Electrical Engineer

Pattern Energy is a leading renewable energy company that develops, constructs, owns, and operates high-quality wind and solar generation, transmission, and energy storage facilities. Our mission is to transition the world to renewable energy through the sustainable development and responsible operation of facilities with respect for the environment, communities, and cultures where we have a presence. 

Our approach begins and ends with establishing trust, accountability, and transparency. Our company values of creative spirit, pride of ownership, follow-through, and a team-first attitude drive us to pursue our mission every day. Our culture supports our values by fostering innovative and critical thinking and a deep belief in living up to our promises.  

Headquartered in the United States, Pattern has a global portfolio of more than 30 power facilities and transmission assets, serving various customers that provide low-cost clean energy to millions of consumers.

The purpose of the Electrical Engineer role is to provide technical input in support of Pattern’s Regulatory Compliance and Arc Flash Hazard programs to ensure compliance of Pattern’s operational fleet with requirements from various regulatory agencies such as State, Federal and regional agencies.  Specifically, this involves overseeing work performed by 3^rd party engineers, developing and implementing new technical standards and best practices to improve efficiency and ensure compliance with changing regulatory requirements, and acting as primary engineering point of contact for all engineering inquiries related to Regulatory Compliance and Arc Flash Hazard Assessments.

Key Accountabilities

The key responsibilities will include the following:

Arc Flash (AF) Hazard, Short-Circuit Analysis, & Protection System Coordination Assessments:

• Establish and maintain Pattern AF study standards in collaboration with Pattern EHS and Field Operations
• Establish and maintain Pattern short-circuit and relay coordination engineering studies in collaboration with Pattern’s Regulatory Compliance organization
• Collect all information and documentation required for Arc Flash short-circuit and relay coordination studies
• Develop RFPs and evaluate proposals for Arc Flash Studies performed by 3^rd party consultants
• Oversee Arc Flash Study activities performed by 3^rd party consultants
• Review and approve AF studies provided by 3^rd party consultants
• Review completed AF studies with Field Ops site leadership
• Analysis of electrical operational data: protection system assertion files & high-speed operational data.
• Collaborate with BOP Engineers and Field Ops personnel to evaluate protection system operations to ensure proper operation and coordination.
• Collaborate with BOP Engineers and Field Ops personnel, identify corrections required to ensure proper coordination of protection system operations.

Real Power, Reactive Power & Frequency Response Testing, Modeling & Engineering Analysis

• Manage and maintain static and dynamic models for Pattern’s Operational fleet, utilizing OEMs and 3^rd party engineering firms
• Develop RFPs and evaluate proposals for static and dynamic model updates performed by OEMs and/or 3^rd party engineering firms.
• Collaborate with Facility Managers, field personnel, engineering, and asset management to collect technical information as required for model updates and verifications
• Where non-compliances are identified, collaborate with Engineering, Field Ops, and Regulatory Compliance to correct non-compliances and update asset static/dynamic models as needed

Regulatory RFIs:

• Act as the technical point of contact for Regulatory engineering requests for information (RFI).
• Collaborate with Facility Managers, field personnel, engineering, and asset management to collect technical information as required to respond to RFIs

Educational Experience

A bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from an accredited college or university or equivalent experience is required.

Work Experience

• At least 2 years’ experience with NERC electrical reliability standards, specifically MOD and PRC requirements
• Relevant experience in power generation or transmission/distribution utility engineering and/or field operations preferred.

Additional Qualifications

• Strong technical capabilities and a creative, curious, self-driven work ethic
• Ability to travel as needed (Up to 30% travel)

Technical Skills

• Knowledge of: PSS/e, PSCAD, TSAT & EMT models.
• Knowledge of Inverter Based Resource control system operations including Voltage Regulation, Frequency Response & Real Power control.
• Knowledge of Inverter Based Generation Dynamic Response (Voltage Ride Through / Frequency Ride Through) operations.
• Advanced knowledge of medium- and high-voltage turbine and substation electrical equipment and operations; knowledge of, and ability to apply, pertinent industry standards and codes, including those of the Institute of Electrical & Electronic Engineers (IEEE), National Electric Safety Code (NESC), and ANSI (American National Standards Institute); familiarity with programming and operation of microprocessor relays.
• Able to quickly assess emergency situations and requirements, and to develop and implement appropriate action plans.
• Able to extract and analyze relay settings, event data, and oscillography from all SEL, GE, ABB and Siemens relays.
• Able to occasionally perform physical requirements including standing, sitting, walking, kneeling, twisting, reaching, and climbing at project locations to inspect equipment or collect information.
• Able to perform and review electrical discipline mathematical calculations and electrical protection designs, interfacing closely with Engineering and Construction teams and consultants to ensure proper protection system design and operation.
• Able to read and understand plans, specifications, drawings, and documents relating to engineering and construction, including one-line diagrams, three-line diagrams, and wiring diagrams.

The expected starting pay range for this role is $90,000 - $122,000 USD. This range is an estimate and base pay may be above or below the ranges based on several factors including but not limited to location, work experience, certifications, and education. In addition to base pay, Pattern’s compensation program includes a bonus structure for full-time employees of all levels. We also provide a comprehensive benefits package which includes medical, dental, vision, short and long-term disability, life insurance, voluntary benefits, family care benefits, employee assistance program, paid time off and bonding leave, paid holidays, 401(k)/RRSP retirement savings plan with employer contribution, and employee referral bonuses.

Pattern Energy Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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