System Planning Engineer

Come join us at Bandera Electric Cooperative (BEC) and BEC Fiber, where we are lighting the grid to empower our members!

Help us Reimagine Rural America!

Bandera Electric Cooperative proudly distributes electricity to members across seven counties in Central Texas. The BEC Fiber division, began offering 100% fiber broadband in 2017 and currently provides fiber internet service to members and subscribers in eight counties in the Texas Hill Country.

We offer Highly Competitive Wages and a Generous Benefit Package!! (no waiting period – benefits start on first day). Paid time off and ten paid holidays.

Our Engineering Department is looking for a System Planning Engineer who is responsible for all electric system planning for BEC. Responsible for electric system modeling and engineering studies as well as primary interface with ERCOT and LCRA regarding transmission and electric load projections. The Engineer will guide and assist in all the engineering activities of the Cooperative, applying technical knowledge and skills to ensure that the electrical system meets present and future requirements. The Senior Planning Engineer also provides direction and guidance to colleagues and makes recommendations to management on various initiatives such as the smart grid, metering, and systems maintenance.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES

Initiatives and Systems Maintenance:

• Provide safe, efficient, and dependable services to BEC members at the lowest possible cost


• Ensure accurate data and recommendations are provided to consulting engineering firms and other departments for the adequate design of the electrical systems


• Manage the selection and placement of distribution equipment, all aspects of distribution automation, engineering analysis model creation, and protective device coordination


• Assist in the planning and management of the electric grid, including the transmission, substation, and distribution system


• Management of large projects to ensure the proper integration for a reliable operation of the power grid


• Conduct system analysis, planning, and monitoring, and maintain the flow and data of the Geographical Information System (GIS)


• Provide direction, training, and guidance to coworkers and make recommendations to management regarding the Cooperative's smart grid initiative, engineering modeling tools (Milsoft suite), metering, MDM (Master Data Management) system, GIS system upkeep, outage investigations, and OMS (Order Management System) systems maintenance


• Utilize Apolloware as needed in engineering tasks


• Provide device training and support the implementation of EV (Electric Vehicle) chargers


• Proficient in operating BEC’s enterprise software, such as NiSC

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Strong technical knowledge and skills in electrical engineering


• Knowledge of overhead and underground construction and design standards for distribution


• Knowledge of smart grid initiatives, metering AMI, MDM systems, GIS systems, OMS systems, distribution equipment selection, distribution automation, distribution planning, engineering analysis model creation, distribution energy resources, and protective device coordination


• Proficiency in tools such as WindMil and LightTable


• Ability to apply sound engineering judgement and make recommendations to management


• Strong communication and interpersonal skills


• Strong organizational and time-management skills


• Strong attention to details


• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills


• Ability to provide direction and guidance to coworkers


• Ability to manage major engineering projects with minimal supervision

Qualifications and Requirements

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering


• Professional Engineering License (Preferred but not required)
  
  

Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years of Experience in Power Systems planning analysis and distribution engineering


• Experience with Milsoft suite, NiSC or other modeling platforms

Additional Requirements:

• Valid Texas Driver’s License and related insurance


• Must pass background and drug screening