Power Plant Electrical Engineer

A global higher education leader in innovative teaching, research and public service, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill consistently ranks as one of the nation's top public universities. Known for its beautiful campus, world-class medical care, commitment to the arts and top athletic programs, Carolina is an ideal place to teach, work and learn.

One of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, Chapel Hill has diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community.

University employees can choose from a wide range of professional training opportunities for career growth, skill development and lifelong learning and enjoy exclusive perks for numerous retail, restaurant and performing arts discounts, savings on local child care centers and special rates on select campus events. UNC-Chapel Hill offers full-time employees a comprehensive benefits package, paid leave, and a variety of health, life and retirement plans and additional programs that support a healthy work/life balance.

The Energy Services Department consists of seven groups: (1) Cogeneration Systems (generates electricity and steam, and the distribution of steam throughout campus and UNC Hospitals); (2) Electric Distribution Systems (distribution of electrical power throughout campus); (3) Chilled Water Systems (producing and distributing chilled water throughout campus); (4) Water, Wastewater and Stormwater (for the use and conservation of water, as well as the proper management of stormwater and runoff); and (5) Administration (provides GIS, SCADA, coordination of operational information technologies, strategic planning, and management functions).

Together these five groups provide safe, reliable, environmentally responsible, and cost-effective steam, electricity, chilled water, sanitary sewer, reclaimed water, and potable water utility services to the University's campus in a manner that moves UNC closer to the goals of Three Zeros Environmental Initiative.

Cogeneration Systems primary purpose is the generation of steam to the various buildings on the University campus and to the UNC Hospitals. Steam is critical to the operations of the University and UNC Hospitals. It is used for heating, cooling, domestic hot water, sterilization of surgical instrument, distilled water production, food preparation and dish washing. Cogeneration Systems also generates electricity as a byproduct of the steam generation. It can presently supply about 30% of the peak campus electrical load.

The Power Plant Electrical Engineer is responsible for all medium voltage systems, low voltage systems, DC systems, instrumentation, the protection of all electrical equipment, and all aspects of the Distributive Control System ( DCS) that is used to operate and control the circulating fluidized bed boilers, package boilers, turbine generator, engine generators, the water and wastewater treatment systems, fuel handling systems and all other balance of plant equipment. This position is required to understand the complex processes associated with the above and to design, tune, modify complex control logic and loops to improve plant reliability and performance. Position requires expert knowledge of electric power systems and control systems. Position designs, plans, and implements and analyzes the electrical needs and performance of the Cogeneration Systems facilities, make operational recommendations, provides design changes, upgrades equipment, provides protective settings and manages the implementation of said upgrades and design changes. This position maintains the plant control system and develops modifications to improve the control system performance and thus the efficiency of the plant. This position is required to be conversant in National Electric Reliability Council ( NERC) requirements for cybersecurity of the plant control systems.

This position is also responsible for analyses of plant electrical transients and electrical trips by using advance modeling software and the protection coordination of the facility electrical distribution network. Error in planning for the safe and reliable operations of the facility could adversely affect the reliability and availability of steam and electrical generation and the steam distribution system. The consequences of this may result in a prolonged steam outage that would negatively impact the University and UNG Hospitals severely. An error increases the chance of injury or fatality to students, staff, and visitors on campus, increases the University liability or risk associated with such injuries or death; and negatively impacts the completion of the University's overall education and research missions. This position requires cognitive ability to do complex mathematics and understand complex mechanical and electrical concepts and complex systems.

Bachelor's degree in the engineering discipline related to the area of assignment; or equivalent combination of training and experience Some positions may require licensure by the North Carolina Board of Examiners for Engineers and Surveyors. All degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.

This position requires an expert knowledge and understanding of engineering. The position requires the ability to evaluate, approve and manage projects with significant complexity within budget and on schedule. The position requires the ability to provide technical analysis and make recommendations and/or decisions on routine, non-routine, and unique engineering problems in the electrical and controls systems. The ability to communicate with management, peers, and plant personnel is essential and to express verbally or in writing highly complex technical concepts clearly and concisely is a requirement of the position.

Expert level of knowledge and understanding of engineering concepts, practices, and theories used in the engineering specialty area and the ability to use it in practice. Thorough knowledge of internal organizational structure, business needs/objectives, budget, planning, legal/public relations considerations, and/or other related factors. Ability to make final approval for complex or a broad variety/scope of program/project specifications for completeness, compatibility, compliance with engineering principles, standards, codes, and design needs. Ability to research alternatives and designs or analyze special details for non-standard items of work for programs/projects. Ability to determine program/project priorities, processes, and procedures. Ability to manage complex or broad variety/scope of programs/projects for completeness, compatibility, compliance with engineering principles and design needs and standards; ability to resolve/approve major project/program changes. Ability to develop, communicate and defend complex or novel programs/projects. Ability to approve program/project budget and/or schedule.

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering from an ABET accredited engineering program with five (5) years of experience in heavy industrial electrical and control systems. Experience in supervision of engineers and engineering techs.

A Professional Engineering Certification - Licensed in NC is preferred.

Due to the critical nature of the facility's function, a high level of accuracy and attention to detail is required in calculations and implantation to ensure safe and reliable operation. Position must be committed to high level of documentation of any changes made to control and electrical systems. The work environment will include work within the power plant, which can be hot and humid for periods of time. Also, outdoor work will be necessary periodically with all the climate variability of Central North Carolina four season climate.

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or status as a protected veteran.