Engineer I / II / III | Renewable Generation Engineering

Arizona Public Service generates reliable, affordable and clean energy for 2.7 million Arizonans. As the state’s largest and longest-serving energy provider, our more than 6,000 dedicated employees power our vision of creating a sustainable energy future for Arizona.

Summary

Arizona Public Service (APS) is seeking an Engineer I, II, or III to join our Renewable Generation Engineering team. This position supports the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of utility-scale solar, Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), microgrids, and associated generation systems.

The engineer will provide technical support throughout the asset lifecycle, including troubleshooting, performance analysis, equipment modifications, projects, testing, commissioning, and reliability improvements. Candidates may be considered at the Engineer I, II, or III level based on education, experience, technical knowledge, and demonstrated engineering capability.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide engineering and technical support for solar, BESS, microgrid, and associated generation systems.
• Analyze equipment performance, operating data, alarms, failures, and recurring issues to identify corrective actions and reliability improvements.
• Troubleshoot equipment and system issues, perform root-cause evaluations, and develop practical engineering solutions.
• Support equipment replacements, upgrades, modifications, and capital projects, including design reviews, testing, commissioning, and turnover.
• Develop and maintain engineering drawings, specifications, technical documentation, equipment requirements, and standards.
• Perform engineering calculations and technical evaluations and communicate recommendations to stakeholders.
• Work with Operations, Maintenance, Engineering, project teams, OEMs, vendors, and contractors to support safe and reliable operation.

Ideal Candidate:

Engineering background applicable to generation, renewable energy, energy storage, power systems, controls, or industrial facilities. Strong analytical, troubleshooting, problem-solving, and communication skills. Experience with solar PV, BESS, microgrids, inverters, SCADA, protection and controls, plant controls, equipment troubleshooting, testing, or commissioning is beneficial.

Minimum Requirements

Engineer I

• A four-year Bachelors degree in an engineering discipline or related applied science discipline (see approved list) from an ABET accredited institution, an International Engineering Alliance (IEA) recognized institution or an ABET Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA)

Engineer II

• A four-year Bachelors degree in an engineering discipline or related applied science discipline (see approved list) from an ABET accredited institution, an International Engineering Alliance (IEA) recognized institution or an ABET Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA)
• Plus two (2) years working experience in Engineering-related positions.  
• A relevant Masters degree in Engineering may substitute for one (1) year of required experience.

Engineer III

• A four-year Bachelors degree in Engineering from an ABET accredited institution, an International Engineering Alliance (IEA) recognized institution or an ABET Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA)
• Plus five (5) years experience in Engineering-related positions. Engineering degree must be from an accredited College of Engineering Program.
• A relevant Masters degree in Engineering may substitute for one (1) year of required experience.

Preferred Special Skills, Knowledge or Qualifications:

• Professional Engineer (PE) license. Problem analysis/resolution techniques.
• Knowledge of applicable codes, standards, practices, methods and safety standards in the area of applicable engineering discipline.
• Experience in the utility industry. Experience in nuclear industry for jobs at Palo Verde. Professional Engineer licensure.4

Approved Engineer degrees: Materials Science/Metallurgy, Physics, Chemistry, Nuclear, Electrical, Mechanical, Civil, Electronics, Computer Science, Environmental, Chemical, Structural. (A four-year bachelor of Engineering Technology degree is not considered an automatic equivalent for a B.S. degree in Engineering. A review of the degree program curriculum must be completed by Engineering department management.)

Major Accountabilities

1) Prepares engineering plans, designs, analysis, specifications, cost estimates, evaluations, studies, technical reviews, investigations and verifications. Complies with design, regulatory, operating and maintenance requirements. Ensures engineering analyses, design, project control, schedule commitments, or oversight work is technically sound, cost effective, and in compliance with established standards, codes, and regulations. Checks and reviews analysis, evaluations, and investigations of others.

