Reliability Engineer I - Sr

Better Connected, Together: Employees Power Our Mission

At Arkansas Electric Cooperative Corporation (AECC) and Arkansas Electric Cooperatives, Inc. (AECI), our diverse, dedicated team powers a shared mission: to deliver electricity that is reliable, affordable and responsible. Better connected, together with Arkansas’ electric distribution cooperatives — we provide wholesale power and essential services that improve quality of life across the state, serving more than 1.2 million members and the communities they call home.

Our Employees are the Driving Force Behind Everything We Do

We believe in supporting, valuing, and investing in our people — because when our team thrives, our mission succeeds. If you're looking for meaningful work, a strong sense of purpose, and a place where your contributions truly matter, we invite you to consider joining us.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF POSITION

The primary responsibility of this position is to manage economic risk while emphasizing improvements to plant reliability and equipment health for the generation fleet. This is accomplished through investigations or analysis of equipment, the implementation of Asset Management infrastructure and programs, and the establishment of an optimized Reliability Basis. The position will work efficiently with other departments within Power Production and other divisions as needed to solve problems and accomplish projects.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Investigate / analyze equipment failures and prescribe corrective action (Root Cause Failure or RCA analysis).
• Optimize the Reliability Basis for plant equipment: Preventive Maintenance (PM) activities, Predictive Maintenance (PdM) activities, Operator Rounds
• Oversee implementation and monitor impact of changes to the Asset Management program
• Perform detailed studies and calculations of component / system / plant reliability.
• Assist with technical issues related to equipment maintenance or operation.
• Implement and manage Asset Management infrastructure : Equipment Unique Identifiers (UNIDs), Equipment Hierarchy / Master Equipment List (MEL), Equipment and Reliability Strategy Criticality, Integration of the Asset Management program with plant infrastructure (Lock Out Tag Out (LOTO), drawings, operations procedures, operator rounds), Data management for equipment reliability, Equipment labeling
• Evaluate costs and capabilities of new concepts, methods or equipment and provide recommendations for implementation.
• Keep informed of new equipment, methods or procedures to enhance assignment effectiveness and reduce costs.
• Perform Life Cycle Cost Studies to determine effective maintenance or replacement strategies for equipment.
• Review new equipment proposals to evaluate the reliability of the design.
• Develop start-up and commissioning test strategies.
• Perform project management and contract administration for tasks and projects.
• Apply Change Management techniques for effective project implementation.
• Manage or assist in managing procurement including developing request for proposals, conducting bid evaluations, and negotiating commercial terms and conditions.
• Support the Engineering, Maintenance, and Construction group as needed to maintain and improve overall health of the generation fleet.
• Support plant staff as needed to maintain and improve overall health of the generation fleet.
• Support the Management of Change (MOC) Program as required.
• Support the Enterprise Asset Management (EAM) Team in implementation of systems and programs within the EAM and associated hardware/software.
• Develop / track / benchmark reliability improvements.
• Provide justification and recommendations for stocking spares for critical equipment.
• Develop/implement/support fleetwide reliability programs (e.g., lubrication, motors, breakers, critical equipment testing, etc.)
• Perform Failure Mode Effects and Criticality Analysis (FMECA) studies as required.
• This position is to monitor, assess, provide business case data, and implement industry best practices in the fields of equipment reliability. This is facilitated by membership and participation in industry groups such as the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) and similar groups dedicated to equipment reliability and associated business processes and technology.
• Due to our obligation to provide continuous, reliable electric service to our customers, the ability to maintain regular and punctual attendance and the ability to work outside your regularly scheduled office hours when necessary is an essential function of the job.
• Maintain awareness of and compliance with applicable laws and regulations from various regulatory entities, internal policies, procedures, and directives. Ensure ongoing monitoring and timely incorporation of any changes to maintain adherence to compliance standards.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Engineer I - Possess a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical (ME) or Electrical (EE) Engineering from an ABET accredited university plus 0-2 years of related experience and/or training or an equivalent combination of education and experience within the electric utility industry.
• Engineer II - Possess a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical (ME) or Electrical (EE) Engineering from an ABET accredited university plus 2-4 years of related experience and/or training or an equivalent combination of education and experience within the electric utility industry.
• Engineer III - Possess a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical (ME) or Electrical (EE) Engineering from an ABET accredited university plus 4-8 years of related experience and/or training or an equivalent combination of education and experience within the electric utility industry.
• Sr. Engineer - Possess a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical (ME) or Electrical (EE) Engineering from an ABET accredited university plus 8+ years of related experience and/or training or an equivalent combination of education and experience within the electric utility industry.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

• Frequently at plant locations and otherwise in an office environment.
• Job duties often involve time worked outside of normal weekly schedule, including travel. Travel approximately 25% of the time.
• While working or visiting at a plant site, employees will be exposed to an industrial environment which requires employees to dress appropriately and wear the necessary personal protective equipment to ensure the employee’s safety.
• While working or visiting a plant site, employees may be indoors/outdoors.
• While working or visiting a plant site, employees may be exposed to extreme weather conditions such as heat/humidity, cold, sudden & dramatic temperature changes, rain, ice and snow.
• While working or visiting a plant site, employees will be exposed to an industrial work environment which includes slippery surfaces, high elevations, confined or cramped conditions/body positions, moving objects/machinery, vibration, noise, dust, toxic conditions-chemical irritants, oils, odor/fumes, smoke, explosives, and electrical hazards.

PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES

• Job duties involve sitting, standing, walking, repetitive motion, and dexterity.
• Substantial time is spent using a computer.
• While working or visiting a plant site, employees may be required to climb stairs and ladders; enter tight spaces; navigate slippery or uneven working surfaces; and withstand noise, dirt and possible extreme temperatures.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• Proficient with statistical calculations and determination of probabilities of failure.
• Possess extensive knowledge of Equipment Reliability concepts, methods, and programs.
• Possess knowledge of Predictive Maintenance technologies (vibration, infrared, lubrication, ultrasound, ultrasonic, metal and paint analysis, motion amplification, generator flux testing, cable testing, motor testing analysis.
• Possess knowledge of Enterprise Asset Management systems and their functional uses.
• Prefer experience with craft labor.
• Demonstrate excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Clearly convey information and ideas through a variety of media.
• Possess and apply team building skills, as well as organizational skills, on major projects.
• Achieve and maintain a competent level of position related technical and professional knowledge and skills.
• Maintain a competent level of knowledge about the company’s business and the roles and responsibilities of each division.

Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for employer sponsorship now or at any time in the future.

Why Join Us?

We invest in our employees with competitive pay, meaningful work, and a comprehensive benefits package that supports your well-being and future:

• 100% Company Funded Defined Benefit Pension Plan
• 401(k) with 3% Dollar-for Dollar Company Match
• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• 9 Paid holidays
• 2 Floating holidays
• Educational assistance
• Paid time off
• Short-term disability
• Long-term disability
• Free & confidential Employee Assistance Program

EEO/AA/M/F/VETS/DISABLED

Should you elect to apply for this position, AECC/AECI will review your qualifications. If after reviewing the qualifications and experience of all applicants, your skills and credentials meet our needs, someone from our organization may contact you. Please be advised that the time required to complete the applicant review process typically takes between 30 and 90 days but could extend beyond that. Once the position has been filled, all applicants will be notified via email.

Arkansas Electric Cooperative Corporation and Arkansas Electric Cooperatives, Inc. are Equal Opportunity Workplace and an Affirmative Action Employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age or any other protected category.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.