Associate Plant Electrical Design Engineer

At PGE, our work involves dreaming about, planning for, and realizing a smarter, cleaner, more enduring Oregon neighborhood. Its core to our DNA and we haven’t stopped since we started in 1888. We energize lives, strengthen communities and drive advancements in energy that promote social, economic and environmental progress. We’re always on the lookout for people passionate about leading and being a part of teams that are advancing innovative clean energy solutions that are also affordable and accessible to all.

Job Overview

Join us in supporting the transformation of renewable energy at scale. As an Electrical Design Plant Engineer on our Power Supply Engineering Services team, you will play a key role in the design and integration of electrical systems across hydro, wind, solar, and energy storage projects that support Oregon’s clean energy transition.

In this role, you will contribute to projects that directly impact how we deliver reliable and sustainable energy. You’ll apply your technical expertise to solve complex engineering challenges, support system improvements, and ensure our generation assets operate safely, efficiently, and in compliance with industry standards.

Job Function Summary

Plans and implements the design, procurement, installation and/or maintenance of electrical systems and apparatus, such as electric motors, equipment controls, lighting, wiring, and power systems/devices, structures, foundations, and conductor systems for the generation, transmission, transformation and distribution of electric power.

Plant Design Provides design improvements and engineering solutions to electrical problems at thermal, hydro and wind plants. Maintains and improves the operation, reliability, safety and regulatory compliance of the company’s generating resources.

Key Job Information

Associate Electrical Design Plant Engineer 6337

Grade 5

Career Level: P1

Entry: Performs first-tier professional-level assignments that require theoretical knowledge and application of principles and concepts

Typically requires a related college or university degree or the equivalent work experience. Note: Actual requirements vary by job

Solves recurring problems by applying advanced knowledge

Operates independently but also receives ongoing guidance and direction from others

Key Responsibilities

Engineering Standards: All Engineering Applies engineering education and training in advancing professional knowledge of engineering processes and standards and independently applies knowledge to assignments with occasional guidance on request.

Engineering Standards: Plant Design Subfunction Develops applied professional engineering knowledge of NERC/WECC Reliability Standards and NERC Critical Infrastructure Protection, learns the operations of power generation facilities and develops knowledge of National Electrical Code (NEC) and National Electrical Safety Code (NESC).

Engineering Production: All Engineering Prepares a variety of engineering deliverables as member of professional engineering support/project team. Contributes to engineering solutions that meet technical requirements, all applicable codes and regulatory requirements and follow sound engineering practice.

Engineering Production: Plant Design Subfunction Assists in developing engineering solutions that meet technical requirements, all applicable codes and regulatory requirements and follow sound engineering practice; assists more experienced engineers with electrical designs and engineering studies.

Project Coordination: All Engineering Coordinates with other professional engineers on project team; shares information and professional opinions in executing project tasks.

Project Coordination: Plant Design Subfunction Provides engineering support to senior engineers with the engineering and construction projects for hydro, wind and thermal plants.

Knowledge Sharing: All Engineering Expands professional knowledge of latest technology and processes; shares knowledge with other colleagues.

Education/Experience/Certifications

Education Requires a bachelor’s degree in engineering. ABET–accredited engineering program or program accredited by an equivalent agency preferred. 

Experience Typically two or fewer years in related field.

Competencies (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities)

Functional Competencies

Working knowledge of engineering/economic principles and concepts.

Working knowledge of other engineering disciplines and working ability to interpret engineering deliverable content as assigned.

Working knowledge and application of engineering processes and procedures.

Working industry knowledge and technology trends.

Working knowledge of company QA/QC process and procedures.

Working knowledge of construction feasibility.

Working knowledge of procurement and contract administration.

Working knowledge of process and procedures for project controls and estimates.

Competencies: Plant Design Subfunction

Working knowledge of initiating electrical improvements and corrective actions for power plants, dams and related facilities.

Working knowledge in the thermal, wind and/or hydro generation areas.

