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Co-Ops at Pioneer Power
At Pioneer Power Group, we are always looking to innovate, both within our industry as well as with human capital and the next generation of
Our Co-Op program balances classroom theory with practical, hands-on experience prior to graduation. Through the co-op program, students are able to alternate academic study with full-time employment, gaining practical experience in their field of study.
Co-Op Framework
Tour #1
- Learn how to read electrical diagrams/drawings and identify pertinent information for the projects and pricing proposals
- Learn our business, core service offerings and the process of how we deliver to the client from the technical and operational side
- Preparing project proposals and quotes with relevant engineering and technical information combined with the financial pricing to deliver to the end client
- Learn how to use SKM software in conjunction with relevant electrical facility information to create the models used to analyze electrical systems
All of these activities are geared to the goal of having you make real contributions to the team!!!
Tour #2
Full modeling responsibility for electrical facilities for the projects being delivered.
Working with engineers and ops team members to deliver to the customer short circuit, coordination, and arc flash studies in a fast-paced, highly visible environment. Plan and execute multiple projects at the same time while answering questions on all active projects. Answer questions and provide guidance on solutions for all current and past projects. Work with Senior Engineers to understand how to continue to scale the organization for further growth.
Sample of the Duties and Responsibilities:
- Perform short-circuit studies on the electrical distribution system in order to determine the available fault current at pertinent locations in low voltage and medium voltage distribution systems
- Evaluate the short-circuit ratings of protective devices and other distribution equipment
- Review the existing system overcurrent protection and coordination and recommend improvement to optimize coordination and protection of distribution equipment
- Develop time-current coordination plots to derive coordinated settings for new and existing protective devices
- Perform an arc flash hazard analysis per NFPA 70E on the electrical distribution system
- Interpret specifications, customer drawings, and technical proposals to provide pricing for customers
- Communicate with clients on a daily basis for the project and future work needs
Key Skills:
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
- Self-starter / Independent learner
- Effective communication
Required Education and/or Experience:
- Self-starter and able to hit the ground running
- Working towards a BSEE from an ABET-accredited university is the minimum educational level
- Good judgment, discipline, dependability, and responsibility
- Excellent verbal and writing skills to communicate effectively with clients, field engineers, peers, and management
What Our Co-Ops Have to Say:
“Choosing to be Pioneer Power Group’s (PPG) first Electrical Engineering Co-Op has proven to be one of the most fulfilling experiences of my college career. I began looking for a co-op in the Fall 2019 semester, I searched for companies that were willing to teach me and allow me to make significant contributions to their electrical engineering team. PPG stood out as a company that was tight-knit and ready to bring on a university co-op. Since accepting their offer during the height of the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic they have been nothing more than understanding with my transition to work life. Transitioning from college classes to working life can be difficult at any time, let alone during a pandemic, but the team has ensured that my transition was seamless. I see this as a testament to how the whole team from Maryland and Pittsburgh combined are dedicated to their work at PPG and how they are eager to help the company grow.
Throughout my first rotation, I feel as though I have gotten to know each member of the team even with the mostly virtual work environment. In the early days of my co-op, I remember bouncing from call to call with various team members learning a new skill with each video chat. Everyone has been graciously patient and willing to follow up with any questions I may have. The management at PPG has been approachable and beyond helpful with giving me advice and support throughout my rotation. Every other day I look forward to our company-wide video huddles. It is through interactions like these that I have been able to see the full scope of the company and not just the behind-the-scenes engineering. As every day passes, I know that I am succeeding in my initial co-op goal of making contributions and learning new skills that are not readily taught in my classes. I immensely look forward to my upcoming two rotations with Pioneer Power Group as their Electrical Engineer Co-Op.”
-E. Richard University of Pittsburgh
