Sr. Power Plant Electrical Engineer

Sr. Power Plant Electrical Engineer

Join a Fortune 500 Energy Client as a Senior Electrical Engineer (Power Plant) in Houston, TX. This contract-to-hire position is part of the Engineering & Technical Services department within Operations and reports to the Electrical Engineering Manager. You will provide subject matter expertise in the design, maintenance, repair, and operation of a diverse power generation fleet—including fossil fuel, peaking, wind, solar, and utility-scale battery systems.

The role requires approximately 50% travel to generation and support facilities, and vendor sites. You will lead testing and maintenance of protective electrical systems, develop and implement test plans, collaborate with cross-functional teams, ensure compliance with safety and industry standards, and provide technical support and training to junior staff. This is a hands-on role requiring a strong background in electrical theory, power plant design, and high-voltage equipment, as well as excellent problem-solving, leadership, and communication skills.

The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced, diverse environment and is committed to safety and quality.

Responsibilities include:

• Provide technical leadership during testing and maintenance of protective electrical systems in substations and power plants
• Develop and implement test plans and procedures for electrical systems
• Collaborate with corporate engineering, plant personnel, regional utility engineers, and contracted engineering firms on the design, implementation, and commissioning of complex electrical projects
• Ensure compliance with industry standards and safety regulations, including the use of appropriate PPE, fall protection, and arc flash clothing
• Offer technical support and training to junior technicians and staff
• Read, interpret, create, and revise power plant drawings, schematics, and diagrams
• Provide technical guidance in multi-year outage forecasting, maintenance and upgrade prioritization, and budgetary development
• Deliver around-the-clock emergency support as needed, including video/teleconferencing and emergency travel throughout the US
• Apply expertise in electrical theory and equipment such as generators, switch gear, excitation equipment, protective relays, breakers, and transformers
• Safely work with energized high-voltage equipment and ensure adherence to safety protocols
• Utilize strong problem-solving and analytical skills to address technical challenges with attention to detail and a commitment to safety
• Communicate effectively and work independently as well as collaboratively within teams
• Support outage forecasting, maintenance prioritization, and budget development
• Perform all other duties as assigned by management

Qualifications include:

• Bachelor of Science in a relevant engineering discipline
• Minimum 5 years of experience in power generation or a related industry
• Extensive knowledge of electrical theory, power plant design, and high-voltage equipment
• Experience with testing, maintenance, and operation of protective electrical systems
• Ability to read, interpret, create, and revise power plant drawings and schematics
• Strong commitment to safety and compliance with industry standards
• Demonstrated project management, leadership, influence, and communication skills
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and technical presentation skills; confidence speaking in front of groups
• Good writing skills and desire to work in a diverse, fast-paced environment
• Willingness to travel up to 50% and provide emergency support as needed
• Ability to work in office, plant, and field environments—including harsh, dirty, and loud conditions, sometimes in extreme weather and for extended hours
• Physical ability to walk, stand, bend, and lift up to 50 lbs; ability to use keyboard and computer for long intervals
• Preferred:
  Postgraduate degree in Engineering or related field
• Preferred: 10+ years of advanced experience in power generation and relay protection work
• Preferred:
  Successful completion of applicable trade school or military training
• Preferred:
  Intimate knowledge of SEL, Basler, GE, and Siemens relay protection equipment
• Preferred:
  Experience using ETAP for arc flash, load flow, and coordination studies

What's in it for you:

• Opportunity to work with a Fortune 500 energy leader on a diverse and innovative power generation fleet
• Contract-to-hire pathway with competitive hourly pay and strong conversion salary
• Challenging, hands-on engineering work with significant responsibility and impact
• Collaborative, safety-focused, and supportive team environment
• Professional growth and development opportunities