📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Power Distribution and Cable Management Systems Engineer
Company: Fermilab
Location: Batavia, Illinois, United States
Job Type: Full-Time
Category: Electrical Engineering
Date Posted: April 8, 2025
Experience Level: Mid-Senior level (5-10 years)
Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

Lead and manage power distribution and cable management projects for Fermilab's Accelerator Directorate (AD).
Design, install, operate, maintain, and repair DC and pulsed power systems, including medium and low voltage distribution systems.
Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to meet challenging requirements for future experiments like ACORN, LBNF/DUNE, Mu2e, PIP II, and smaller accelerator improvement projects.
📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers the opportunity to work with high-powered systems and make a significant impact in the field of particle physics, requiring a self-driving and self-learning mindset.

💻 Primary Responsibilities

Project Management: Plan, manage, and lead electrical distribution projects to meet deadlines and budgets.
Equipment Procurement: Handle the procurement of electrical power distribution equipment from requisition to installation, testing, and commissioning.
Engineering Support: Provide engineering support for the operation and maintenance of power distribution systems.
System Analysis: Monitor the performance of electrical systems, suggest improvements, analyze system failures, and recommend solutions.
Documentation: Review electrical installations, manage cable plant activities, design cable routes and layouts, and document them accordingly.
Record Keeping: Maintain records of engineering tasks for future reference.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering from an ABET accredited institution with a minimum of 5 years of experience in electrical power systems or power distribution.
Alternatively, a Master's Degree in Electrical Engineering with 2 years of experience in electrical power systems or power distribution.

Required Skills:

Demonstrated ability to learn new concepts and ideas.
Familiarity with high power thyristor or rectifier systems.
Experience in the design of low and/or medium voltage high power distribution.
Experience with test equipment, experience with switchgear a plus.
Familiarity with NEC and NFPA70E and its application in low voltage systems.
Experience working with equipment manufacturers and vendors a plus.
Proficient with Microsoft Office.
Knowledge and experience in electrical distribution simulation tools, ETAP or SKM, is a plus.
Knowledge and experience in computer aided drafting tools is a plus.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the role's complexity and the need for continuous learning, candidates should have a strong foundation in electrical engineering principles and be eager to expand their knowledge in high power systems and pulsed power technologies.

📊 Web Portfolio & Project Requirements

Portfolio Essentials: Highlight your experience in power distribution, cable management, and electrical system design through relevant projects and case studies.
Technical Documentation: Include detailed documentation of your past projects, focusing on system design, installation, maintenance, and repair processes. Emphasize your understanding of NEC and NFPA70E regulations and their application in low voltage systems.
Performance Metrics: Showcase your ability to analyze system performance, identify improvements, and implement solutions through real-world examples and data-driven insights.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: The expected hiring range for this position is $84,900.00 - $120,633.00 per year. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as the scope and responsibilities of the position, qualifications of the selected candidate, business considerations, internal equity, and external market pay for comparable jobs.

Benefits:

Medical, Dental, Vision, and Flexible Spending Accounts
Paid time off
Life insurance
Short and Long-term disability insurance
Retirement benefits
Onsite day care

Working Hours: This role follows a standard full-time work schedule, with the possibility of flexible hours and overtime as needed to meet project deadlines and maintenance windows.

🎯 Team & Company Context

Company Culture:

Industry: Fermilab is a U.S. Department of Energy national laboratory specializing in particle physics and accelerator research. It supports discovery science experiments in Illinois and around the world.
Company Size: Fermilab is a large organization with over 1,700 employees, providing ample opportunities for collaboration and growth within the electrical engineering field.
Founded: Fermilab was founded in 1967 and has since become a leading research institution in particle physics.

Team Structure:

The Power Electronic Systems Department (PESD) is part of the Accelerator Directorate (AD), which is responsible for designing, building, and operating the particle accelerators and their supporting systems at Fermilab.
The team consists of experienced engineers who provide guidance and support to help you grow professionally in the field of electrical engineering.

Development Methodology:

Fermilab follows Agile project management methodologies, with a focus on iterative development, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
The organization emphasizes cross-functional collaboration, with teams consisting of engineers, physicists, and other specialists working together to achieve common goals.

Company Website: Fermilab Website

📝 Enhancement Note: Fermilab's culture encourages innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning, providing an ideal environment for electrical engineers seeking to advance their careers in the field of particle physics.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Web Technology Career Level: This role is at the mid-senior level, requiring a strong foundation in electrical engineering principles and experience in power distribution and cable management systems. The position offers opportunities for growth and leadership within the electrical engineering field at Fermilab.

Reporting Structure: The Power Distribution and Cable Management Systems Engineer reports directly to the Power Electronic Systems Department (PESD) and works closely with other engineers, physicists, and technicians within the Accelerator Directorate (AD).

