Smart Grid Engineer - III/Senior 1

Summary

We are seeking a skilled and motivated Advanced Grid Technology Standards Engineer II/III to support the safe, reliable, and efficient deployment of Smart Grid and advanced T&D devices across the transmission and distribution system. In this role, you will apply utility engineering expertise to moderate-scale projects involving new grid technologies, device installations, and standards modernization, supporting grid automation, reliability, and resiliency initiatives.

Minimum Requirements

Engineer II

A four-year Bachelors degree in an engineering discipline or related applied science discipline (see approved list) from an ABET accredited institution, an International Engineering Alliance (IEA) recognized institution or an ABET Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) plus two (2) years working experience in Engineering-related positions.  

Engineer III

• A four-year Bachelors degree in an engineering discipline or related applied science discipline (see approved list) from an ABET accredited institution, an International Engineering Alliance (IEA) recognized institution or an ABET Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) plus five (5) years working experience in Engineering-related positions.

• Approved Engineer degrees: Materials Science/Metallurgy, Physics, Chemistry, Math, Nuclear, Electrical, Mechanical, Civil, Electronics, Computer Science, Environmental, Chemical, Architectural, Structural. (A four-year bachelor of Engineering Technology degree is not considered an automatic equivalent for a B.S. degree in Engineering. A review of the degree program curriculum must be completed by Engineering department management.)

Key Respnsibilities:

• Developing and maintaining construction standards, drawings, and material specifications that support Smart Grid devices such as automated switches, sensors, communications equipment, and associated infrastructure. The role also involves conducting engineering evaluations, reviewing material performance and failure modes, and collaborating closely with Smart Grid, protection, communications, and design teams to ensure new technologies are safely and consistently integrated into the system.
• You will actively identify opportunities to improve T&D and Smart Grid design, construction, and deployment practices, with increasing responsibility for technical decision-making, standards interpretation, and cross-functional support. This position requires strong collaboration with internal stakeholders and field partners to enable the successful adoption of emerging technologies while maintaining compliance with safety, reliability, and constructability requirements.
• The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, adaptable, and proactive in staying current with industry standards, Smart Grid technologies, and evolving utility practices. Occasional after-hours or operational support may be required to support device deployments, testing, or critical system needs.

Major Accountabilities

1. Analyzes and develops a wide range of technical data, engineering reviews, trend analyses, and short- to long-range Smart Grid technology assessments, including evaluations of new devices, materials, products, and vendor solutions. Performs investigations and product/specification verifications to support sound engineering and business decisions. May present findings and recommendations to management, internal stakeholders, field organizations, customers, and vendors.

2. Identifies, communicates, and drives resolution of technical concerns related to Smart Grid and T&D device deployment while adhering to sound engineering principles. Actively challenges designs, assumptions, and field conditions when necessary to ensure T&D and Smart Grid standards are technically sound, cost-effective, compliant with applicable codes and regulations, support long-term reliability, and meet customer, budget, and schedule commitments.

3. Interfaces with customers and cross-functional teams (e.g., Smart Grid, protection, communications, operations, construction, and supply chain) to assess needs, define project scope, and obtain required data to support key engineering and standards decisions. Coordinates with internal and external stakeholders to support successful deployment of new technologies.

4. Provides oversight and support for engineering and Smart Grid technical programs, including managing program requirements, coordinating with

cross-organizational partners, reviewing operating experience from deployed devices, and driving corrective actions to ensure ongoing alignment with T&D and Smart Grid standards.

5. Supports projects and system modifications that improve operational efficiency, automation, and grid reliability. Reviews designs, construction documentation, and standards to ensure compliance with Smart Grid device requirements, design specifications, schedules, and applicable regulatory or safety requirements.

6. Plans, coordinates, prioritizes, and applies resources to moderate-complexity projects or processes related to Smart Grid standards, device integration, and construction or installation practices.

7. Demonstrates initiative by identifying and removing barriers to progress, leveraging available resources, and proactively supporting outcomes that enable successful Smart Grid technology adoption.

8. Reviews and validates engineering analyses, evaluations, and investigations prepared by others to ensure technical accuracy, consistency, and alignment with established T&D and Smart Grid standards.

9. Provides technical guidance and mentorship to other engineers, supporting their development in Smart Grid technologies, standards application, and engineering best practices.

10. Maintains awareness of current and emerging technologies, industry standards, and competitive developments related to Smart Grid devices, automation, communications, and utility engineering practices.

11. Sustains a high level of technical expertise through formal education, self-study, and continuous learning, with emphasis on Smart Grid technologies, device standards, and evolving utility engineering advancements.

Export Compliance / EEO Statement

This position may require access to and/or use of information subject to control under the Department of Energy's Part 810 Regulations (10 CFR Part 810), the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) (15 CFR Parts 730 through 774), or the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) (22 CFR Chapter I, Subchapter M Part 120) (collectively, 'U.S. Export Control Laws'). Therefore, some positions may require applicants to be a U.S. person, which is defined as a U.S. Citizen, a U.S. Lawful Permanent Resident (i.e. 'Green Card Holder'), a Political Asylee, or a Refugee under the U.S. Export Control Laws. All applicants will be required to confirm their U.S. person or non-US person status. All information collected in this regard will only be used to ensure compliance with U.S. Export Control Laws, and will be used in full compliance with all applicable laws prohibiting discrimination on the basis of national origin and other factors. For positions at Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Stations (PVNGS) all openings will require applicants to be a U.S. person.
Pinnacle West Capital Corporation and its subsidiaries and affiliates ('Pinnacle West') maintain a continuing policy of nondiscrimination in employment. It is our policy to provide equal opportunity in all phases of the employment process and in compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations. This policy of nondiscrimination shall include, but not be limited to, recruiting, hiring, promoting, compensating, reassigning, demoting, transferring, laying off, recalling, terminating employment, and training for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, disability, age, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, protected veteran status, or any other classification or characteristic protected by law.

For more information on applicable equal employment regulations, please refer to EEO is the Law poster. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of every person hired to work in the United States, refer to E-Verify poster. View the employee rights and responsibilities under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA).

In compliance with the Drug Free Workplace Act of 1988, the Company is committed to a work environment that is free from the effects of alcohol and controlled substances, and free from the abuse or inappropriate use of prescribed and over-the-counter medications. The Company requires employees to be subject to drug and alcohol testing that is job-related and consistent with business necessity, regulatory requirements and applicable laws.