Electrical Engineer

About the job

Be a Tar Heel!

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.

Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit

Electric Distribution Systems (EDS) receives electric energy from both the local utility provider, Duke Energy, and the UNC-CH Cogeneration Facility. The electricity from both sources is delivered to four (4) substations, three (3) of which have been recently expanded and upgraded. The substations have a total power capacity of 251 megawatts or approximately enough power for 26,000 homes. Three substations are connected using an entirely new technology in high voltage switchgear, Gas Insulated Switchgear (GIS). This is the first of its type on the Duke Energy system. This special state-of-the-art switchgear technology provides the means to completely enclose the necessary high voltage conductors and switchgear inside housings that are insulated with a special gas, sulfur hexafluoride. These upgrades provide significant improvement in system reliability and some redundancy in the event of any system problem or failure, while allowing for continued growth and expansion of the University electric energy delivery system. The University owns and operates an electrical distribution system extending from the substations to each of the individual buildings served. This system is comprised of 988 electric and telecommunication manholes tied together through 43 miles of duct bank containing 79 miles of underground cable and 5 miles of overhead electric lines – operating at 12,470 volts. The electric energy is delivered using 59 high speed automated switches and 144 manual switches serving 418 transformers. Protective relays in substation breakers, high speed switches, and 338 power quality meters report to SCADA and metering servers over 60 miles of fiber optic cable via communications switches.

Electric Distribution Systems is also responsible for the installation, operation and maintenance of all roadway, parking lot and area lighting systems, presently comprised of 3,319 lights.

Position Summary

A SIGN-ON BONUS OF $7,500 IS AVAILABLE FOR THE SUCCESSFUL APPLICANT OF THIS POSITION PAID IN 2 INSTALMENTS WITHIN TWELVE (12) MONTHS OF HIRE: $3,750 WITHIN 30 DAYS OF HIRE DATE & $3,750 12-MONTHS AFTER HIRE DATE.

The Electric Distribution Systems Engineering Technician manages construction/obsolescence projects. This position must be familiar with the North Carolina State Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) project framework and processes, have experience working in the construction industry and communicating with peers, customers, contractors, engineers and state officials. This position’s duties require familiarity with Geographic Information System (GIS), Electrical Distribution System switching procedures, Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition System (SCADA), Electrical Distribution System Single Line Diagrams, Meter System, LiDAR capture and Field experience with overhead and underground Medium Voltage Electrical Distribution System circuit configurations.

In addition to the above duties, this position will be required to manage assigned projects and write work orders. This requires knowledge of the Bluebeam Revu and IBM Maximo system (work management system) to produce work orders, purchase requests, produce sketches and have the ability to work with contractor/designers on the EDS system.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements

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.

Required Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience

• Understanding of electric utility distribution systems (12 kV+), including SCADA, metering, switching operations, and system documentation.

• Familiarity with Geographic Information Systems (GIS), LiDAR, engineering drawings, and electrical system diagrams.

• Field experience with overhead and underground medium-voltage electrical distribution system circuit configurations and construction-related projects.

• Familiarity with the North Carolina State Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) project framework and associated processes.

• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to effectively interact with peers, customers, contractors, engineers, and state officials.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, for reporting, analysis, and presentations.

• Ability and desire to pursue Professional Engineer licensure.

Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience

• Experience with a municipality underground electrical distribution system.

• Experience working with a utility electrical system.

• Familiarity with Schweitzer Electric relays.

• Experience in the design, operation, and/or control of electrical distribution systems within an electric utility, large industrial complex, or a multi-disciplined research and healthcare campus.

Special Physical/Mental Requirements

PHYSICAL EFFORTS: This position requires bending, stooping, climbing/working from high ladders/scaffolding, working on hands and knees, working with arms/hands above head for long periods of time and working with large pieces of equipment, as well as moving/lifting up to 50 lbs. and other physical activities.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND CONDITIONS: The environmental conditions vary tremendously from air conditioning and heat to dusty, hot, humid, and cold conditions. This position will be required to work in all conditions for various lengths of time depending on the operational requirements. This position will work in an industrial environment. This position could be exposed to high voltage equipment, heights, and manholes with water in them.

ACCURACY OF WORK: The selection, evaluation, installation and maintenance of electric utility systems are based on precise requirements. Inaccuracies in specification details (setup/integration, etc.) can be very expensive, time consuming and dangerous. Proper oversight and diligence regarding accuracy ensures that such problems are avoided. Oversight must ensure that all modifications, calibration procedures and repairs to these systems are carefully documented. Complex diagrams/procedures must be followed to analyze problems and take corrective action.

CONSEQUENCE OF ERROR: The relays and controls this position will oversee in operation and maintenance protects equipment valued in the millions of dollars. Improperly calibrated, calculated or tested relays can lead to the catastrophic failure of this equipment and/or grossly inaccurate information. This would result in loss of electricity to campus jeopardizing many research and other university operations and/or high costs of operations.

GUIDES, REGULATIONS, POLICIES, AND REFERENCES USED BY THE EMPLOYEE: The employee should have familiarity with the National Electric Safety Code (NESC), National Electric Code (NEC), and UNC Safety Policies/Procedures as the engineer of record.

Office of Human Resources Contact Information

If you experience any problems accessing the system or have questions about the application process, please contact the Office of Human Resources at (919) 843-2300 or send an email to employment@unc.edu Please note: The Office of Human Resources will not be able to provide specific updates regarding position or application status.