Nature and Scope

Serves and functions as a high level technical expert and consultant in an assigned area of professional engineering; may work independently or with a team on projects of major complexity and sensitivity; exercises independent judgment and discretion within broad range of practices and guidelines. Incumbents in this classification are typically viewed as “recognized” experts in their field.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Maintains relationships and coordinates exchange and documentation of information related to engineering modifications and related installations, testing and acceptance between operations, maintenance, and engineering functions, supervisors and managers, vendors and contractors and federal, state and local governmental and regulatory agencies.
• Conducts research and complex analysis of engineering systems; develops project plans; allocates resources to project tasks; reviews contracts, material requisitions and project documents for accuracy and compliance to engineering requirements and standards; provides technical oversight of project engineering work; analyzes project costs and schedules; negotiates with external agencies and other utility management personnel on behalf of SMUD.
• Reads and interprets data from various engineering and/or power plant systems to include engineering designs and drawings, and related construction and operations documents; gathers and audits relevant data from various sources and formulates timely and accurate recommendations related to engineering modifications and/or construction projects; enters and extracts data from engineering databases in order to input, retrieve, maintain and update engineering project information.
• Prepares and files timely reports pertaining to environmental health and compliance for the department and associated plant modification projects.   
• Assists in planning, reviewing and conducting work activities and researching required project information associated with department internal/external projects in accordance with established task objectives and schedule as outlined in the project plan/contract.   
• Represents SMUD as a technical engineering expert before public, private, governmental and regulatory agencies and bodies; makes presentations and project updates to SMUD management, executives, and Board of Directors. 
• Performs related duties as required.

Required Education

• Bachelor degree in engineering is required.

Required Experience Qualifications

• 10 or more years of progressively responsible relevant work experience in utility operations, electrical system design, construction, project management and project engineering to include 5 years as a project manager and a responsible lead technical position within a major project including design, construction and contract activities.

Knowledge Of

Power and power plant mechanical and electrical systems; various computing platforms and operating software related to engineering data and plant operations; techniques of writing and revising procedures; SMUD policies, procedures, applicable MOUs and other special agreements; federal, state and local laws, codes and regulations governing environmental health and health standards; safety policies, practices and procedures; standard operating procedures for modern office equipment including a computer and applicable software; English grammar, punctuation and vocabulary standards.

Skills To

Prepare and file technical and administrative reports; utilize a personal computer and/or computer terminal, engineering and computer systems and software relevant to the job; communicate effectively orally and in writing internally/externally; establish and maintain effective working relationships internally/externally.

Desirable Qualifications

• Demonstrated expertise with applying risk frameworks including, but not limited to those developed by ISO, COSO, NIST, and IIA, to technical environments that support the reliability and security of the Bulk Electric System.
• Strong track record with developing, delivering, and following up on actionable recommendations to reduce risks and achieve operational excellence.
• Deep understanding and experience with FERC, NERC, and WECC regulatory structure and its risk-based approach to compliance monitoring and enforcement.
• Proven ability to collaborate with and positively influence a wide range of internal and external stakeholders, including subject matter experts, management, senior leadership and regulatory authorities.
• In-depth knowledge of the principles, practices, and procedures related to power systems design, operations, theory, installation, testing.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices, and procedures related to thermal generation and operations.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices, and procedures related to hydroelectric generation and operations
• Familiarity with relevant compliance testing and evaluation procedures for power systems.
• Strong understanding of safety standards and best practices in power systems design and operation.
• Experience using a risk-based approach to identifying potential compliance risks and work with cross-functional teams to communicate the risks and identify where remediation is required.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills
• Ability to lead projects, work independently, and collaborate effectively in a team-oriented environment
• Detail-oriented with a strong focus on accuracy and compliance documentation
• Strong ability to communicate both in written and oral form.
• Good interpersonal skills
   

Physical Requirements