Application Guide
How to Apply for Associate Principal Engineer - Physical
at NEI Electric Power Engineering
🏢 About NEI Electric Power Engineering
NEI Electric Power Engineering specializes in innovative renewable energy solutions, focusing on PV, battery systems, and wind collection. Their work at the forefront of the energy transition makes them an exciting place for engineers passionate about sustainable infrastructure. Based in Lakewood, CO, they offer the opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge projects that shape the future of power systems.
About This Role
As an Associate Principal Engineer - Physical, you'll serve as an internal technical consultant, performing physical engineering design and analysis for substation projects while conducting final QA/QC reviews. This role is impactful because you'll be the last line of defense for project quality, ensuring substation designs meet all specifications before release to clients. You'll also mentor design teams and provide expert consultation tailored to client needs in renewable energy projects.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day involves reviewing substation physical designs for upcoming renewable energy projects, conducting final QA/QC checks to identify potential issues before release. You might consult with design teams on complex layout challenges, mentor engineers on equipment selection and clearance requirements, and participate in client meetings to understand their specific needs for PV or wind integration projects. The role balances technical analysis with team guidance and client consultation throughout the project lifecycle.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who NEI Electric Power Engineering Is Looking For
- An electrical or civil engineer with 7+ years of direct substation engineering experience, including HV and EHV systems
- A licensed Professional Engineer (PE) or someone who can obtain licensure within one year, demonstrating commitment to professional standards
- An expert in substation electrical clearances, equipment selection, diagrams, and physical layout design
- A senior mentor who can guide design teams while balancing technical consulting with quality assurance responsibilities
📝 Tips for Applying to NEI Electric Power Engineering
Highlight specific substation projects you've worked on, especially those involving renewable energy integration or HV/EHV systems
Quantify your QA/QC experience by mentioning how many projects you've reviewed and what critical errors you've identified
Demonstrate your consulting skills by describing how you've anticipated client needs in previous substation design projects
Mention any experience with Colorado-specific utility standards or regional grid requirements
Show how you've mentored junior engineers in substation design while ensuring projects stayed on time and within budget
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
['Your direct experience with substation physical engineering, specifically HV/EHV systems and electrical clearances', 'Examples of serving as a technical consultant who anticipates client needs in energy projects', "Your approach to final QA/QC reviews and how you've identified critical errors before project release", "How your experience aligns with NEI's focus on renewable energy solutions like PV, battery, and wind systems"]
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → NEI's specific renewable energy projects in Colorado and their approach to PV, battery, and wind system integration
- → Colorado's energy transition goals and how utilities in the region are adapting substation infrastructure
- → The company's project portfolio to understand their typical substation design scope and client base
- → Lakewood, CO's engineering community and any local utility partnerships NEI might have
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Applying without specific substation physical engineering examples - this role requires deep technical expertise
- Failing to address the consulting aspect - this isn't just a design role but involves client interaction and needs anticipation
- Not demonstrating QA/QC experience - the final quality check responsibility is central to this position
📅 Application Timeline
This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.
Typical hiring timeline:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!
Ready to Apply?
Good luck with your application to NEI Electric Power Engineering!