Power Systems Engineer

Posting Title: Power Systems Engineer

Reports To: Senior Engineering Manager

Location: San Jose, CA or Remote

Salary Range: $128,000 to $160,000

*This position is eligible for the annual performance bonus plan.

Final determination of a successful candidate’s starting pay will vary based on a number of factors, including market location and may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, education and experience. The pay scale listed for this position is generally for candidates that meet the specified qualifications and requirements listed on this specific job description. We provide a competitive compensation package that recognizes your experience, credentials, and education alongside a robust benefits program to meet your needs. Our compensation reflects the cost of labor across several US geographic markets.

WHO WE ARE

For nearly 70 years, Cupertino Electric, Inc. (CEI) has been powered by people who’ve built a reputation for delivering high-profile, complex projects. Real, tangible things that alter the landscape and improve lives. But even more than that, we’ve built a reputation for integrity. We’re problem solvers and innovation seekers. We’re team players and safety fanatics. And we always—always—do the right thing. Even when no one is looking. Because what we do here is important, but how we do it is everything.

THE ENGINEERING TEAM

With an in-house team of electrical engineers, designers, VDC coordinators and CAD operators, our resources rival those of standalone engineering firms. We are a true provider of turnkey electrical solutions—from design to delivery. As a part of this department, you can expect to work closely with our project management and field installation teams to streamline the construction process.

ABOUT THE ROLE

Engineer Level 4: A fully competent engineer with functional knowledge and in-depth experience in the power systems analysis of large-scale solar PV/BESS projects ranging from 1 to 500+ MW interconnected at medium-voltage levels to customer/utility substations. Performs power studies and creates technical reports requiring judgment in the evaluation, selection, and adaptation or modification of standard techniques, procedures, and criteria. Devises new approaches to problems. Independently performs assignments with instructions as to the general results expected. Receives technical guidance on unusual or complex problems and supervisory approval for projects.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• May supervise other Engineers and Designers on assigned work

Essential Job Functions:

• Perform design tasks assigned by Lead or Supervising Engineers

• Perform short circuit analysis to provide basis for and verify cable and equipment short circuit ratings

• Perform grounding studies to define minimum requirements for the overall grounding system to meet safety requirements as defined by equipment suppliers, IEEE, and other relevant standards

• Perform load flow studies to determine reactive and capacitive resources to meet the reactive power and voltage requirements of the project

• Perform AC and DC cable ampacity studies (steady-state and transient analysis) to ensure cables are adequately sized and underground trenches properly configured to meet cable manufacturer limitations, constructability constraints, and project requirements based on expected site conditions

• Perform AC and DC arc flash studies to assess and document arc flash risk as required by pertinent codes and customer specifications, and provide labels as applicable

• Perform peak power loss and annualized energy loss studies to ensure projects meet their specified targets

• Become competent and proficient in performing additional studies as required per project scope of work (i.e. Insulation Coordination, Harmonics, etc.)

• Attend and/or lead meetings with internal and external customers and provide power study engineering support through design and construction phases

• Develop liaison and lead power study design coordination with internal and external teams responsible for project execution

• Ensure power study findings and recommendations meet or exceed scope requirements and all applicable codes

• Coordinate with internal design leads, substation engineers, and customers to obtain required information, discuss options, develop solutions, and provide value engineering alternatives

• Perform QA/QC on studies and calculations performed by others

• Refine and maintain standards for power studies and reports across the engineering department

• Act as technical resource to other Engineers, Designers, Estimators and Project Managers

Other Functions:

• Obtain professional training to help expand the list of studies to be performed in house, and maintain technical development goals and continuing education credits

• Provide training and mentorship to other engineers and designers

Other Responsibilities:

• Perform job functions at both detailed design and preliminary proposal levels

• Interact and coordinate with CEI's inter-department staff and managers supporting their agenda

• Apply complete conformance of State, NEC and NESC codes to documents

ABOUT YOU

• Thorough knowledge of the NEC, NESC, and various IEEE standards as applicable to utility scale power system design and construction

• Expert proficiency with the following software applications:

• ETAP (or equivalent power system analysis software)

• Cymcap

• CDEGS and/or WinIGS (desired)

• PSCAD (desired)

• Microsoft Office Applications (advanced proficiency)

• Immaculate file management skills

• Possess meticulous work habits including close attention to detail, superior organizational skills, ability to effectively communicate and present technical information verbally and in writing via Microsoft Office applications (mainly Excel and Word)

• Excellent time management and people skills

• Strong problem-solving skills

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities as well as possession of any required licenses or certifications is qualifying.

Education: B.S. in Electrical Engineering with Power Concentration (or equivalent)

Licensure/Certifications: Professional Engineer's License in California (comity states also acceptable)

Experience: 5-7 years working for an electrical design firm or design build electrical contractor . Solar electrical systems background (desired)

#LI-SA1 #LI-REMOTE

PLEASE NOTE: CEI will never ask for any money or financial information from applicants during the hiring process. To learn more about "job scams" how to avoid them, click here. (

CEI is a place where every single person can—and does—have an impact on the work we do and the communities we serve. Here, you can build your own story and grow to your full potential. You can collaborate and celebrate with amazing people. And you’ll go home every day knowing you helped contribute to important work that shapes people’s lives. Our commercial, data center and energy projects may be complex, but our approach is simple. We build great things and we do it with great people.

The job duties listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classification and are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary depending on department, program or project needs without changing the general nature and scope of the job or level of responsibility. Employees may also perform other duties as assigned.

Cupertino Electric, Inc. (CEI) is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and affirmative action employer. We celebrate diversity and do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, disability status, or any other applicable characteristics protected by law.

Cupertino Electric Inc. aims to make cei.com accessible to any and all users. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation to navigate our website or complete the application process, please contact us at View email address on click.appcast.io or 1-(877)-747-4CEI.

Cupertino Electric, Inc. (CEI) is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and affirmative action employer. We celebrate diversity and do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, disability status, or any other applicable characteristics protected by law.