PURPOSE: Responsible and accountable for proper operation, enhancement and reliability of Substation control and monitoring systems. Create and maintain substation RTU/HMI configuration files and local substation network to ensure quality reliable data is being transmitted to System Control and Member Cooperatives. Assist EMS Engineers and Communications Engineer as needed. Provide technical assistance to Meter/Relay, Communications and Substation Apparatus maintenance personnel.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science or Electrical Engineering from an accredited college or university.
• Familiar with Energy Management Systems concepts, remote terminal units, and associated protocols.
• Functional knowledge of substation automation/integration technologies to include communication protocols utilized in the industry (DNP3, MODBUS, SEL, IP/TCP, etc) preferred.
• Engineer-In-Training (FE) Certificate preferred
• 1-5 years of experience in:
  • Remote Terminal Units and Programmable Logic Controllers
  • Display building
  • System administration and trouble shooting
  • Project development, management and implementation of substation control and monitoring systems
  • Working with SCADA systems
• Familiar with operation of the transmission data and control systems, and historical data requirements, NERC CIP/Reliability and other related standards.
• Familiar with revenue meter configuration.
• Familiar with Project Management methodology.
• Familiar with HMI/RTU, meter and relay software and hardware, and historical databases.
• Knowledge of Microsoft server and workstation operating systems.
• Familiar with substation data flow from apparatus to EMS.
• Strong communications, presentation and teamwork skills desired.
• Familiar with communications systems and equipment.
• Familiar with substation apparatus and protection equipment.
• Familiar with electrical schematic diagrams, wiring diagrams, and control logic.
• Familiar with substation hazards and safety procedures
• Any equivalent combination of education, training, and/or experience can be substituted for requirements listed.

ESSENTIAL AND MARGINAL FUNCTIONS:

• Implement new and upgraded specialized information systems relevant to substation/transmission systems.
• Maintain all aspects of the specialized computer systems currently residing on the AEPCO substation network.
• Assist the System Control, EMS personnel, communication technicians, and meter/relay technicians with any SCADA related issues.
• Provide technical support functions to the Substation MR Technicians, Apparatus Technicians and Communications Technicians.
• Design, manage, implement, and maintain substation electronic configuration and assist in commissioning of new RTU/HMI additions, upgrades, and modifications.
• Configure and aid in testing port servers.
• Create and maintain new and existing revenue meter configuration.
• Configure and assist in troubleshooting various substation control and monitoring equipment.
• Develop and maintain new and existing Substation SCADA Points lists.
• Perform any needed updates to ORION and Microsoft RTU/HMI's.
• Design, configure, implement, and test annunciator screens in substations.
• Respond to after-hours calls as needed to assist CMR, communication, and apparatus technicians in troubleshooting.
• Manages changes and evidence related to NERC procedures and controls for delegated requirements.
• Manages changes and evidence related to NERC RSAWs including the narrative and evidence of the compliance for delegated requirements.
• Performs primary interviewee functions related to NERC compliance audits for delegated requirements.

WHAT YOU NEED TO BE SUCCESSFULL 

To be successful as a Substation Automation and Controls Engineer I, II, III, IV at Arizona G&T Cooperatives, a comprehensive skill set is crucial. Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities will enable you to assess complex technical issues and develop effective solutions. Excellent communication skills are essential for collaborating with team members and stakeholders, ensuring that project goals and updates are clearly conveyed.

Proficiency in critical thinking and an innovative mindset will allow you to approach challenges with fresh perspectives. A solid understanding of electrical engineering principles and practices is fundamental for this role, along with the ability to interpret technical documentation and schematics. Strong attention to detail will be vital for maintaining the accuracy of documentation and system configurations.

Finally, adaptability and a willingness to learn will be key as you navigate new technologies and methodologies in the ever-evolving energy sector.

About Arizona Electric Power Cooperative

We are Member-owned, not-for-profit electric generation and transmission (G&T) cooperatives. Working together, our employees fulfill the joint mission of providing reliable, affordable power to electric coops across the Southwest. Arizona G&T Cooperatives provide power to more than 160,000 electric meters and 400,000 people in Arizona, California and New Mexico through six Class A Member distribution cooperatives. One of 63 G&T electric coops in the nation, we own and operate Apache Generating Station near Cochise, east of Benson. The plant has a combined gross generating capacity of 605 megawatts. We also purchase power to meet member energy needs during peak summer energy use. Our transmission system operates and maintains more than 622 miles of electric power transmission line and 27 substations reaching out from our Apache Generating Station, across Arizona to the northwestern corner of the state. We also operate more than 30 telecommunications towers used for phone and data relay services by our member cooperatives and customers.

Connections working at Arizona Electric Power Cooperative