Transmission & Distribution (T&D) Standards Engineer III/Senior

Arizona Public Service generates clean, reliable and affordable energy for 2.7 million Arizonans. Our service territory stretches across the state, from the border town of Douglas to the vistas of the Grand Canyon, from the solar fields of Gila Bend to the ponderosa pines of Payson. 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.

Since our founding in 1886, APS has demonstrated a strong commitment to our customers in one of the country’s fastest growing states, earning a reputation for customer satisfaction, shareholder value, operational excellence and business integrity.

Our present and future success depends on the creative and dedicated people of our company who demonstrate the principles outlined in the APS Promise: Design for Tomorrow, Empower Each Other and Succeed Together.

Summary

The Engineer will be responsible to apply technical knowledge and expertise to complex engineering and construction projects to ensure the reliable and safe construction, operation and maintenance of the Transmission & Distribution (T&D) systems.

 
Responsibilities include developing and maintaining construction standards, material specifications, and design specifications and software; evaluating materials and products; performing engineering analyses for and supporting the APS design and construction groups; and evaluating failed materials and proposing appropriate solutions. The Engineer will assist with identifying T&D construction and design improvement opportunities, have considerable responsibility for technical decisions and interpretations, provide technical guidance and leadership to less experienced engineers as needed, interface with internal and external customers, outside agencies and regulatory authorities, and maintain a working knowledge of new developments and technology. The successful candidate may be responsible to research new developments and technology and make recommendations to management on their feasibility for Company operations.

 
May be subject to after-hours calls for support.

Minimum Requirements

Engineer III: A four-year Bachelor's 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 five (5) years working experience in Engineering-related positions.

Engineer Senior: A four-year Bachelor's 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 eight (8) years working experience in Engineering-related positions.

Approved Engineer degrees:  Materials Science/Metallurgy, Physics, Chemistry, Math, Nuclear, Electrical, Mechanical, Civil, Electronics, Computer Science, Environmental, Chemical, Architectural, 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.)

Preferred Special Skills, Knowledge or Qualifications:

• Problem analysis/resolution techniques including research and comparison of various vendor spec sheets towards T&D Standards specifications.
• Experience with Transmission, Substation, and Distribution Design and materials utilized & construction/maintenance methods performed to provide guidance to field personnel in regards to the application of T&D standards.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills for interfacing with internal and external stakeholders including supply chain, construction/maintenance, engineering design, leadership and vendor manufactures.
• Knowledge of applicable codes, standards, practices, methods and safety standards in the area of applicable engineering discipline.

Major Accountabilities

• Analyzes and prepares a variety of data, technical reviews and evaluations, trend analyses, short to long-range technology assessments, products and services, investigations, product/specification verifications to aid decision making.
• May present findings to a diverse group of management, internal staff, customers, vendors, etc.
• Identifies, communicates and advocates resolution of technical concerns while adhering to sound engineering principles during evaluation / resolution of the conditions.
• Challenges conditions and decisions when needed to ensure T&D Standards, engineering designs, project controls and oversight of work has high technical quality, is cost effective, in compliance with established standards, codes and regulations, maintains future reliability, satisfies customer requirements, budget and schedules to meet or exceed all reasonable or agreed upon customer service levels.
• Interfaces with customers or cross organizational team members to assess their needs, determine the scope of the project, obtain necessary data to make key decisions which may require consultation with external or internal customers or employees.
• 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 meet T&D standards.
• Provides support for projects and modifications that will increase operating efficiency.
• May review design and documentation of projects to ensure compliance with design specifications, schedules and any regulatory requirements.
• Plans, coordinates, sets priorities, and applies resources on complex projects or processes.
• Takes initiative to eliminate barriers and uses resources to ensure desired results.
• Checks and reviews standard analysis, evaluations, and investigations of others.
• Provides technical guidance and leadership to less experienced engineers.
• Remains cognizant of current technology and engineering developments as well as industry and competitive developments.
• Maintains high individual level of engineering technical capabilities and expertise by formal education, self-study, and awareness of technology advances

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.

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.