Under direction, performs engineering work on electrical distribution planning, power reliability, power engineering, and associated sub-disciplines.
This job may include supervision of external contractors, engineering firms, technicians, CAD Drafters, and other staff members. May assume the duties and responsibilities of a higher-level engineering staff in their absence.
Senior and Lead System Planning Engineer
Lends professional expertise to guide projects and acts as a mentor and advisor to less experienced engineers/analysts.
System Planning Engineer 1
Develops engineering and design projects including but not limited to engineering studies, reliability improvements, reactive support, and feeder extension projects from the conceptual design phase to the construction and closing of the projects. Assist with the review of distribution interconnection of renewable energy installations, and with providing technical recommendations to integrate new load interconnections.
Assist in the development of solutions to operational issues impacting the BPUB Distribution Electric System. This includes conducting field inspections and documenting findings/recommendations. Organizes and assists in power quality projects where applicable. Assist with keeping track of BPUB reliability indices for the distribution system. Completes other job duties as assigned.
System Planning Engineer 2 (in addition to the duties listed above)
Provides technical recommendations for distribution interconnection of renewable energy installations, integrates new load interconnections, and coordinates the completion of distribution system studies including but not limited to arc flash and fault current studies. Supports operational areas through the application of standards, codes, procedures, engineering techniques, and best engineering practices. Participates in ERCOT Work Groups / Task Force Groups, as needed to fulfill regulatory compliance requirements for ERCOT and BPUB; may travel for meetings, training, and conferences; may coordinate and deliver presentations and participate in stakeholder meetings with ERCOT personnel, Market Participants, and industry regulatory agencies.
Senior System Planning Engineer (in addition to the duties listed above)
Completes/coordinates long/midterm complex planning engineering studies to identify projects required to meet customer demand, customer growth, and reliability standards. Studies also include protection coordination and sectionalizing studies for BPUB distribution and transmission systems. Recommend distribution, substation, and transmission projects and construction work plans; and act as outage coordinator and operation network modeler for BPUB Transmission system. Assist with the completion of stability, power flow, and short circuit study as part of BPUBTPL responsibilities.
Lead System Planning Engineer (in addition to all duties listed above)
Designs, coordinates, performs, and completes steady-state and dynamic contingency analyses using power f1ow models (PSSE, PSLF, or PowerWorld), and dynamic stability assessments (annually), or as needed to fulfill regulatory compliance under the direction of management or senior management. Works closely with Transmission Service Providers and Generator Developers to review and coordinate system interconnection requests, agreements, and studies; prepares screening study reports. Works closely with potential large-demand clients and prepares the required model(s) to analyze the BPUB system impact of the load interconnection. Completes stability, power flow, and short circuit study as part of BPUBTPL responsibilities.
Education and Experience
Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering or a related field from an Accreditation Board for Engineering & Technology (ABET) accredited university program. Experience in electric system planning or power system analysis in the electric utility industry or a closely related field is preferred.
An appropriate combination of education and experience may substitute for the minimum experience requirements listed below. Candidates with a related Bachelor’s Degree from a non-ABET accredited program will require an additional two (2) years of progressively responsible, related experience to the listed requirements for each position.
System Planning Engineer 2
Two (2) additional years of experience are required.
Senior System Planning Engineer
Four (4) additional years of progressively responsible experience are required.
Lead System Planning Engineer
Six (6) additional years of progressively responsible experience are required.
Certificates and Licenses
Requires a valid Texas Driver License or receipt of a valid Texas Driver’s License within 90 days of relocation to Texas and a safe driving record, as measured by company policy.
System Planning Engineer 1
Non-ABET accredited program graduates must possess an E.I.T. Certificate.
System Planning Engineer 2
Must possess a valid Engineer-in-Training (E.I.T) Certification in the State of Texas or the ability to become an E.I.T. in the State of Texas within 12 months of employment. Must be eligible to obtain registration for a Professional Engineer license in the State of Texas.
Senior System Planning Engineer
Must be a Professional Engineer licensed in the State of Texas. Professional Engineer license from other jurisdictions providing comity with Texas may be allowed; however, candidate must acquire a Texas Professional Engineer license within 12 months of being placed in this position in order to remain in the position.
Lead System Planning Engineer (in addition to all requirements listed above)
Must be able to complete stability, power flow, and short circuit studies with no supervision or assistance.
BPUB is a community-owned utility. We provide full-service utility solutions (Electric, Water & Wastewater) suitable for homes, businesses, and the community.
The Brownsville Public Utilities Board (BPUB) was formally chartered by the city of Brownsville in 1960 to provide electrical, water and wastewater services to its customers in the southernmost part of Texas.
Under the charter, management, operation and control of the city’s combined water, wastewater and electric utility systems were delegated to the BPUB Board of Directors. The Board is composed of seven members: six appointed by the City Commission to four-year terms and the city’s mayor serving as the seventh member (ex-officio).
BPUB values flexible, proactive customer service catered to best suit the delivery of the finest services possible. BPUB's mission is to create value for customers and the community as the provider of choice for utility services.
By delivering exceptional electric, water and wastewater services to the Brownsville area, BPUB has set the standard as a customer-focused, municipally owned utility (MOU) offering reliable services the community can depend on. Today, BPUB is ranked as one of the largest MOUs in the state and country.