MICROGRID SYSTEMS ENGINEER (HYBRID / SOLAR / PV / RENEWABLE ENERGY APPLICATIONS)

Company: Southern Company
Location: Durham
Posted on: September 28, 2024

Job Description:

DescriptionJob Summary:The Microgrid Systems Engineer provides engineering services for the design and implementation of Microgrid Applications with a special focus to Hybrid/Solar/Renewable Energy Applications. These engineering activities are to provide professional Control System engineering services associated with the design of the low and medium voltage distributed energy resources (DERs). This will be based on customer or internally provided plans and specifications that will be submitted and then released for implementation in accordance with engineering procedures and standards.Minimum Qualifications: (Education, Experience, Knowledge, and Skills):

• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or related technical field from an accredited university.
• Minimum of 8+ years of experience in a power distribution engineering environment.
• Advanced understanding of power generation and distribution.
• Advanced understanding of solar/renewable energy equipment/system deployment, integration and troubleshooting.
• Basic Field Networking experience with Modbus and/or DNP3.
• Prior experience designing / implementing Microgrid or distributed energy resource applications is highly preferred.
• Knowledge of digital multifunction relays for Genset protection and electric utility requirements: Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories and Beckwith.
• Experience with Programmable Logic Controllers with one or more of the following manufacturers: Emerson/GE, Siemens, and/or Allen Bradley.
• Ability to travel up to 15% of time.
• Strong analytical, communication and organizational skills with a desire for continuous improvement.
• Proficient with ladder logic programming.
• An understanding of the NEC.
• Proficient with MS Office applications.
• Experience with 2-D CAD software.
• Proficient with industrial automation software packages.
• Experience with TIA Portal or Proficy Machine Edition a plus.
• Ability to interact with peers and management in a positive manner.
• Knowledge of structured programming communications and various protocols.
• Proficient acting as a system integrator and understanding high level operation.Job Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Confirm and review construction drawings and bring concerns to EPC and/or Operations team in a timely fashion to mitigate any potential delays.
  • Coordinate and communicate with other engineering groups, sales, marketing, and operations. Be an active participant in project meetings including handoff, release review, and design meetings as required with the necessary stakeholders.
  • Review the various product BoM (Bill of Materials) have the necessary components to complete required scope of work.
  • If made aware of long lead material, notify appropriate personnel.
  • Ensure schedules and milestone dates are achieved in the ERP system. Provide feedback to Engineering Manager if issues arise.
  • Review drawing packages prior to release to ensure necessary components to complete required scope of work are present.
  • Write and deploy complex power and control schemes including load shedding/ peak shaving schemes utilizing multiple distributed energy resources, Microgrid operations, breaker control schemes.
  • Ability to review electrical diagrams and schematics for LV, MV, and DC applications.
  • Ensure projects have proper controls, metering, and monitoring. Controls include Power meters, automation equipment (PLC), protective relays, load sharing, synchronization, etc.
  • Create programming files for the various control devices associated with a project using any programming templates that have been previously created.
  • Coordinate with QA for simulation of control systems.
  • Work with test equipment and diagnostic instruments for automation and power management systems.
  • Provide technical support as needed during working and non-working hours.
  • Support Test when issues arise in the factory.
  • Troubleshoot site issues alongside commissioning team as they arise.
  • Communicate clearly to Engineering Manager when issues or ideas arise for continuous improvement.
  • Owning program creation for system controls, PLCs, protective relays, etc. and coordinating with SCADA and QA group as needed.
  • Write Factory Acceptance Test procedures, Functional Performance Test, Sequence of Operations for complex systems.
  • Supporting design standardization efforts with other groups.Program Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC's) for the following applications, but not limited to:
    • Simple Automatic Transfer Controls between two sources (e.g. Main-Tie-Main, Main-Gen)
    • Complex Automatic Transfer controls between multiple sources (e.g. Main-Tie-Gen-Tie-Main, Main-Gen-Tie-Gen-Main)
    • Paralleling Switchgear Applications
    • Renewable ControlPhysical Demands and Work Environment:While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; manual dexterity will be required to feel objects, grasp/use tools or manipulate controls. Employee will also be required to reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; balance; stoop, kneel, crouch; talk or hear; or smell. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Must be able to work in front of screens for extended periods.For the most part, the work environment includes ambient room temperatures, well-lit work areas and traditional office equipment as found in a typical office environment. Office environment with shared spaces. Occasional Manufacturing and site visits may be required.Primarily office environment with exception for occasional Manufacturing and site visits that require utilizing proper PPE.About Us:PowerSecure, a Southern Company subsidiary, is a leading provider of innovative energy solutions to electric utilities and their industrial, institutional, and commercial customers.Join Our Power Team! (https://powersecure.com/about/)We invest in high-value and cost-effective benefits for our employees. Our benefits package includes:
      • Medical, dental, vision and life insurance coverage
      • Competitive pay and a matching 401 (k) plan
      • Vacation, Company Holidays, Paid Time Off (PTO- personal and sick days)
      • Flexible spending accounts/Health savings account
      • Wellness Incentive Programs
      • Employee Referral Program
      • Tuition ReimbursementPowerSecure is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and will consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status, or disability status. This position is not open to third party recruiters.Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with DisabilitiesThe contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)Operating Company: PowerSecure

Keywords: Southern Company, Durham , MICROGRID SYSTEMS ENGINEER (HYBRID / SOLAR / PV / RENEWABLE ENERGY APPLICATIONS), Other , Durham, North Carolina