Technical Impact: This role has a significant impact on Fermilab's particle accelerator systems, as it is responsible for designing, installing, operating, maintaining, and repairing the power distribution and cable management systems that support these critical facilities.

Growth Opportunities:

Technical Growth: Expand your knowledge and expertise in high power systems, pulsed power technologies, and electrical distribution simulation tools to advance your career in electrical engineering.
Leadership Development: Demonstrate strong project management, team leadership, and mentoring skills to take on more senior roles within the electrical engineering field at Fermilab.
Architecture Decisions: Contribute to major projects like ACORN, LBNF/DUNE, Mu2e, PIP II, and smaller accelerator improvement projects by making critical decisions that impact the design and performance of electrical power distribution systems.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Fermilab's campus is a large research facility with multiple buildings dedicated to various scientific and administrative functions. The work environment is collaborative, with a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary teamwork and knowledge sharing.

Office Location(s): The primary office location for this role is in Batavia, Illinois, with the possibility of working at other Fermilab facilities or remote work arrangements as needed.

Workspace Context:

Collaboration: Fermilab encourages cross-functional collaboration, with engineers, physicists, and other specialists working together to achieve common goals.
Development Tools: The organization provides access to various development tools, including electrical distribution simulation tools, ETAP or SKM, and computer-aided drafting tools.
Testing Devices: Fermilab offers access to test equipment and other resources necessary for designing, installing, operating, maintaining, and repairing electrical power distribution systems.

Work Schedule: This role follows a standard full-time work schedule, with the possibility of flexible hours and overtime as needed to meet project deadlines and maintenance windows.

📝 Enhancement Note: Fermilab's work environment fosters collaboration, innovation, and continuous learning, providing an ideal setting for electrical engineers seeking to advance their careers in the field of particle physics.

📄 Application & Technical Interview Process

Interview Process:

Phone Screening: A brief phone or video call to assess your qualifications, career interests, and goals.
Technical Assessment: A hands-on assessment of your electrical engineering skills, focusing on power distribution, cable management, and electrical system design.
Behavioral Interview: An in-depth discussion of your problem-solving skills, teamwork, and adaptability in a dynamic research environment.
Final Evaluation: A comprehensive review of your technical skills, cultural fit, and potential for growth within Fermilab's electrical engineering team.

Portfolio Review Tips:

Highlight your experience in power distribution, cable management, and electrical system design through relevant projects and case studies.
Emphasize your understanding of NEC and NFPA70E regulations and their application in low voltage systems.
Showcase your ability to analyze system performance, identify improvements, and implement solutions through real-world examples and data-driven insights.

Technical Challenge Preparation:

Brush up on your electrical engineering fundamentals, with a focus on power distribution, cable management, and electrical system design.
Familiarize yourself with Fermilab's research focus on particle physics and accelerator research, and be prepared to discuss how your skills and experience align with the organization's mission and goals.
Practice problem-solving and communication skills to effectively articulate your technical concepts and ideas during the interview process.

ATS Keywords: (Organized by category)

Programming Languages: Python, C, C++, Java
Web Frameworks: Not applicable (focus on electrical engineering)
Server Technologies: Not applicable (focus on electrical engineering)
Databases: Not applicable (focus on electrical engineering)
Tools: ETAP, SKM, Microsoft Office Suite, Computer-Aided Drafting Tools
Methodologies: Agile, Iterative Development, Continuous Improvement
Soft Skills: Problem-solving, Teamwork, Adaptability, Communication, Leadership
Industry Terms: Power Distribution, Cable Management, Electrical System Design, Thyristor Systems, Pulsed Power Technologies, NEC, NFPA70E

📝 Enhancement Note: Fermilab's interview process is designed to assess your technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and cultural fit within the organization's electrical engineering team. Be prepared to discuss your experience and accomplishments in the field of power distribution and cable management systems.

🛠 Technology Stack & Web Infrastructure

Frontend Technologies: Not applicable (focus on electrical engineering)

Backend & Server Technologies:

Power Distribution Simulation Tools: ETAP, SKM
Computer-Aided Drafting Tools: Not specified (relevant tools should be highlighted in the application process)
Test Equipment: Not specified (relevant equipment should be highlighted in the application process)

Development & DevOps Tools:

Version Control: Not specified (relevant tools should be highlighted in the application process)
CI/CD Pipelines: Not specified (relevant tools should be highlighted in the application process)
Monitoring Tools: Not specified (relevant tools should be highlighted in the application process)

📝 Enhancement Note: Fermilab's electrical engineering team uses various tools and technologies to design, install, operate, maintain, and repair power distribution and cable management systems. Familiarize yourself with the organization's technology stack and be prepared to discuss your experience with relevant tools and technologies during the interview process.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Web Development Values:

Innovation: Fermilab encourages innovation and continuous learning, providing an ideal environment for electrical engineers seeking to advance their careers in the field of particle physics.
Collaboration: The organization emphasizes cross-functional collaboration, with engineers, physicists, and other specialists working together to achieve common goals.
Quality: Fermilab is committed to delivering high-quality research and engineering solutions, with a strong emphasis on precision, accuracy, and attention to detail.
Safety: The organization prioritizes safety in all aspects of its operations, with a focus on maintaining a safe and healthy work environment for all employees.

