Application Guide

How to Apply for Associate Principal Engineer - Renewable Studies

at NEI Electric Power Engineering

🏢 About NEI Electric Power Engineering

NEI Electric Power Engineering specializes in innovative engineering solutions for renewable energy, focusing on PV, battery systems, and wind collection. What makes them unique is their dedicated System Studies department that handles complex renewable facility projects from conceptual design through commissioning, offering a chance to work at the forefront of renewable energy integration.

About This Role

As an Associate Principal Engineer - Renewable Studies, you'll function as a subject matter expert on complex projects within the System Studies department, conducting electrical studies for renewable facilities and establishing study templates and methodologies. This role is impactful because you'll directly contribute to regulatory compliance and best practices for renewable energy projects, working closely with Technical Directors and the Vice President.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day involves conducting electrical studies for renewable facilities using specialized software like PowerFactory or ETAP, collaborating with Technical Directors on complex project challenges, developing or refining study templates and methodologies, and providing regulatory compliance guidance across various project phases. You'll serve as the go-to expert for study software questions and troubleshooting while ensuring projects meet industry standards.

🎯 Who NEI Electric Power Engineering Is Looking For

  • Has 7+ years of experience specifically in electrical studies for renewable facilities (not just general power systems)
  • Demonstrates proficiency in multiple power system modeling software packages listed in the requirements (PowerFactory, ETAP, SKM Power Tools, etc.)
  • Holds FE licensure (required) and preferably PE licensure with experience in regulatory compliance services
  • Possesses a Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering with electric power option and experience establishing study templates and methodologies

📝 Tips for Applying to NEI Electric Power Engineering

1

Explicitly list your experience with each power system modeling software mentioned (PowerFactory, ETAP, SKM Power Tools, Easypower, Aspen, Windmil, CAPE, CDEGS, WinIGS, PSSe, PSLF, Cymcap, PSCAD) and specify which you're proficient in

2

Highlight specific renewable energy projects where you conducted short circuit, reactive power/load flow, arc flash, dynamic, transient, harmonic, compliance, ampacity, or grounding studies

3

Detail your experience establishing study templates, methodologies, and best practices - not just conducting studies

4

Mention any experience with regulatory compliance services across all project design phases from conceptual design through testing and commissioning

5

If you have PE licensure, emphasize it prominently; if not, explain your plan to obtain it given it's preferred

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your specific experience with electrical studies for renewable facilities (PV, battery systems, wind collection)', 'Examples of establishing study templates, methodologies, or best practices for electrical system studies', 'Your proficiency with the specific power system modeling software listed in the requirements', 'Your experience serving as a subject matter expert and working with senior leadership on complex projects']

Generate Cover Letter →

🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • NEI's specific renewable energy projects (look for case studies or project highlights on their website)
  • The System Studies department structure and how it interfaces with other departments
  • Recent regulatory changes affecting renewable energy facilities in Colorado and the US
  • Industry standards and compliance requirements specific to PV, battery systems, and wind collection that NEI likely addresses

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Walk me through your experience conducting short circuit, reactive power/load flow, and arc flash studies specifically for renewable facilities
2 How have you established study templates or methodologies in previous roles, and what challenges did you face?
3 Describe your troubleshooting experience with power system modeling software like PowerFactory or ETAP
4 What's your experience with regulatory compliance services across different project phases for renewable energy projects?
5 How do you stay current with evolving standards and best practices in renewable energy system studies?
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Listing general power system experience without specifying renewable energy applications
  • Claiming proficiency in all listed software without being able to demonstrate specific experience with each
  • Focusing only on conducting studies without highlighting experience establishing methodologies or templates
  • Applying without FE licensure (it's required) or without a plan to obtain PE licensure (it's preferred)

📅 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:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to NEI Electric Power Engineering!