Principal Engineer Electrical

Principal Electrical Engineer – Power Generation (Combined Cycle)

Zachry’s Charlotte, North Carolina office seeks an experienced Principal Electrical Engineer to support large‑scale combined cycle power generation projects across the region. The role offers opportunity to work on complex, high‑visibility energy infrastructure projects for leading utility and power generation clients.

Our Charlotte‑based Power Generation team supports a strong portfolio of combined cycle facilities, providing engineers both long‑term project stability and exposure to technically challenging work. The environment is collaborative and fast‑paced, with opportunities to lead engineering decisions, mentor teams, and directly influence project outcomes.

If you are a senior electrical engineer looking to apply your expertise on critical power projects while continuing to grow your technical and leadership impact, Zachry offers a rewarding and stable career path.

• Lead electrical engineering efforts for combined cycle power generation projects from conceptual design through commissioning and startup.
• Establish and manage electrical design criteria, standards, and philosophies for power plant facilities.
• Oversee and review electrical system designs, including generator and auxiliary systems, medium‑ and high‑voltage power distribution, protection and control systems, grounding, lighting, and raceway systems, and interfaces with instrumentation and control (I&C) and plant control systems.
• Provide technical direction and oversight to electrical engineers and designers assigned to projects.
• Review and approve calculations, drawings, specifications, and technical deliverables for quality and compliance.
• Coordinate electrical engineering activities with mechanical, civil, structural, I&C, construction, and commissioning teams.
• Ensure compliance with applicable codes and standards, including NEC, IEEE, ANSI, NEMA, and utility or owner requirements.
• Develop and support engineering cost estimates, material quantities, and execution plans.
• Lead technical aspects of major electrical equipment procurement, including vendor evaluations and technical reviews.
• Participate in constructability reviews, hazard analyses, and formal design reviews.
• Provide technical support during construction, commissioning, and startup, including site visits as needed.
• Interface directly with clients, project management, and internal leadership on technical scope, risks, and progress.
• Mentor and support the development of junior and mid-level engineers.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or a related field from an accredited institution.
• 12–15 years of electrical engineering experience in power generation, with significant experience on combined cycle power plants.
• Experience serving in a senior or principal engineering role on EPC or utility‑scale power projects.
• Strong knowledge of electrical power systems and applicable codes and standards, including NEC, IEEE, ANSI, and NEMA.
• Experience supporting projects through all phases, including design, procurement, construction, commissioning, and startup.

Preferred Qualifications

• Deep technical experience with combined cycle electrical systems, including generators, auxiliary power systems, medium- and high‑voltage distribution, and protection and control.
• Prior experience leading or mentoring engineering teams on complex projects.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively with clients, project managers, vendors, and multidisciplinary teams.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license preferred.

• Stable backlog of long‑term power generation projects.
• Exposure to complex, high‑profile combined cycle facilities.
• Collaborative engineering‑focused culture.
• Opportunities for technical leadership and career growth.