Alternate Title(s) | Power Engineer |
Minimum Education Requirements | Bachelor’s degree |
Salary | See Bureau of Labor Statistics for more information |
Job Skills | - Detail oriented. They design and develop complex electrical systems and electronic components and products. They must keep track of multiple design elements and technical characteristics or requirements during these processes. - Math skills. They use the principals of calculus and other advanced topics in mathematics for analysis, design, and troubleshooting in their work. - Communication skills. They work closely with other engineers and technicians. They must be able to clearly explain their designs and reasoning and to relay instructions during product development, production and construction. They may also need to explain complex issues to customers who have little or no technical expertise. Additionally, they may need to review and be involved in contract negotiations. - Project management. When designing or implementing, a power system design or other project, these engineers must be able to manage the various aspects of the project in order to complete the tasks on schedule and within budget. Where applicable, Power Systems Engineers must be able to monitor and evaluate the work at the job site as a project progresses. - Writing skills. Power Systems Engineers must have good technical writing skills. They write reports and summaries on the interconnection studies they manage, contribute to standards development, prepare specifications and requirement documents, and provide status reports on projects. The findings and specifications identified in these reports and other documents need to be easily understood by individuals from technical and non-technical backgrounds. - Leadership skills. Power Systems Engineers play a significant role in driving innovations and successfully implementing projects. They often support managers with project planning as well as lead teams from various technical backgrounds such as other engineers, surveyors, construction managers, or technicians. |
Job Duties | In summary, they typically do the following: - Provide power systems design and support to development and construction teams working on power plant projects - Design collection systems, including cable routing and cable sizing - Manage and perform system studies such as interconnection, power system or grounding system studies - Support the negotiation of LGIA and TSAs - Review interconnection standards, establish interconnection requirements and ensure compliance - Develop procurement specifications for substation, transmission line and other subcontracts - Prepare drawings of grid interconnection and collection system for interconnection applications - Collect system data from client, utility, suppliers, and subcontractors for system modeling. - Optimize power transmission systems - Ensure construction and interconnection protocols have been met. |
Job Profile | A Power Systems Engineer may be responsible for evaluating interconnection standards and transmission feasibility, system impact and facility studies or testing new electrical components. Their responsibilities may also include working on transmission and/or distribution systems. |
The information presented within this occupational profile was synthesized from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Outlook Handbook, 2016-17 Edition and the U.S. Office of Personnel Management’s Handbook of Occupational Groups & Families.