E&C Engineer

The position is based at the Wilmarth Generating Plant in Mankato, MN with no hybrid work option.

The role encompasses both project engineering and day-to-day reliability engineering duties. This dual focus allows for a dynamic work environment where engineers can contribute to long-term projects while also addressing immediate operational needs.

Position Summary

Applies extensive technical expertise and has full knowledge of other related disciplines. Performs as a staff advisor and consultant in a technical specialty, a type of facility or equipment, or a program function. Carries out complex or innovative assignments requiring the development of new or improved techniques and procedures. Work is expected to result in the development of new/improved techniques and procedures or new/refined equipment, materials, processes, products, and/or scientific methods. Represents the organization as the prime technical contact on contracts and projects and interacts with senior external personnel on significant technical matters often requiring coordination between organizations. Work is performed without appreciable direction and considerable latitude is exercised in determining technical objectives of assignment. Guidance relates largely to overall objectives, critical issues, new concepts and policy matters. Completed work is reviewed from a relatively long- term perspective, for desired results. May assign tasks to and direct engineers, technicians, craft personnel and administrative staff, including coordination and review of work assignments. Responsible for (and may lead) multiple projects of moderate to large size or portions of major projects.

Essential Responsibilities

• Applies extensive technical expertise and has an understanding of the basic principles of other related disciplines. Fully demonstrates the unique technical skills and core competencies for this engineering level by applying technical standards, principles, theories, concepts, and techniques to lead projects of moderate to large size, scope and complexity.
• Largely self-directed work is expected to result in the development of new or improved techniques, procedures and standards. Supports the development of technical documentation (including but not limited to designs, testing, calculations, reports, standards, etc.)
• Without appreciable direction exercises considerable latitude in determining ongoing technical support for project activities within areas such as Operations, Maintenance, Testing/diagnostics and Regulatory. Provides field engineering oversight and direction for activities such as support, testing, installation, inspections, commissioning etc.
• Coordinates/leads multiple projects or portions of projects (including phases such as research, design, equipment selection, procurement, installation and commissioning). May lead more critical projects with oversight of a higher-level engineer or supervisor.
• Represents the organization as the prime technical contact in the bid/evaluation processes including preparation of bid documents, completion of technical evaluations for proposals and providing recommendations for selection. Interacts with senior external personnel on significant technical matters often requiring coordination with internal and external organizations.
• Effectively and with precision resolves difficult technical/business matters both inter-organizationally and with outside customer/vendors with all formats of communication.
• May assign tasks to and/or direct engineers, technicians, craft personnel and other support staff including coordination and review of work assignments. Provides guidance and mentoring to less experienced engineers. Responsible for continuous self-development of technical skills and competencies.
• Leads activities such as budgeting, estimating, forecasting, accounting, work order management, in support of engineering projects.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in engineering from ABET accredited.
• 2+year's relevant engineering experience. Demonstrated broad knowledge & proficiency in specialty area, knowledge of related specialties, & general knowledge of other related disciplines.
• Ability to demonstrate the unique technical skills & core competencies for this engineering level established & documented by the organization.
• EIT/FE (Engineer in Training/Fundamentals of Engineering) strongly preferred.

Preferred Requirements

• Previous experience in power plants or utilities, as well as project management or construction management backgrounds preferred.

Explain what the scope of the work/project is? Project Overview, deliverables (what is this person responsible for):

The E&C Engineer – Electrical will support one of four Energy Supply plant locations (Wilmarth Plant, French Island Plant, Bayfront Plant, or Red Wing Plant). Each site currently has a mechanical engineer but lacks dedicated electrical engineering support. The engineer will be responsible for electrical reliability initiatives, troubleshooting plant electrical systems, and managing electrical capital and maintenance projects. Upcoming work includes upgrades and replacement of switchgear, transformers, medium- and high-voltage equipment, and other electrical infrastructure. The engineers will develop, scope, budget, bid, execute, oversee, and close out projects while supporting plant reliability and operational improvements.

What are the top 3-5 skills and qualifications (technology/application/software, etc.) required?:

- Electrical Engineering degree (preferred from an ABET-accredited program)

- Utility, power generation, industrial manufacturing, or heavy industrial experience

- Medium-voltage and high-voltage electrical equipment experience

- Power systems knowledge

- Project management experience from project development through close-out

- Troubleshooting and reliability engineering experience

- Familiarity with plant electrical systems and equipment

What non-technical skills are necessary (i.e., such as communication, problem solving, team player)?:

- Strong problem-solving skills

- Collaboration and teamwork

- Communication skills

- Ability to ask questions and learn quickly

- Financial literacy and budget awareness

- Adaptability

- Positive attitude and eagerness to learn

- Ability to work in a close-knit plant environment

Ideal candidate background and how many years required?:

Prefers candidates with at least 2-3 years of relevant industry experience, though strong entry-level candidates or entry level candidates with the right attitude and aptitude may also be considered. Candidates from utility, power generation, manufacturing, or heavy industrial environments are preferred.

Are there any certifications/education that the candidate must possess?:

- Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering is preferred.

- ABET-accredited degree preferred, particularly for future conversion potential.

- FE and PE certifications are preferred but not required.

Are there any preferred or "nice to have" skills?:

- FE certification

- PE certification

- DeltaV control system experience

- Emerson Ovation experience

- Distributed Control System (DCS) knowledge

- SAP experience

- Experience with asset management/work management systems

- Electromechanical or controls engineering backgrounds

- Plant modernization and equipment upgrade experience