2) Interfaces with customers and other departments to ensure project objectives are understood and that work scope meets customer requirements, budget and schedule. Contacts customers and various levels of management to obtain or present technical data. Presents the results of designs, studies projects (in terms of new techniques) or approaches to subordinates, colleagues, management and customers.

3) Enhances department performance and productivity and/or unit performance by formulating, coordinating, performing analysis and making recommendations for improvements. Provides technical assistance and guidance to department personnel to enhance department performance and productivity.

4) May provide oversight of engineering technical programs by managing the program requirements, working with cross organizational partners, reviewing and internalizing operating experience and coordinating corrective actions to ensure engineering program elements continue to remain healthy.

5) May assume responsibility for small- to medium-scale projects which include planning, designing, scheduling and coordinating all facets of the project. Identifies potential schedule or quality problems and initiates corrective action. Takes initiative to eliminate barriers and uses resources to ensure desired results. May interface with outside agencies and regulatory authorities.

6) Provides technical guidance and leadership to less experienced engineers.

7) May participate in developing long-range strategies for significant site problems.

8) Provides input to projects and recommends modifications to increase operating efficiency and/or reviews design and documentation of projects to ensure compliance with design specifications, schedules and any regulatory requirements.

9) Remains cognizant of current technology and engineering developments as well as industry and competitive developments.

Export Compliance / EEO Statement

This position may require access to and/or use of information subject to control under the Department of Energy's Part 810 Regulations (10 CFR Part 810), the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) (15 CFR Parts 730 through 774), or the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) (22 CFR Chapter I, Subchapter M Part 120) (collectively, 'U.S. Export Control Laws'). Therefore, some positions may require applicants to be a U.S. person, which is defined as a U.S. Citizen, a U.S. Lawful Permanent Resident (i.e. 'Green Card Holder'), a Political Asylee, or a Refugee under the U.S. Export Control Laws. All applicants will be required to confirm their U.S. person or non-US person status. All information collected in this regard will only be used to ensure compliance with U.S. Export Control Laws, and will be used in full compliance with all applicable laws prohibiting discrimination on the basis of national origin and other factors. For positions at Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Stations (PVNGS) all openings will require applicants to be a U.S. person.

Pinnacle West Capital Corporation and its subsidiaries and affiliates ('Pinnacle West') maintain a continuing policy of nondiscrimination in employment. It is our policy to provide equal opportunity in all phases of the employment process and in compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations. This policy of nondiscrimination shall include, but not be limited to, recruiting, hiring, promoting, compensating, reassigning, demoting, transferring, laying off, recalling, terminating employment, and training for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, disability, age, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, protected veteran status, or any other classification or characteristic protected by law.

For more information on applicable equal employment regulations, please refer to EEO is the Law poster. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of every person hired to work in the United States, refer to E-Verify poster. View the employee rights and responsibilities under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA).

In compliance with the Drug Free Workplace Act of 1988, the Company is committed to a work environment that is free from the effects of alcohol and controlled substances, and free from the abuse or inappropriate use of prescribed and over-the-counter medications. The Company requires employees to be subject to drug and alcohol testing that is job-related and consistent with business necessity, regulatory requirements and applicable laws.

CIP Requirement:

This position requires Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP) access consistent with North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) standards. The applicant considered for this role will be required to obtain and maintain CIP access for the duration of employment in this position. A full seven (7) year criminal history will be obtained through the pre-employment background check process (or, for current employees, through supplemental background check process) to fulfill the CIP access requirements. In addition, this position requires an additional background check every seven years to maintain access.

Hybrid: Employees in hybrid roles work both in their home offices (virtually) and alongside their colleagues (in person). 

In order for employees to build strong relationships and to promote meaningful in-person interactions, hybrid employees are expected to work about 40% of their time in-person at an APS or other (non-home office) location. 

• Employees are expected to reside in Arizona (or New Mexico for Four Corners-based employees).   
• Working from a home office requires adequate technology and an appropriate ergonomic set up.  
• Role types are subject to change based on business need.