Power Generation Associate Project Engineer

Requisition ID # 163755

Job Category: Engineering / Science

Job Level: Individual Contributor

Business Unit: Operations - Other

Work Type: Hybrid

Job Location: Chico

Department Overview

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Power Generation operates and maintains PG&E's hydroelectric, fossil, solar generation and battery storage facilities, providing approximately 5,300 megawatts of generating capacity for our customers. Our nearly 900 coworkers are dedicated to delivering safe, reliable and cost-effective generation to California in an environmentally responsible manner. Our hydro facilities include 62 conventional hydro powerhouses, a pumped-storage facility, 98 reservoirs, 168 dams and more than 200 miles of canals and flumes, among other water conveyances. Natural gas-fired plants in operation are Humboldt Bay Generating Station in Eureka; Colusa Generating Station in Colusa County and Gateway Generating Station in Antioch. Several utility-scale solar generation plants also are operated and maintained, as well as PG&E’s successful entry into battery energy storage, our Elkhorn Battery facility at Moss Landing in Monterey County.

Position Summary

This Associate Level Project Engineer position is the first in a progression; the job performs tasks of limited scope under the guidance of more senior engineers and project managers. This job provides engineering, project management, and technical support to O&M staff, for small to medium capital and expense improvements to power generation and infrastructure facilities. Projects are normally discipline specific of limited to moderate complexity, and may include upgrades or replacement of turbine/generator, boiler, auxiliary equipment or minor improvements to civil water conveyance or infrastructure features. Job duties will vary by assignment. Responsibilities may include Privileged and Confidential work.

This is an ESC represented exempt classification currently subject to collective bargaining.

PG&E is providing the salary range that the company in good faith believes it might pay for this position at the time of the job posting. This compensation range is specific to the locality of the job. The actual salary paid to an individual will be based on multiple factors, including, but not limited to, specific skills, education, licenses or certifications, experience, market value, geographic location, collective bargaining agreements, and internal equity. Although we estimate the successful candidate hired into this role will be placed towards the middle or entry point of the range, the decision will be made on a case-by-case basis related to these factors.​

A reasonable salary range is: ​

Minimum: $​95,172

Maximum: $142,956

Job Responsibilities

Initial assignments from the tasks below will require direction and supervision; with experience the independence and responsibility will expand and the need for supervision will decrease.

Fully understands Power Gen safety program and requirements; looks for and resolves unsafe situations; models safe behavior through personal actions and design efforts; holds themselves and others accountable for safety; and contributes to Power Gen’s safety programs.

Actively participates on a small number of Power Gen project teams as the discipline (civil, electrical, or mechanical) engineer or project manager, or in support of more experienced engineers. Coordinates project activities with other disciplines as needed.

Provides appropriate design criteria and calculations; ensures proper checking, design reviews, approvals, and documentation.

Investigates resources required to complete engineering and project-related tasks

Prepares project forecast for engineering, tracks progress, updates as needed, and provides periodic updates.

Under direction, reviews and approves project material procurement list, vendor drawings, equipment specification updates, and engineering material requests.

Under direction, provides construction support and evaluates and makes recommendations to resolve field construction problems. Supports start-up tests and field inspections as assigned.

Procures long-lead time material for assigned projects, working with more experienced engineers and project managers.

Ensures all drawings affected by design changes are updated in a timely manner to reflect as-built conditions. Ensures field design changes are properly managed.

With the support from supervisors and more experienced engineers and project managers, provides technical direction/oversight to consultants and contractors.

Provides technical direction to Design Engineers and Drafters; ensures quality checking of all work; engineer may perform duties of Design Engineers as needed for training and delivery on project commitments.

Provides and/or works with more experienced engineers and project managers to provide technical assessments and/or project management services for operating and/or maintenance problems, where needed.

In emergencies, promptly responds to facility failures to support assessment and corrective actions

Supports O&M by serving as the “on-call supervisor” on a periodic basis.