Collaboration Style:

Cross-Functional Integration: Fermilab's team structure encourages collaboration between engineers, physicists, and other specialists, with a focus on achieving common goals through interdisciplinary teamwork.
Code Review Culture: The organization emphasizes code review and peer programming practices to ensure the quality and reliability of its electrical power distribution systems.
Knowledge Sharing: Fermilab fosters a culture of knowledge sharing and continuous learning, with regular training and development opportunities for electrical engineers.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Technical Challenges:

High Power Systems: Work with high-powered systems and pulsed power technologies to meet the challenging requirements of future experiments like ACORN, LBNF/DUNE, Mu2e, PIP II, and smaller accelerator improvement projects.
System Analysis: Analyze system performance, identify improvements, and implement solutions to optimize electrical power distribution systems and meet Fermilab's research objectives.
Regulatory Compliance: Ensure compliance with NEC and NFPA70E regulations in low voltage systems, with a focus on safety and reliability.
Emerging Technologies: Stay up-to-date with emerging technologies in electrical engineering, power distribution, and cable management systems to advance your career and contribute to Fermilab's research mission.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

Technical Skill Development: Expand your knowledge and expertise in high power systems, pulsed power technologies, and electrical distribution simulation tools to advance your career in electrical engineering.
Conference Attendance: Attend industry conferences and events to network with other electrical engineers, learn about emerging technologies, and stay current with best practices in the field.
Mentorship & Leadership Development: Seek mentorship opportunities within Fermilab's electrical engineering team to develop your leadership skills and contribute to the organization's research mission.

📝 Enhancement Note: Fermilab's research focus on particle physics and accelerator research provides a unique opportunity for electrical engineers to work on cutting-edge projects and make a significant impact in the field. Be prepared to face technical challenges and embrace growth opportunities as you advance your career within the organization.

💡 Interview Preparation

Technical Questions:

Electrical Engineering Fundamentals: Be prepared to discuss your understanding of electrical engineering principles, with a focus on power distribution, cable management, and electrical system design.
System Analysis: Demonstrate your ability to analyze system performance, identify improvements, and implement solutions through real-world examples and data-driven insights.
Problem-Solving: Showcase your problem-solving skills and ability to articulate technical concepts and ideas effectively during the interview process.

Company & Culture Questions:

Fermilab's Research Focus: Familiarize yourself with Fermilab's research focus on particle physics and accelerator research, and be prepared to discuss how your skills and experience align with the organization's mission and goals.
Team Dynamics: Understand Fermilab's team structure and collaboration style, and be prepared to discuss your ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary research environment.
Adaptability: Demonstrate your ability to adapt to a dynamic research environment and embrace the challenges and growth opportunities that come with working at Fermilab.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

Project Case Studies: Highlight your experience in power distribution, cable management, and electrical system design through relevant projects and case studies.
Technical Walkthroughs: Provide detailed technical walkthroughs of your past projects, focusing on system design, installation, maintenance, and repair processes.
Data-Driven Insights: Showcase your ability to analyze system performance, identify improvements, and implement solutions through real-world examples and data-driven insights.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Power Distribution and Cable Management Systems Engineer position at Fermilab:

Submit Your Application: Click the application link provided in the job listing and submit your resume, highlighting your experience in electrical engineering, power distribution, and cable management systems.
Prepare Your Portfolio: Customize your portfolio with live demos and responsive examples showcasing your experience in power distribution, cable management, and electrical system design. Emphasize your understanding of NEC and NFPA70E regulations and their application in low voltage systems.
Optimize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to the specific requirements of this role, with a focus on your experience in electrical engineering, power distribution, and cable management systems. Highlight your problem-solving skills, teamwork, and adaptability in a dynamic research environment.
Prepare for Technical Interview: Brush up on your electrical engineering fundamentals, with a focus on power distribution, cable management, and electrical system design. Familiarize yourself with Fermilab's research focus on particle physics and accelerator research, and be prepared to discuss your experience and accomplishments in the field.

📝 Enhancement Note: Fermilab's application process is designed to assess your technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and cultural fit within the organization's electrical engineering team. Be prepared to discuss your experience and accomplishments in the field of power distribution and cable management systems, and demonstrate your ability to contribute to the organization's research mission.

Power Distribution and Cable Management Systems Engineer