Design Engineer

Energize your future by joining our team at Northern Virginia Electric Cooperative (NOVEC)! NOVEC's mission is to create value for its members, employees and communities by providing safe, reliable electricity and quality products at competitive prices.

NOVEC is a locally owned electric distribution system headquartered in Manassas, VA. NOVEC provides reliable electric service to more than 180,000 homes and businesses in Clarke, Fairfax, Fauquier, Loudoun, Prince William and Stafford counties, the City of Manassas Park, and the Town of Clifton. NOVEC's service reliability is the best in the region with a 99.99% average system reliability.

As a leader on the high-tech frontier, NOVEC is using proven, cost-effective technology to improve productivity and reliability, reduce expenses, and increase cybersecurity – a national priority. Today’s technology includes what the industry calls "smart grid", as well as fiber optics, and mobile workforce.

OVERVIEW:

The selected candidate will be eligible to work a hybrid work schedule after successfully completing an on-site introductory period (typically 6 months).

NOVEC is unable to provide work authorization or sponsorship for this position.

Provides engineering expertise to support the Distribution Design Department in planning, protection, and system design. Reporting to the Manager of Distribution Design, this position is responsible for developing, reviewing, and approving specifications, performing engineering studies, and ensuring designs meet reliability, safety, and coordination standards. The Distribution Design Engineer works closely with internal departments, external stakeholders, and customers to deliver technically sound and efficient distribution solutions that align with the Cooperative’s operational and strategic objectives.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Other related duties may be assigned. An individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily and effectively. Reasonable accommodation may be available to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

- Participate in the Specifications Committee by creating, reviewing, updating, and approving distribution specifications. Leads analysis of new technologies and develops integration plans as appropriate.

- Perform conduit design, including thermal calculations for cable loading, to ensure compliance with operational and industry standards.

- Conduct transformer sizing analyses to support efficient and reliable distribution system design. Develop templates and provide training for designers on transformer sizing analyses.

- Apply knowledge of distribution line protection and equipment to evaluate, coordinate, and enhance system reliability. Provide training for designers on device coordination.

- Independently prepare load balance studies for developments to support proper system integration.

- Independently perform short circuit and fault current calculations to ensure proper system protection and equipment compatibility.

- Review and approve steel pole designs and evaluate their application within the distribution & transmission system to ensure structural integrity, reliability, and compliance with Cooperative standards.

- Lead interactions with customers to address technical requirements and provide professional engineering support.

- Coordinate with internal teams—including Planning, Operations, and Construction—to ensure distribution system coordination.

- Support continuous improvement initiatives by providing technical expertise and contributing to process and system enhancements.

- Independently review outage data and determine appropriate system improvements. Determine outage trends and develop programs to correct significant outage causes.

- Follows all Cooperative, OSHA, and VOSHA Safety Rules and Cooperative human resources practices, policies, and procedures.

- Works continually towards self-development to maintain professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops, reviewing professional publications, benchmarking state-of-the-art practices, and participating in professional societies.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

- Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or a related field from an accredited institution is required.

- 2+ years of related experience is required.

- Experience and/or training in the design, construction, and operations of electrical distribution systems is preferred.

SKILLS & ABILITIES:

- Demonstrated ability to function independently in a multi-task environment, as well as part of a team.

- Demonstrated knowledge of all company policies and procedures as well as all applicable federal, state, and local laws.

- Demonstrated knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles and mathematical skills.

- Demonstrated proficiency with general computer operation and Microsoft Office applications.

- Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively and efficiently with all levels within the organization.

- Demonstrated ability to anticipate and meet rapidly changing customer and business needs by quickly refocusing and realigning strategic and operational direction.

- Demonstrated ability to learn and apply knowledge of NOVEC’s electrical distribution, transmission, and substation facilities.

- Demonstrated understanding of steel pole design principles, including structural analysis, material performance, and industry standards for distribution & transmission applications.

- Demonstrated ability to review, interpret and analyze maps, plans, drawings, data, and field information.

- Demonstrated project management skills.

- Demonstrated ability to reason analytically and relate theoretical concepts to practical applications.

- Demonstrated ability to use prudent problem solving and decision-making techniques.

- Demonstrated knowledge of distribution protection principles, fault analysis, and system coordination.

- Ability to design economical and practical distribution system improvements and load balancing plans.

WHAT WE OFFER:

Competitive salary and Incentive plan

Premier health benefits, including an onsite wellness center.

Survivor and Disability benefits

401(k) retirement plan with a 4% base salary match and an additional match of your contribution at a rate of 50% up to the first 12%

Life insurance

Vacation, Sick and Holiday Leave

Educational Assistance

Annual Company Events

If you're ready to take the next step towards advancing your career, apply today! NOVEC is an equal opportunity employer and participates in E-Verify. We do not provide sponsorship for this position.