Junior Engineer-Electrical
Job Title: Junior Engineer
Organization Name: Kestrel Power Engineering
No. of Openings: 3
Hours per week: 40-60
Wage/Salary: 68-73k (USA), 71-77k (CAN)
Employee Start Date: May-July 2020
Condensed Description/Qualification:
Description: Mixture of field and office work
- Field work: First 3-5 years, approximately 80%/20% (field/office). As experience is gained, engineer will transition to about 30/70 (travel/office).
- Takes place at large power plants throughout the USA/Canada.
- Consists of setting up recording equipment and directing the operator/plant through a series of tests which are described in a test plan.
- Office work: Takes place at engineer’s home office (Location independent throughout USA/Canada).
- Consists of analyzing field data, writing test plans, preparing for future field work, and writing reports for NERC compliance.
Detailed Job Description:
The position will consist of a mixture of field and office work. Field work will make up the majority of the engineer’s first 3-5 years at a mix of approximately 80% / 20% (field/office). As the engineer gains experience and knowledge associated with the field and office work, they will begin to taper their travel if desired. The majority of the other personnel end up with a mixture somewhere between 20/80 and 40/60 (travel/office).
Field work is conducted at large scale power plants (anywhere from 1 MW to 1000+MW facilities) anywhere in the United States and Canada. It consists of two main tasks. Directing the operator and/or staff of the plant through a series of tests along with collecting data as the generator and equipment are subjected to the tests. Often times, specialized equipment will need to be installed to capture the necessary data. Installing the equipment will require learning about the various makes and models and understanding where/how the signals can be acquired. The engineer will interact with a variety of equipment including various prime movers (hydro, gas, nuclear and steam turbine), generators (Westinghouse, GE, Siemens etc.) and excitation systems. Additionally, the engineer will use several pieces of custom-built software to conduct analysis using data gathered from the field. The majority of the field work will build upon the fundamentals the engineer has learned from their degree program. This includes a basic knowledge in analog circuits, as well as a deeper background in power systems. Most of the details necessary for the field work will be acquired over time.
The office work consists of analyzing the gathered data to provide simulation models which are used in power system studies and writing report writing. The main driving force for gathering the field data and providing the reports comes from NERC regulatory requirements. Knowledge of the compliance specifications will be gained over time. Additionally, knowledge of the simulation and reporting details will also be gained as the engineer is exposed to these items. When the engineer has experienced enough field work to where they are competent in both the field work and underlying principles for which the data is used, they will be able to adjust their mix of field and office work to their desire. However; all personnel will be expected to do a minimum amount of travel which would not be less than about 20%. The office work is location independent and is up to the employee’s choosing. Currently all personnel work from their homes. Access to an airport within about an hours drive would be preferable.
Qualifications:
- Completed or expected date of completion for a Bachelor or Master of Science (or equivalent) in Electrical Engineering or Power Engineering.
- An undergraduate level understanding of power generation fundamentals. Specialization in power systems is more suitable.
- A basic understanding of math/block-based simulation programs such as Matlab/Simulink and basic control theory
- Proficient use of Microsoft Office products such as Word and Excel.
- A general interest in power systems and power plant operation along with a curiosity to gain more knowledge in this field.
- Position is aimed at applicants with little experience. The majority of the work experience will be gained through field work and working with other engineers.
- Any background in programming, building applications for Linux/Windows is also useful.
Job Location: United States of America, and/or Canada
Job Category: Computer Modeling, Consulting, Dynamics, Electric Machinery, Generation, Power Plants, Power Systems Analysis, Protection Coordination
Position Type: Full Time
Minimum GPA: 2.8
All Citizenships Considered: US and or Canadian Citizen/Permanent Resident.
Graduation Range: 2020 (seniors)
Classifications Considered: Fourth Year
All Degrees Considered: Bachelor’s/Master’s
Majors Considered: Electrical Eng, Energy Sys, Engineering Sci, Power Systems