natural gas-fired plants in operation are Humboldt Bay Generating Station in Eureka; Colusa Generating Station in Colusa County and Gateway Generating Station in Antioch. Several utility-scale solar generation plants also are operated and maintained, as well as PG&E’s successful entry into battery energy storage, our Elkhorn Battery facility at Moss Landing in Monterey County. 

Position Summary

This Associate Level Project Engineer position is the first in a progression; the job performs tasks of limited scope under the guidance of more senior engineers and project managers. This job provides engineering, project management, and technical support to O&M staff, for small to medium capital and expense improvements to power generation and infrastructure facilities. Projects are normally discipline specific of limited to moderate complexity, and may include upgrades or replacement of turbine/generator, boiler, auxiliary equipment or minor improvements to civil water conveyance or infrastructure features. Job duties will vary by assignment. Responsibilities may include Privileged and Confidential work.

This is an ESC represented exempt classification currently subject to collective bargaining.

PG&E is providing the salary range that the company in good faith believes it might pay for this position at the time of the job posting. This compensation range is specific to the locality of the job.  The actual salary paid to an individual will be based on multiple factors, including, but not limited to, specific skills, education, licenses or certifications, experience, market value, geographic location, collective bargaining agreements, and internal equity.  Although we estimate the successful candidate hired into this role will be placed towards the middle or entry point of the range, the decision will be made on a case-by-case basis related to these factors.​

A reasonable salary range is:​

Minimum: $​95,172

Maximum: $142,956

Job Responsibilities

• Initial assignments from the tasks below will require direction and supervision; as experience is gained, independence and responsibility will expand and the need for supervision will decrease. Job duties will vary by assignment and include, but are not limited to:
• Demonstrates full understanding of Power Generation safety programs and requirements; proactively identifies and resolves unsafe situations; models safe behavior through personal actions and design efforts; holds self and others accountable for safety; and actively contributes to Power Generation safety initiatives.
• Actively participates in the Field Document Management team as a discipline (electrical or mechanical) engineer or project manager, or in support of more experienced engineers on other teams, as assigned. Coordinates project activities with other disciplines and departments as needed.
• Investigates and resolves discrepancies, errors, or issues within Power Generation documents to support completion of engineering and project-related tasks.
•  Provides technical expertise and direction to Field Engineering Assistants and  Field Design Engineers within the team; engineers may perform Field Design Engineer duties as needed to support training objectives and meet project delivery commitments.
• Under direction, verifies that engineering documentation is accurate and representative of assets as they exist in the field.
• Develops appropriate design criteria and calculations; ensures proper checking, design reviews, approvals, and documentation in accordance with applicable standards and procedures.
• Prepares engineering project forecasts, tracks progress, updates forecasts as needed, and provides periodic status updates to supervisors and project stakeholders.
• Under direction and within delegated authority, reviews and approves engineering documents and drawings.
• Supports the development and maintenance of engineering standards and process documentation to promote consistency and continuous improvement.
• Ensures all drawings affected by design changes are updated in a timely manner to accurately reflect As‑Found and As‑Built conditions. Ensures field design changes are properly documented and managed in accordance with established processes.
• With support from supervisors and senior engineers or project managers, provides technical direction and oversight to consultants and contractors, as assigned.
• Provides, and/or works with more experienced engineers and project managers to deliver technical assessments and project management support for operating and maintenance-related issues, as needed.
• In emergency situations, promptly responds to facility failures to support engineering assessment and development of corrective actions.
• Establishes and leads project team with agreed-upon roles and responsibilities.
• Obtains commitment on detailed work plans including schedule, cost, resource, contingency and communication plans.
• Obtains management approval as required and is responsible for ongoing project tracking, analysis, and resolution of cost, scope, resource, and schedule issues.
• Ensures project documentation is accurately maintained, current, and stored in the appropriate system of record.
• In collaboration with supervisors, prepares, evaluates, and negotiates contracts and proposals from consultants and manages/reviews the resulting work.
• Communicates project status on a regular basis to internal and external stakeholders using appropriate communication methods.
• Ensures implementation of applicable engineering, project management, and quality standards
• Some job duties overlap with the Project Management classifications.

• Performs other duties as assigned related to Engineering and Project Management. 

Manages multiple routine to moderately complex issues and projects; resolves problems of limited scope; and/or supports more experienced engineers and project managers on larger‑scope and more complex projects. Assignments typically require application of standard solutions but may include a moderate level of innovation. Under general direction, independently plans and manages work to meet commitments and assigned objectives. Progress is reviewed periodically for technical accuracy and adequacy throughout the work process.

External contacts typically occur under the oversight of more experienced engineers and/or project managers and include directing project‑related work, administering contracts with contractors, and providing information and conducting limited discussions with external stakeholders.

Internal contacts are primarily with Power Generation personnel, including Operations and Maintenance clients, project team members, and PG&E internal services organizations.

Qualifications

Minimum:

• A 4-year BS Degree in Engineering from an accredited curriculum in the US or the equivalent from outside the US is required.
• Successful completion of the NCES FE Exam and submission of documentation to obtain California E.I.T. examination within 150 days of hiring.
• At least 18 months of engineering and/or project management experience and demonstrated performance in related industry; or demonstrated skill development and performance in Power Gen’s EIT program, or completion of PG&E’s college new hire program

Desired:

• BS in Engineering Degree is preferred
• Current and active California PE license desired.
• Able to apply basic engineering and/or project management principles and theory.
• Demonstrated ability to identify information needed to solve a problem; gather and organize information in systematic manner; develop simple analysis and/or support more complex analysis by more experienced engineers; prepare basic reports and displays of data logically and according to established standards and guidelines.
• Has basic understanding of utility industry, general knowledge of design requirements and industry standards, and proven ability to develop simple designs and specifications.
• Able to provide technical and/or project oversight and direction to consultants, suppliers, and construction firms to meet routine to moderately complex project needs; understands contracting principals and options; able to contribute to the favorable negotiation and resolution of contract disputes.
• Able to function as a project manager on projects with limited or routine scope and/or supports more experienced project managers on larger or more complex projects; has good understanding of project management concepts, principals, and practices; able to provide clear and effective leadership to project team; able to develop scopes, schedules, cost plans and obtain job authorizations; able to coordinate team activities and analyze, manage, and communicate project progress on simple projects or in support of more complex projects.
• Ability to combine technical & business judgment in applying engineering and project management principles and techniques to determine cost effective and practical solutions.
• Understands PG&E’s basic financial and business policies & practices and tools, and able to apply appropriately to the cost estimating, economic analysis, justification, and approval of routine moderately complex projects.
• Strong communication and analytical skills; effectively communicates orally and in writing; able to present basic information in informal and formal group settings; able to facilitate project team meetings.
• Able to build consensus with team members and contractors around basic project and technical issues that involve limited controversy.
• Approaches and plans work in an organized manner to meet project commitments.
• Demonstrates good judgment when making decisions and recommendations, including solicitation of guidance from experienced personnel.
• Frequently shows initiative and takes action proactively.
• Works with more experienced engineers and project managers to further their own development.
• Proactively evolves engineering and project management skills and knowledge through industry associations & conferences, technical workshops, trade publications, and additional formal education.
• Proficient business computer skills such as Microsoft Office Suite Programs (Emphasis on Excel, Word, and MS Project).