Project Engineer - Substations and Collection Systems

Are you an experienced engineer passionate about renewable energy and driven to create a sustainable future? At David Evans and Associates, Inc. (DEA), we are dedicated to delivering innovative and reliable energy solutions. Our Energy Business Unit is seeking a Project Engineer (Substations and Collection Systems) to guide the technical execution of utility-scale wind, solar, and Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) projects throughout the Midwest and western United States.

Why DEA?

David Evans and Associates, Inc. is a 100% employee-owned, multidisciplinary engineering consulting firm with a rich history of over 45 years. We are committed to improving the quality of life and demonstrating stewardship of the built and natural environments. Our team of creative professionals works together to understand client needs, provide innovative thinking, and deliver extraordinary service that exceeds expectations.

About the Role:

As a Project Engineer in DEA's Energy Business Unit, you will be responsible for serving as a technical leader, responsible for guiding multidisciplinary engineering teams in the design of high-voltage substations and collection systems. This role emphasizes ensuring the development of accurate and high-quality deliverables, including drawings, system studies, and protection schemes, progressing from preliminary design to Issued for Construction (IFC) status.

The location for this hybrid-friendly position is flexible with a preference for individuals who are based near one of DEA's offices in California, Colorado, Idaho, Oregon, Texas, Utah, or Washington. Fully remote may be considered depending on circumstances. Some travel for project execution may be required.

Responsibilities:

• Lead the design team in developing comprehensive and accurate project deliverables, including:
  • One-line diagrams, three-line diagrams, and schematic drawings.
  • Equipment layouts, conduit plans, grounding systems, and cable schedules.
  • Protection and control schemes.
• Ensure all designs meet applicable standards (e.g., IEEE, NEC, IEC, NESC) and client-specific requirements.
• Develop and oversee the completion of detailed system studies, including:
  • Load flow, short circuit, arc flash, and transient analysis.
  • Protection coordination studies.
  • Grounding system design and analysis using EasyPower and CDEGS tools.
• Guide the team in translating preliminary designs into detailed IFC drawings.
• Collaborate with Project Managers to define project scope, milestones, and deliverables.
• Establish and maintain workflows for the progression of design from preliminary stages to IFC.
• Act as the primary technical point of contact for clients, contractors, and internal stakeholders, addressing inquiries and resolving design challenges.
• Review and approve design packages, ensuring they are constructible, accurate, and meet project timelines.
• Work closely with civil, structural, and mechanical engineers to ensure all aspects of the design are integrated and aligned.
• Coordinate with system study engineers to ensure accurate data inputs and outputs align with protection and operational requirements.
• Collaborate with drafters and designers to develop high-quality CAD drawings and documentation.
• Implement and maintain quality control processes for all technical deliverables.
• Review and validate system study reports and protection settings calculations.
• Ensure the proper documentation of assumptions, methodologies, and design decisions.
• Conduct design reviews at various project milestones
• Provide engineering support during the construction phase, including:
  • Responding to RFIs (Requests for Information) from contractors.
  • Assisting with field inspections and verifying that installations comply with IFC designs.
  • Supporting testing and commissioning activities, particularly for protection and control systems.

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited university in electrical engineering.

• Professional Engineer (PE) license preferred or eligibility to obtain one.

• 5+ years of experience in electrical power systems design, specifically for high-voltage substations and collection systems.

• Proven experience with system studies, relay protection design, and project execution.

• Demonstrated ability to mentor and develop technical teams

• Strong leadership, written and oral communication, and organizational skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Thirteen (10) + years of applicable industry experience.

• Experience as Owner's Engineer or Engineer of Record for utility-scale wind and solar projects.

• Experience managing complex tasks in multidisciplinary projects.

• Recognized expert in one or more areas related to renewable energy project delivery.

Benefits:

• Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability, and Life Insurance.

• Health Savings and Lifestyle Spending Account with employer contribution.

• Support for continuing education and training opportunities.

• Paid Time Off (PTO)/Holiday Pay.

• 401k and Employee Stock Ownership Program (ESOP).

• Flexible 9/80 (every other Friday off) work schedule.

• Holistic Wellbeing Program with a focus on physical, emotional, financial, career, and community health.

• Opportunity for growth with support and mentoring to help achieve professional goals.

Salary Range: $110,000 - $151,000 commensurate with qualifications; will vary by location.

About DEA's Energy Business Unit:

Our Energy Business Unit partners with utility and transportation clients, developers, and construction contractors to provide power delivery and renewable energy infrastructure solutions so our communities and end users can access safe, reliable, affordable power. Our team has been delivering integrated design and project development solutions for over 40 years, meeting technical, financial, and political objectives for traditional and renewable energy facilities. Our capabilities focus on serving the power, renewable energy, transportation, and data center markets. We provide planning and design engineering services for low, medium, and high voltage facilities up to 500 kV.

Join Us:

At DEA, we believe in fostering a collaborative and supportive environment where you can thrive and grow. If you are passionate about renewable energy and eager to lead, we encourage you to apply and join our team in shaping the future of energy.