Utility Financial Engineer Trainee

Imagine yourself in a career with growth potential and the opportunity to help maintain affordable rates while balancing the needs of infrastructure improvements for aging fixed utility systems. The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) has an opening for a Utility Financial Engineer Trainee in the Technical Division of the Bureau of Investigation and Enforcement. This is an entry-level position that focuses on the engineering aspects of public utility regulation, and there is room for career growth and advancement in this important role.

In this entry-level professional position, you will focus on engineering aspects of public utility regulation and participate in on-the-job training designed to develop proficiency in the analysis of engineering-related subjects for fixed utility proceedings. Work is performed individually and as a member of a team of engineers, analysts, and prosecutors in the review of assigned cases. Responsibilities in this role include:

• Data Analysis: Examine engineering, economic, and statistical information related to utility plant, depreciation, and rate structure
• Site Inspections: Visit utility plants to review equipment and understand operational processes
• Case Support: Assist with comparison studies, written testimony, interrogatories, and reports for assigned cases
• Regulation Awareness: Stay current with utility laws, rules, and regulations that affect fixed utility proceedings
• Hearing Participation: Take part in hearings, technical conferences, and meetings to support the Bureau's position
• Work Coordination: Manage tasks and communicate clearly to ensure information is shared effectively across the team

• Full-time employment
• Work hours are 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 60-minute lunch.
• Telework: Part-time work from home (telework) may be a potential feature of this position. The successful candidate is required to report to the headquarters worksite daily, unless the employee meets eligibility requirements and telework has been approved. Management may discontinue any telework arrangement at any time, for any reason. In order to telework, you must have a securely configured high-speed internet connection. If you are unable to telework, you will have the option to report to the headquarters office.
  • To be eligible to participate in telework, the employee's alternate (telework) worksite must meet the following requirements:
    • Within a reasonable travel distance of headquarters; and
    • Within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
  • Please direct all questions regarding reasonable distance and the type of available telework to the PUC Human Resource Office at ra-puchr@pa.gov or 717.787.8714.
• Salary: In some cases, the starting salary may be non-negotiable.
• You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:

• Four years of related engineering experience with a public utility or public utility regulatory agency, and the possession of an Engineer-in-Training certificate issued by or acceptable to the Pa. State Board of Professional Engineers; or
• A Bachelor's Degree with major coursework in Valuation Engineering or other engineering discipline related to public or private utility generation, collection and distribution systems.
• Applicants will be considered to have met the educational requirements once they are within 3 months of graduating with a qualifying degree.

Other Requirements:

• You must meet the PA residency requirement. For more information on ways to meet PA residency requirements, follow the link and click on Residency Guidelines.
• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

How to Apply:

• Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed, and the information contained therein will not be considered for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position. Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education).
• If you are claiming education in your answers to the supplemental application questions, you must attach a copy of your college transcripts for your claim to be accepted toward meeting the minimum requirements. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
• Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date. Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted.
• Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position.
• All application materials and interview responses must reflect the applicant's own experience, qualifications, and work. Applicants may use generative AI tools for preparation purposes only. Use of AI to misrepresent or falsify information, or to assist during interviews, is not permitted. Review the Guidance for Generative AI Tools & Job Seekers for additional information.

Veterans:

• Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S. *7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs. To learn more about employment preferences for veterans, go to www.pa.gov/agencies/employment/how-to-apply.html and click on Veterans.

Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS):

• 711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).

If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date.

The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.

• Completing the application, including all supplemental questions, serves as your exam for this position. No additional exam is required at a test center (also referred to as a written exam).
• Your score is based on the detailed information you provide on your application and in response to the supplemental questions.
• Your score is valid for this specific posting only.
• You must provide complete and accurate information or:
  • your score may be lower than deserved.
  • you may be disqualified.
• You may only apply/test once for this posting.
• Your results will be provided via email.