Engineering Competency matrix for a power engineer?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on developing a competency matrix for power consultant engineers, focusing on specific skills and software such as SKM, ETAP, and CAD. Participants emphasize the need for clear definitions of competency levels, moving beyond vague descriptors to actionable tasks, such as conducting load flow analysis or creating one-line diagrams. The matrix serves as a tool for supervisors to assign work, evaluate performance, and support promotions. Participants express a desire for structured learning paths to identify gaps in their knowledge and improve their engineering capabilities.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of power engineering concepts, particularly in low/medium/high voltage design.
  • Familiarity with software tools like SKM and ETAP for power system analysis.
  • Knowledge of CAD software for engineering design documentation.
  • Awareness of competency assessment frameworks and performance evaluation methods.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the specific functionalities and applications of SKM for power system modeling.
  • Explore ETAP software capabilities for load flow analysis and system optimization.
  • Investigate best practices for creating competency matrices in engineering fields.
  • Learn about qualification cards and their role in employee skill assessment and task assignment.
USEFUL FOR

Power engineers, engineering managers, and HR professionals involved in employee development and performance evaluation will benefit from this discussion.

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What competency matrix are suggested for power consultant engineers?

My work organization has a competency matrix of different skills. The skills included different software packages and engineering practices for low/medium/high voltage power design and instrument and controls. Some of the fields include SKM, ETAP, UPS sizing, ground grid, and CAD. We are marked with 1 of 4 levels of competency in each field, something like new, beginner, intermediate, master. New is well defined "never used or performed before". The other levels are vague such as able to work with help from others, able to work by oneself, able to lead others.
I'm looking for a more specific way of categorizing those skills. For example, in skm, maybe use a classification that a beginner is a person who can create a 1-line, create a tcc, and update library for equipment. An intermediate might be load flow analysis, medium and high voltage components and a few other things.

My wondering is what is out in the world for helping to establish a course of action for concepts that power engineers should generally know and specifically know.

I liked college in that we were given a plan of learning. In real life practice, I don't know what I am missing from my understanding.
 
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A matrix like you describe is generally used by a supervisor/manager as an aid to help them make work assignments. It could also be used to rate employees performance (by noting changes year to year) or to support promotion. I don't think it is unusual for them to appear vague, and the terms you list (work with help from others) is common. In the end, interpretation of the meaning lies with the supervisor/manager. If you have questions on where you stand or what you need to do to move up in competency, you need to ask your supervisor.

OTOH, I have also seen "qual cards" where employees need to meet very specific requirements to become "qualified" to perform certain work / tasks. What you describe is not one of those.
 
Thank you gmax,

My manager has been placing me in the upper two levels of the groupings for a lot of the software packages and skill sets. I think he’s correct according to the work independent and teach others requirement, but I feel like I’m more of a lower level just because I seem to find out completely new things all the time while performing the work.
I was hoping to find out more about what I’m missing and should be pursing to be a better engineer
 

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