Power Systems Study Engineer

Job Description

Job Description

Description:

The Power Systems Study Engineer is responsible for performing and documenting electrical power system studies for commercial, industrial, institutional, and utility-related facilities, with primary emphasis on short circuit analysis, protective device coordination, and arc flash hazard analysis. This role develops system models, gathers and validates field data, evaluates equipment ratings and protective schemes, and provides practical recommendations that improve electrical safety, reliability, and code compliance. The engineer works closely with clients, field technicians, design teams, and project managers to deliver accurate, defensible study results and technical reports in accordance with applicable standards and best practices.

Key Responsibilities:

· Perform short circuit studies to determine available fault current, verify equipment interrupting and withstand ratings, and identify deficiencies within low- and medium-voltage power distribution systems.

· Develop protective device coordination studies by analyzing time-current characteristic curves and recommending settings for breakers, relays, and fuses to achieve selective coordination and minimize outage impact.

· Conduct arc flash hazard analyses in accordance with applicable standards, including incident energy calculations, arc flash boundary determination, equipment labeling recommendations, and mitigation strategies.

· Build, maintain, and validate power system models using engineering software such as SKM Power*Tools, ETAP, EasyPower, or equivalent platforms.

· Gather field data required for studies, including one-line diagrams, equipment nameplate information, protective device settings, conductor lengths, transformer data, and utility source information.

· Review electrical drawings, specifications, and submittals to confirm study assumptions, model accuracy, and consistency with actual installed conditions.

· Prepare clear technical reports, study summaries, recommendations, and client deliverables that document assumptions, methods, results, and corrective actions.

· Collaborate with design engineers, commissioning teams, electricians, and operations personnel to resolve study findings and support implementation of recommended changes.

· Support arc flash mitigation efforts through engineering evaluation of system modifications such as maintenance switches, zone selective interlocking, relay setting adjustments, equipment replacement, and operating procedure improvements.

· Interpret and apply relevant codes and standards, including NFPA 70E, IEEE 1584, NEC, OSHA requirements, and accepted industry practices.

· Assist with project scoping, proposals, schedules, and client communication for power system study assignments.

· Provide technical support during design, construction, startup, maintenance, and troubleshooting activities related to power system protection and safety.

· Associates Degree in Electrical Systems or B.S. in Electrical Engineering from ABET accredited university preferred

· 2-5 years of experience working with power systems engineering software (SKM Power*Tools, ETAP, EasyPower or equivalent)

· Robust knowledge of electrical and mechanical systems

· Excellent attention to detail and accuracy

· Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment

· Effective Communication and problem solving skills

· Experience in an engineering or construction environment is a plus

· Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel for Data Analysis, Modeling and Reporting

Technical Skills and Experience
· Proven experience in performing short circuit, coordination and arc flash studies

· Proficiency with industry-standard software such as PTW, SKM, ETAP or Easy Power for power system analysis

· Strong Proficiency in Microsoft Excel for data analysis, modeling and reporting

· Knowledge of utility coordination, emergency power systems, generators, UPS systems, switchgear, switchboards, panelboards, and motor control centers.· Experience supporting arc flash mitigation design and implementation.

· Familiarity with utility coordination, emergency power systems, generators, UPS systems, switchgear, switchboards, panelboards, and motor control centers.

· Attention to detail in data collection, model development, calculation review, and report preparation.

· Effective communication skills for interacting with clients, field personnel, and internal engineering teams.

· Ability to balance engineering judgment, code compliance, constructability, and operational needs.

· Experience performing electrical power system studies with direct responsibility for short circuit, coordination, and arc flash analysis.

· Proficiency with power system modeling and analysis software such as SKM Power*Tools, ETAP, EasyPower, or similar.

· Strong understanding of electrical distribution systems, protective devices, relay and breaker settings, and grounding principles for low- and medium-voltage applications.

· Working knowledge of applicable standards and regulations, including NFPA 70E, IEEE 1584, NEC, and OSHA requirements.

· Ability to read and interpret one-line diagrams, schematics, equipment submittals, coordination curves, and technical specifications.

· Strong analytical, organizational, and technical writing skills, with the ability to present complex findings in a clear and practical manner.

· Ability to manage multiple assignments, meet deadlines, and work effectively both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.

· Valid driver’s license and ability to travel to project sites as required for field verification and data collection.

Work Environment: · Work environment is primarily indoors at firms’ facility, with approximately 10% of time spent indoors/outdoors at project or construction sites where hard-hat and other safety gear is often required. (PPE is provided by firm.)· While performing field work associated with this position employee will be required to stand, walk, bend, kneel, stoop, crouch, crawl and carry and/or climb ladders of varying heights.

Benefits:

· Medical, Dental & Vision insurance (100% company paid for the employee)

· Health Savings Account – $1300 annual employer contribution

· Flexible Spending Account

· Long-term/Short-term disability coverage

· Life/ AD&D Insurance

· 401K Plan with Safe Harbor Match· Employee Stock Purchase

· Annual Discretionary Profit Sharing for all employees

· Company provided Identity Theft Projection through NortonLifeLock

· Paid Parking· Annual Wellness Reimbursement $300

· On-site fitness center· On-site Showers & Lockers· Employee Assistance Program

· Paid Vacation, Sick Time & Holidays (including a personal float holiday)

· Continuing Education & Professional Memberships

· Paid Maternity & Paternity Leave

· Flexible Hours that include the ability to schedule 1-day remote per week

McClure Engineering is an "Employer of Choice" repeatedly named one of St. Louis' Top Workplaces and Healthiest Employers! While being a leader in the engineering industry, McClure's corporate culture promotes work-life balance and fun with a wide-array of company sponsored activities such as annual float trips, summer softball games, barbecues, corporate massages, traveling nurses and cardio, weight & relaxation rooms with on-site showers available to employees and their families. Additionally, McClure offers an extremely comprehensive benefits package, generous paid time-off, support for on-going learning and development, superior wellness program, casual dress work environment, hybrid remote work schedule, and stable retirement (401k) plan and stock purchase program to promote financial security.

McClure Engineering values diversity. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.