Utilities Engineer
Anticipated Starting Salary Range: $65,000 - $95,000 Starting Salary Commensurate with Qualifications and Experience

The State Corporation Commission’s (“SCC” or “Commission”) Division of Public Utility Regulation (“PUR”) seeks an Engineer interested in a rewarding public-service career.  The Division of PUR provides support to the Commission in its regulation of Virginia's investor-owned electric, natural gas, water and sewer utilities, member-owned electric cooperatives, and the telecommunications industry.  The responsibilities of the Utilities Engineer hired for this position include technical review and analysis of: the need for and siting of proposed electric transmission lines, electric distribution service reliability, and generating unit performance.  The selected individual will:  (i) conduct analysis and make recommendations relative to applications for certificates of public convenience and necessity to construct and operate transmission lines and generating facilities; (ii) monitor, analyze, and make recommendations related to electric utility distribution reliability performance; (iii) monitor, analyze, and make recommendations related to utility generation unit performance; and (iv) investigate and respond to technical consumer complaints related to electric distribution service reliability.  The Utilities Engineer will be required to prepare and submit written technical reports and testify as a staff witness in formal adjudicatory proceedings.  Additional responsibilities will include assisting with monitoring the physical and cyber security activities of regulated entities and making recommendations relative to such activities.  This position offers a hybrid work schedule (telework and in-office), on-the-job training, a variety of professional development and training opportunities, and career growth.

Qualifications

Preferred qualifications for this position include electric power engineering experience related to: the need for or siting of electric transmission lines; electric distribution system design and reliability; or electric generating unit performance.  A bachelor’s degree in engineering is required, with a strong preference for electrical or mechanical engineering.  Applicants with course work in electric power engineering are preferred.  The ability to analyze complex information, form logical well-reasoned conclusions, and make recommendations to the Division’s senior staff and the Commission is essential.  Applicants must have strong verbal and written communication skills and the ability to communicate technical information clearly and concisely to both technical and non-technical audiences.  The ability to maintain effective working relationships with the representatives of utilities, SCC staff, and the general public is required.  Any experience with computer modeling of electric distribution or transmission systems is considered a plus.  

Additional Information

Located in downtown Richmond, Virginia, the SCC is a state agency with regulatory authority over many business and economic interests in Virginia. More information about the SCC may be found on our website: www.scc.virginia.gov. 

The SCC offers rewarding, impactful work; flexible telework options and work-life balance; and professional development opportunities. The SCC fosters a high-performing workforce with a commitment to diversity and inclusion, collaboration, and alignment with the SCC’s mission and strategic goals.  Core benefits provided to SCC employees include competitive health and life insurance programs, pre-tax spending accounts, leave programs, and paid holidays. Employees participate in a state retirement plan with options for tax-deferred retirement savings including employer matching. The state also funds a short and long-term disability program.

The SCC regulates various companies and industries in Virginia; therefore, to avoid any conflict, employees are required to sign a Conflict of Interest Form and must dispose of any stock they hold in a regulated company or dispose of any licenses or certificates they hold in any industry regulated by the SCC unless otherwise permitted. Employees also shall report employment of household members by a regulated company.

The SCC is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  Military veterans and national service alumni are encouraged to apply.  The SCC uses the E-Verify system to confirm identity and work authorization and does not provide sponsorship.  If requested, the SCC will provide reasonable accommodation to applicants in need of accommodation in order to provide access to the application and interview process. A background investigation is conducted on the selected candidate as a condition of employment.

The information you submit must clearly demonstrate your experience and qualifications as they relate to this position.  Interview consideration is based on the information submitted online.

This position is classified in the SCC Salary Structure as a Grade P-11, P-13, or P-14 depending on the selected candidate’s qualifications and experience and will be exempt from the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).

How to Apply

This position will remain open until filled; however, interested candidates are encouraged to apply by close of business on June 9, 2022.

Qualified candidates must apply on the SCC Career Center website at https://careercenter.scc.virginia.gov.