Engineer I (Finance)

Minnesota Power, an ALLETE company, is an electric utility headquartered in Duluth, Minnesota. We provide electricity in a 26,000-square-mile service area in northeastern Minnesota to 150,000 customers, including 14 municipal systems and some of the nation's largest industrial customers. Minnesota Power is committed to a sustainable future for the climate, our customers and our communities while delivering safe and reliable energy. We play a unique and significant role in ALLETE's sustainability-in-action strategy. Our culture drives excellence through our shared values of integrity, safety, people, and the planet.

Join Minnesota Power at an exciting time of transmission expansion, interface with global suppliers, and help build a strong and robust transmission system.

Minnesota Power owns and operates the Square Butte High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) line and converter stations. The system consists of a 465 mile, 250kV, 550MW transmission line with converter stations near Center, ND and Hermantown, MN. The HVDC project helps support Minnesota Power's Energy Forward strategy by delivering renewable wind power from North Dakota to customers in NE Minnesota. Minnesota Power also owns and operates a Static Synchronous Compensator (STATCOM) and a 500kV series compensation station. This position will work with engineers, technicians, and operators to support the operations and maintenance of the existing power electronic devices and control systems. The position includes detailed work on the HVDC control system and conversion equipment. The position will also include failure analysis, compliance, upgrade recommendations and maintenance procedure development.

Not only does MP already own and operate these facilities, we're building more! MP is replacing the aged HVDC converter station and adding both a STATCOM and series compensation station under different projects. This position will also play a key role working with the Original Equipment Manufacturers to design, test, commission, and operate the new facilities that have begun.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide technical leadership for the HVDC and power electronics control systems and equipment.
• Proficient using the HVDC and power electronics control systems to analyze operations.
• Supports major capital projects in the Minnesota Power Portfolio including HVDC, STATCOM, and series compensation.
• Work with technicians and engineers from multiple departments to investigate problems on the HVDC and power electronics systems, verify proper response, and develop solutions.
• Review, document and update equipment maintenance and testing procedures.
• Ensure Cyber Security of the control systems consistent with internal policies and external standards.
• Prepare written and oral reports of technical problems, investigative finding, and engineering recommendations.
• Support projects related to asset renewal, life extension, and upgrades.
• Specify and work with purchasing to order HVDC control and conversion equipment. Reviews manufacturer submittals and approval drawings.
• Prepare bid documents for engineering and installation work to consultants or contractors.
• Reviews bids and makes award recommendations.
• Directs consultant work and review submittals.
• Review operational logs, sequence of events and fault recorder records to verify proper operation.
• Prepares information for outage reports and system availability reports.
• Provide technical assistance to other departments and field crews as needed.
• Must have knowledge of local, state and industry codes and standards, for example OSHA, NESC, IEEE, NERC CIP.
• Perform site visits to substations in Minnesota and North Dakota to scope projects and support field work.
• Perform administrative work relating to projects and assignments; acts as staff advisor and technical consultant within and outside assigned department in area of expertise.
• This includes preparation of accurate schedules and budget estimates for HVDC and power electronics work.

REQUIRED EDUCATION:

• Bachelor's degree from ABET accredited university in engineering
  • Degree in Electrical Engineering or Computer Engineering preferred

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE:

• No experience required

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE:

• Proficient with MS Office computer skills
• Strong problem solving skills
• Knowledge of HVDC
• Experience in Transmission or Substations
• High voltage substation equipment procedures and analysis
• Experience with control and protection equipment for medium and high voltage substations
• Experience with specialized software and devices to complete engineering including SEL, GE, and CISCO or similar
• Experience in preparing and assembling bidding and construction documents (specifications, drawings, etc.) and supporting construction and commissioning
• Experience with multiple operating systems such as Windows, Linux, etc.
• Experience with programming languages such as C++, Java, Python, etc.
• Basic understanding of communication mediums and protocols used in industrial settings (Serial RS-232, RS-485, Ethernet, etc.)
• Experience with cyber security hardening principles
• Ability to read electrical drawings
• Previous utility work.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• This position will report regularly in person to Duluth, MN
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license and access to transportation required
• This role will require 25% - 50% travel
• Requires high level of interpersonal skills to establish and maintain positive and productive working relationships.
• This position may be subject to assessment of skills, job match and/or aptitude.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

• The expected annual compensation range for this position is $65,000 - $82,000. Compensation offered to the selected candidate will vary depending on relevant knowledge, skills, training, experience, and market conditions.
• Compensation Incentive Program
• Retirement Benefits
• Medical, Dental & Vision Plan
• Health Savings Account & Flexible Spending Accounts
• Life Insurance, Disability & Voluntary Benefits
• Paid Time Off
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Professional Development Opportunities
• Community Engagement, and more.

Employer will not sponsor Visas for position.

External applicants must apply online via www.allete.com/careers.

This job posting will be available for application until the position has been filled OR the posting close date noted herein, whichever date is earlier.

ALLETE is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, status as a protected veteran, among other things, or status as a qualified individual with disability.

If you are an individual with disabilities who needs accommodation or you are having difficulty using our website to apply for employment, please contact our Human Resources department at 218-723-7553.

EEO/AA/F/M/Vet/Disabled

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