Job Description

The Electrical and Utility EIT supports utility operations and helps design and lay out work for the needs of the campus electrical distribution for facilities and utilities, including the steam/power plant under supervision of Senior Electrical Engineer III. The Electrical and Utility Engineer I supports the development of projects required by UT's master plan including project design, engineering estimates and construction schedules; reviews design plans, specifications and estimates submitted by the Department of Capital Projects, and influences construction budgets. This position provides engineering support for the Utility Superintendents, implements and ensures compliance with campus standards; relies on engineering knowledge and judgment to plan and accomplish tasks, utilizing a certain degree of creativity and latitude. This position provides good customer service to internal and external customers. Supports energy efficiency and commissioning projects on campus. Provides electrical engineering support for the planning, design, operation, maintenance and repair of the University's utility infrastructure which includes electric, steam, and chilled water as well as energy management and utility metering systems.

• Supports planning, development, installation and modification of campus' substations and electrical utility infrastructure.
• Engineers and oversees the installation and relocation of underground utility infrastructure with minimum impact on the University and its activities.
• Supports engineering responsibilities for utility distribution systems to ensure system capability, flexibility, reliability, safety, economic operation, and consideration for expansion.
• Supports long and short-range plans and budgets with respect to utility distribution upgrades.
• Develop distribution system statistics, records, and drawings.
• Assists in the documentation of utility infrastructure for record purposes.
• Assists with electrical commissioning and retro-commissioning of new and existing buildings.
• Provides guidelines for the operation, protection and testing of HV electrical distribution equipment and their controls.
• Supports modeling of UT's Electrical distribution system via engineering software SKM Power Tools.
• Maintain communications with UT's electrical service provider to ensure that the University's interests are served in a safe, reliable, economical, and least disruptive manner.
• Stay current with pertinent government standards relative to employee electrical safety.
• Maintain knowledge of federal, state, municipal, industry, and University codes, regulations, practices, trends, and/or guidelines as well as stay current with the latest information on electrical design, equipment and testing.
• Provide technical assistance to campus services operating and maintenance personnel and technical support for the operation and maintenance of the electrical utility distribution and building systems as necessary.
• Evaluate and provide recommendations for preventive maintenance programs for the University's electrical distribution systems, the central chilled water and steam plants, and other electrical systems and equipment.
• Interface with electrical utility equipment suppliers.
• Assist in the University's utility metering, accounting, and billing activities.
• Perform utility rate analyses and evaluate impacts upon the University.
• Evaluate and recommend appropriate action to provide alternative utility sources to or within the University whenever economically feasible or otherwise justified.
• Evaluate electrical distribution system operations and protection for improvement and enhancement.
• Support SCADA functions for control and monitoring of the campus utility and facilities electrical distribution systems.
• Supports the development of engineering and project management services for various projects relative to the electrical utility infrastructure.
• Review technical portions of bid and contract documents.
• Interface with architects, engineers, contractors, consultants and University representatives to coordinate and manage projects for best implementation and minimum disruption to the University's community and its activities.
• Seek opportunities to understand, assist and teach the technicians in the field on the electrical high voltage and low voltage systems and the design of such systems.
• Seek additional training in order to enhance or add capabilities

• Required Education

  • Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering (Master’s Degree in Engineering related field preferred)

    • EIT Certification preferred or ability to obtain no later than 6 months after hire.

• Required Experience:

  • 0-2 years of Electrical engineering design experience including CO-OP (2+ years preferred)

• Required Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

  • Knowledge and skill to design electrical distribution for utilities and facilities.

  • Ability to understand the above systems and the relation of each within a campus building as well as campus as a whole.

  • Ability and knowledge to analyze data to generate reports and to substantiate projects. Basic knowledge of mechanical systems.

  • Observation skills.

  • Ability and skill to solve electrical system problems.

  • Ability to communicate in a clear and concise manner.

• Other Conditions: Valid Driver’s license

• Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without need now or in the future for sponsorship for employment-based visa status.

• Preferred Education

  • Masters Degree in Engineering related field.

• Preferred Experience

  • 2+ years experience which can include CO-OP Experience

  • EIT Certification

• Preferred Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

  • Exposure to power engineering analysis software for facilities and Utilities .

  • Ability to use design skills within the knowledge of electrical engineering.

  • Knowledge in the installation and protection of electrical equipment .

Work Location

• University of Tennessee – Knoxville, TN Campus
• This is an on-site position

Compensation and Benefits

• UT market range: MR13
• Find more information on the UT Market Range structure here
• Find more information on UT Benefits here

About The College/Department/Division

UT Facilities Services is responsible for the care and keeping of more than 300 facilities and utilities systems in and around Knoxville. As the University of Tennessee Knoxville’s largest non-academic department, team members are responsible for facilities maintenance and repair, custodial needs, landscaping and lawncare, utility work, in-house and capital construction projects, facilities planning and design, environmental initiatives, pest control, campus event services, and facilities administration functions for both the flagship campus and the agricultural institute. The Facilities Services staff provides around-the-clock coverage to ensure students, staff, faculty, and fans have a consistent and positive experience every time they step foot on Rocky Top.

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, has shaped leaders, changemakers, and innovative thinkers since its founding in 1794. The university is home to more than 38,000 students and 10,000 statewide employees—the Volunteers—who uphold the university’s tradition of lighting the way for others through leadership and service.

UT Knoxville offers over 900 programs of study across 14 degree-granting colleges and schools. As Tennessee’s flagship land-grant university, its footprint spans the entire state. The university holds the highest Carnegie classification for research activity and has deep partnerships with industry leaders and the US Department of Energy’s largest multidisciplinary laboratory, Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

The Knoxville campus serves and recruits for UT Knoxville, including the Institute of Agriculture and the Space Institute, as well as the UT Institute of Public Service.

UT Knoxville considers its employees its number one asset. With values that focus on work-life balance, compensation, and innovation leadership, all Vols are supported to advance professionally. Employees have access to career development and coaching, continued education, and an extensive list of development and training possibilities. The Volunteer employee experience implements structures and practices to attract and retain top-tier talent, fostering a strong staff community and supporting a culture of involvement and engagement for everyone.

The university holds a strong commitment to its land-grant mission of learning and engagement, with a tradition of service and leadership that carries that Volunteer spirit throughout the state and around the world. It has been ranked nationally as “Best Employer for New Graduates,” “One of America’s Best Large Employers,” and “Best Workplace for Women,” and has been designated as “Best Place for Working Parents” by Forbes Magazine.

Apply today and join the Tennessee Volunteer community!