Supports more experienced engineers and project managers and/or provides traditional project management services for small to medium projects, including:

Develops and defines, documents, freezes, and obtains stakeholder concurrence of project scope and objectives

Establishes and leads project team with agreed-upon roles and responsibilities

Obtains commitment on detailed work plans including schedule, cost, resource, contingency and communication plans

Obtains management approval as needed and is responsible for on-going project tracking, analysis and resolution of project cost, scope, resource and schedule issues

Ensures project documentation is maintained

Collaboratively with supervisor, prepares, evaluates and negotiates contracts and proposals from consultants, equipment vendors, and construction firms, and manages resulting work.

Communicates project status on a regular basis to all stakeholders

Assures implementation of applicable quality standards

Some job duties overlap with the Project Management classifications.

Other duties as assigned as related to Engineering and Project Management

Manages multiple routine to moderately complex issues and projects and resolves problems of limited scope and/or supports more experienced engineers and/or project managers on more complex and large scope projects. Assignments typically require application of standard solutions, but may include a moderate level of innovation. Under general direction, independently plans & manages work to meet commitments and assigned objectives. Progress reviewed periodically for technical accuracy & adequacy throughout process.

External contacts typically involve oversight by more experienced engineers and/or project managers and include directing project-related work and contract administration with contractors; and providing information and conducting limited discussions with external stakeholders.

Internal contacts are primarily with Power Gen personnel, including O&M clients and project team members, and PG&E internal services organizations.

Qualifications

Minimum:

A 4-year BS Degree in Engineering from an accredited curriculum in the US or the equivalent from outside the US is required.

Successful completion of the NCES FE Exam and submission of documentation to obtain California E.I.T. examination within 150 days of hiring.

At least 18 months of engineering and/or project management experience and demonstrated performance in related industry; or demonstrated skill development and performance in Power Gen’s EIT program, or completion of PG&E’s college new hire program

Desired Qualifications:

BS in Engineering Degree is preferred

Current and active California PE license desired.

Familiarity with the Supporting Technical Information Document (STID) for dams and facilities preferred.

Familiarity with Dam Operating Plans with O&M preferred.

Experience conducting engineering Dam inspections, evaluation, analyses, or design of dams and/or appurtenant structures appropriate for the level of experience.

Familiarity with dam safety industry best practices is a plus.

Exposure to dam safety FERC engineering guidelines and DSOD regulations is preferred.

Demonstrated participation in dam safety organizations such as ASDSO and USSD is a plus.

Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Able to apply basic engineering and/or project management principles and theory.

Demonstrated ability to identify information needed to solve a problem; gather and organize information in systematic manner; develop simple analysis and/or support more complex analysis by more experienced engineers; prepare basic reports and displays of data logically and according to established standards and guidelines.

Has basic understanding of utility industry, general knowledge of design requirements and industry standards, and proven ability to develop simple designs and specifications.

Able to provide technical and/or project oversight and direction to consultants, suppliers, and construction firms to meet routine to moderately complex project needs; understands contracting principals and options; able to contribute to the favorable negotiation and resolution of contract disputes.

Ability to combine technical & business judgment in applying engineering and project management principles and techniques to determine cost effective and practical solutions.

Understands PG&E’s basic financial and business policies & practices and tools, and able to apply appropriately to the cost estimating, economic analysis, justification, and approval of routine moderately complex projects.

Strong communication and analytical skills; effectively communicates orally and in writing; able to present basic information in informal and formal group settings; able to facilitate project team meetings.

Able to build consensus with team members and contractors around basic project and technical issues that involve limited controversy.

Approaches and plans work in an organized manner to meet project commitments.

Demonstrates good judgment when making decisions and recommendations, including solicitation of guidance from experienced personnel.

Frequently shows initiative and takes action proactively.

Works with more experienced engineers and project managers to further their own development.

Proficient business computer skills such as Microsoft Office Suite Programs (Emphasis on Excel, Word, and MS Project).