General Competencies

Intermediate accuracy skills.

Working knowledge of the utility industry.

Working organization and prioritization skills.

Working decision-making skills.

Intermediate written and oral communication skills.

Working individual and group presentation skills.

Physical and Cognitive Demands

Cognitive Level

Intermediate: Consistent use of relevant principles to solve practical problems and to deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.

Cognitive

Ability to adhere to set response times, deadlines and time-sensitive tasks

Ability to follow accuracy standards

Ability to follow through on decision-making tasks

Ability to interact effectively and collaboratively within a team environment

Ability to communicate and problem solve when under stress

Ability to respond and adapt to frequent change

Ability to accept and demonstrate self-awareness when provided constructive feedback

Ability to discern feedback and acknowledge ownership of areas of improvement

Ability to avoid future mistakes by applying reasonable skills to new but similar work situations or tasks

Ability to successfully collaborate with peers, managers and others within the organization

Demonstrates sound memory

Ability to process new information to be applied consistently to work tasks

Schedule/Attendance

Ability to adhere to pre-established schedule, including start/stop time and break/lunch schedule [typically for nonexempt positions, although some exempt positions may have an established start/stop time]

Ability to work long hours [typically for exempt positions; if included in nonexempt positions, overtime applies]

Ability to work a variable schedule

Ability to report to work and perform work during periods of severe inclement weather

Ability to consistently meet attendance standards for regular, reliable, predictable, full-time attendance [for part-time positions, change to part-time attendance]

Ability to work shift schedule

Ability to work on-call schedule

Physical Capabilities

☒   Does the job require a valid driver’s license?

☐   No

☒   Yes

☒   Driving/travel/commute

☒   Daily within service territory

☐   Frequently (at least once a week or more)

☒   Occasionally (one to two times a month or less)

☒   Overnight inside/outside the service territory

☐   Frequently (at least once a week or more)

☒   Occasionally (one to two times a month or less)

☒   Computer use (use computer regularly for entire work shift)

☒   Lifting/pushing/pulling (check appropriate weight):

☒   Up to 10 lb

☐   Up to 50 lb

☐   More than 50 lb

☒   Carrying (check appropriate weight):

☒   Up to 10 lb

☐   Up to 50 lb

☐   More than 50 lb

☒   Unstable surfaces requiring balance (i.e., moving equipment, boats); check all that apply:

☐   Elevated areas (i.e., catwalks, roofs and high buildings)

☐   Confined spaces

☒   Walking distances and surfaces (long distances and over rough, uneven or rocky surfaces)

☐   Stairs (over 10 steps)

☐   Ladders (over 10 rungs)

Environment - Indoor/Outdoor

☒   Office environment

☒   Plant environment

☒   Field environment

Actual total compensation, including a performance based incentive bonus, is commensurate with experience, skills, qualifications, education, training, and internal equity.

PGE believes in rewarding dedicated performance. We provide a total rewards package that is designed to reward your contributions to the company, and, at the same time, support your well-being and professional development, both now and into the future. To find out more, click here.

Join us today and power your potential!

Assisting with storms or other Company emergencies is a part of all positions at Portland General Electric.

PGE is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to fostering a workplace where employees feel connected, valued, and empowered to thrive. PGE will not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, religion, disability, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law.

PGE does not discriminate on the basis of disability. We recognize individuals have a variety of abilities to offer and we believe there is much to value and celebrate by incorporating different abilities into the work we do. One very important way we live this out is in our application and interview process. We work hard to support individuals who may need an accommodation to fully participate in these processes. If you feel you may need an accommodation, or would like to request one, please notify the Recruiter associated with the job posting. You may also make this request by contacting talentacquisition@pgn.com or by calling 503-464-7250. The Recruiter will provide information and next steps for the accommodation process. 

To be considered for this position, please complete the following employment application by the posting close date.  Posting closes at midnight (Pacific Time) on the closing date below. If no date is listed, job is open until filled.