Project Engineer IV - Electric Advanced Design Engineer

Project Engineer IV - Electric Advanced Design Engineer

Job Type: Engineering/Engineering Support

Pay Range $137,780 to $162,093

Location Colorado Springs, CO

Date First Posted 1/13/25

Applications are being accepted through: 1/30/25

*If no date is displayed, applications are being accepted on an ongoing basis; however, this job posting may close at any time after a minimum of 5 days of being posted.

Project Engineer IV - Electric Advanced Design Engineer

*This job is eligible for relocation assistance to aid with the costs associated with moving to the Colorado Springs area.

Colorado Springs Utilities is seeking an Engineer to join the Electric Advanced Design team. Electric Advanced Design is a newly formed team supporting several areas including substations, transmission, distribution, and advanced technology elements related to microgrids, distribution automation, and much more. Because this team has a large variety of work, we are looking for individuals who are interested in learning and participating in projects across all disciplines.

Several major initiatives are launched from this team that depend on PLS-CADD model data to succeed. Colorado Springs Utilities has recently completed the capture of all overhead electric transmission and distribution line data. The subsequent steps to process the data have begun and the final element that we are missing is you. You will be assigned to the development and ongoing maintenance of our entire PLS-CADD system models and our new PLS-GRID system.

You will support distribution and transmission along with some very critical programs such as System Hardening & Resiliency, Wildfire Mitigation, and our ongoing preventative maintenance programs. Finally, you will have the opportunity to get involved in transmission and distribution design work as time allows.

Your engineering expertise will expand beyond just a single area, helping this team to accomplish large amounts of work in the coming years. In joining the Electric Advanced Design group, you will gain membership to a highly skilled and experienced team who routinely leverages their technical expertise to serve in our municipal utility's System Planning and Projects Division and beyond.

Key responsibilities of this position include but are not limited to:

PLS-CADD and PLS-GRID

• Responsible for the development of overhead line models using processed LiDAR data

• Responsible for organizing and maintaining the PLS-GRID System and PLS-CADD Line Models

• Will develop methods for regular capture of LiDAR data and ensure line models are kept up to date

• Serve as System Admin for PLS-GRID and PLS-CADD Applications

• Assist other team members with PLS-CADD help and training and develop tools for improved field data capture using PLS-GRID field applications

• Perform structural analysis and design of structures (pole, lattice, framed, and guyed)

• Analyze the thermal ratings of conductors, considering factors like ambient temperature, wind speed, solar radiation, and current-carrying capacity

Distribution Engineering

• Develop and manage PLS-CADD line models for electric overhead distribution lines

• Assist distribution engineering group with overhead rebuild and reconductor projects

• Will work hand-in-hand with Distribution Engineers in support of the System Hardening program

• Will coordinate System Maintenance activities with the Maintenance Engineer focusing on accomplishing needs of maintenance and goals of other programs simultaneously

• Assist the distribution engineering group in administering the Wildfire Mitigation Program by providing design assistance and as-built data capture

• Responsible for administering pole attachment program using PLS-CADD models, collection of as-built data, and providing input to QA/QC process

• Assist Electric Planning with overhead electric contact investigations

Transmission Engineering

• Develop and manage PLS-CADD line models for transmission overhead lines

• Assist in developing and documenting appropriate ratings and operational limits for the electric system

• Assist transmission engineering group with developing conceptual plans, estimating, line routing, etc.

• Assist transmission engineering group with inception of new projects, reviewing project plans, and documenting as-builts

General

• Apply extensive knowledge of NESC standards and utility regulations, guidelines, specifications, and protocols

• Collaborate with Project Managers, Electrical Engineers, Designers, Field Engineering, Civil/Structural and many additional internal & external departments (i. e. surveying, environmental, City, County & State requirements) members on project initiation, development, engineering, and construction

What will it take to be successful in this position? A Bachelor's Degree in Engineering from an accredited university is required for this position. The ideal candidate will offer 7 or more years of experience in supporting a utility or working directly for a utility. Engineering and design work in substations, electric distribution, electric transmission, or a closely related field would be preferred. Additionally, we are interested in your experience in the following areas, so please be sure to highlight them on your resume/application:

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering from an accredited university is required

• Working knowledge of PLS-CADD is required. PLS-GRID experience is highly valued

• Experience with terrain mapping, LiDAR, and GIS integration into PLS-CADD

• Electric distribution design requirements and construction techniques are highly valued

• Transmission design, engineering, and construction techniques are highly valued

• FE certification and active pursuit of PE is highly desirable and will be required for further advancement within the group

• Working knowledge and application of industry standards, safety standards, and current design codes such as AISC, ACI, ASCE 113, IEEE, NESC, etc.

• Excellent communication skills to effectively communicate, using both written and verbal communication, with diverse groups

What a career at Colorado Springs Utilities can offer you…

• Offering four services, Colorado Springs Utilities gives you an experience unmatched by other utility companies

• We understand employees have competing priorities. That is why we have created an environment that embraces teamwork and flexibility

• We champion innovation, state-of-the-art facilities, and clean, efficient technologies that sustain the Colorado Springs lifestyle

• Nestled at the base of t.