Grid Asset Performance Engineer

Requisition ID # 163526 

Job Category: Engineering / Science 

Job Level: Individual Contributor

Business Unit: Operations - Other

Work Type: Hybrid

Job Location: Oakland

Department Overview:
The Wildfire Risk Organization is responsible for assisting the company to act decisively and transparently to prevent fires of consequence from being caused by our equipment.  The organization will develop objectives to 1) prevent fires of consequence originating from our equipment; 2) meet all commitments outlined in our Wildfire Mitigation Plan; 3) continue to foster trusted relationships with key stakeholders; and 4) develop consistent processes and work standards through the implementation of the Lean Operating System for sustainable operations.

Position Summary:
The organization’s Asset Health and Performance Center team evaluates, deploys and operationalizes new technologies that provide data for real time grid monitoring. This enables PG&E to become more predictive of developing problems on our electric system and implement proactive maintenance to reduce ignition risk and improve reliability. This position will support the evaluation and implementation of new technologies that will be piloted and operationalized to keep our distribution system safe and reliable. This position requires a strong ability to work effectively across organizational boundaries and engage with a diverse set of stakeholders and technology users. A strong applicant will be an organized and motivated individual, with the ability to be successful in working on high performing cross-functional project teams in a fast-paced environment.

The Operations Systems Engineer will be involved with but not limited to Smart Grid Technology (continuous monitoring sensor technologies such as Line Sensors, Fault Detection sensors, advanced smart meters), and other new emerging technology & applications that support asset health & performance monitoring, early detection of assets on path to failure, better determination of fault location, and advanced data analytics.

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, 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 Base Salary (Bay Area)    $109,000.00
• Mid Base Salary (Bay Area)    $142,000.00
• Maximum Base Salary (Bay Area)    $175,000.00

Responsibilities
•    Independently performs routine engineering analysis and performs lead role in determining scope, schedule, budget and resources needed. 
•    Assists senior peers on more complex tests and projects, participating in planning, budgeting and testing.
•    Begins to develop knowledge in other areas of specialty/discipline or continues to focus on one area and increases depth of knowledge.
•    Completes multiple projects concurrently. Prepares tests and studies. Evaluates performance of parts, assemblies or systems under simulated operating conditions. Records results and makes recommendations based on findings.
•    Collaborates with peers to prepare technical reports and specifications and to identify, define, and solve problems.
•    May review test design of Associate level engineers to determine effectiveness and if objectives of project will be obtained.
•    Develops test protocols, models, test technologies and analyzes data. May assist in the development of technical policies and procedures.
•    Participates in identifying innovations and cost-reduction potential of new and existing technologies.

Qualifications
Minimum:
•    3 years of job related experience
•    Bachelor’s degree in Engineering with emphasis in a discipline related to assignments. (i.e., mechanical, civil or electrical engineering, etc.)

Desired:
•    Experience working on radio frequency technologies that can identify electric infrastructure degradation
•    Knowledgeable of electrical grid equipment, transmission, substation, and distribution systems and topology
•    Familiar with wireless communications platforms (cellular, satellite, mesh networks, public/private networks, LoRaWan)
•    Experienced with processes/methodology for piloting and integration of new software, hardware, and telemetry technology
•    Proficiency in engineering research and testing concepts, theories, practices, methods, techniques.
•    Thorough investigative skills
•    Good customer service orientation.
•    Understanding of quality assurance and control concepts and practices.
•    Good analytical and organizational skills.
•    Communication, interpersonal and team collaboration skills.
•    Basic team leadership and project management skills.
•    Understanding of customer service concepts.