Project Engineer - Substations and Collection Systems

Energy Jobs with David Evans and Associates:

At David Evans and Associates, Inc., our Energy team provides unmatched infrastructure solutions for power delivery and renewable energy, offering expert planning and design for low- to high-voltage facilities. We ensure safe, reliable, and affordable electricity for communities across various sectors, including power generation, renewables, and transportation electrification. Our comprehensive services are tailored to meet the technical, financial, environmental, and political needs of our clients. Whether the goal is to enhance current infrastructure or embark on a new innovative energy project, DEA has the expertise to see it through to completion and deliver a more resilient future.

The Energy team is seeking a Project Engineer to guide the technical execution of utility-scale wind, solar, and Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) projects throughout the Midwest and western United States.

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.

• 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.

• 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.

• Ten (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.

We foster an environment where talented professionals have the freedom and support to do their most meaningful work. Our values and company culture form the foundation of our success, creating a positive and collaborative work environment. These guiding principles are vital to our continued achievements and unwavering commitment to improving the world around us.

As a member of our team, you will have the opportunity to cultivate and develop your skills and work alongside talented colleagues who are committed to improving the quality of life while demonstrating stewardship of the built and natural environments.

• Comprehensive health coverage: Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability, and Life Insurance
• Financial wellness: Health Savings Account (HSA) and Lifestyle Spending Account with employer contributions
• Professional development: Support for continuing education and training opportunities.
• Work-life balance: Paid Time Off (PTO) and Holiday Pay
• Work Schedule: Flexible 9/80 schedule-every other Friday off!
• Retirement: 401k plan
• Wellbeing focus: Holistic Wellbeing Program centered on physical, emotional, financial, career, and community health
• Growth opportunities: Access to mentorship, professional support, and pathways for career advancement
• Potential salary range: $110,000 - $151,000

* The posted salary range represents the typical range for this position and is provided in accordance with applicable state and local transparency laws. Actual compensation will be commensurate with experience, qualifications, and geographic location.

If you are a recruiter, search agency, or otherwise wish to refer a candidate to DEA, you will not be compensated in any way for your referral of a candidate to DEA without an active and signed written agreement in place in advance with DEA Human Resources. Any resume submitted to any DEA employee by an external recruiter without a written agreement in place at the time of submission will be considered the property of DEA and DEA will not be liable for the payment of a placement fee. If you would like to notify DEA of your interest in initiating a written agreement for services or to resumes, please e-mail careers@deainc.com.

Potential office locations include: Santa Clarita, CA; Tustin, CA; Los Angeles, CA; Ontario, CA; Portland, OR; Corvallis, OR; Bend, OR; Salem, OR; Coeur d'Alene, ID; Boise, ID; Pocatello, ID; Spokane, WA; Seattle, WA; Woodinville, WA; Tacoma, WA; Olympia, WA; College Station, TX; Salt Lake City, UT.