A leading renewable energy company is seeking a Senior Project Engineer – Electrical to lead the design, development, and construction of electrical infrastructure and transmission interconnections for a portfolio of geothermal energy developments.
About the Company
Our mission is to accelerate the transition to sustainable energy through cutting-edge technology and innovation. With a strong project pipeline and significant investment backing, we are advancing the state-of-the-art in geothermal energy and delivering 24/7 carbon-free power solutions. Join a team of world-class engineers, researchers, and developers committed to shaping the future of clean energy.
Position Overview
The Senior Project Engineer – Electrical will oversee electrical system integration, including substations, high-voltage transmission lines, and distribution networks. This role requires expertise in project initiation, scoping, budget estimation, execution planning, scheduling, and construction oversight. The position is based in Houston, Texas, with periodic travel to field locations.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the engineering design and construction of high-voltage substations, transmission interconnections, and electrical distribution systems.
- Oversee the design and specification of power generation facilities, including Organic Rankine Cycle geothermal plants, transmission lines, and gathering systems.
- Develop and refine budget estimates and project schedules for new and ongoing electrical projects.
- Serve as the primary technical lead in negotiations with electrical equipment suppliers, ensuring optimized designs for substations, transformers, and switchgear.
- Collaborate with mechanical, civil, and process engineers to ensure seamless project execution.
- Identify and implement continuous improvement initiatives in electrical system performance and reliability.
- Provide technical support for troubleshooting and optimizing facility performance.
- Lead the development of electrical operating and maintenance procedures to enhance safety, performance, and compliance.
- Participate in risk assessments, Process Hazard Analyses (PHA), and root cause analyses for electrical incidents.
- Manage change processes for electrical projects, ensuring documentation, safety reviews, and regulatory compliance.
- Support commissioning and start-up of new or modified electrical systems.
- Evaluate emerging electrical transmission and distribution technologies for geothermal applications.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or a related field.
- 7+ years of experience in facilities engineering, focusing on substations, high-voltage transmission lines, and distribution systems.
- Strong knowledge of utility interconnection processes, grid compliance, and regulatory standards.
- Expertise in electrical infrastructure design, including substations, transformers, switchgear, and protective relays.
- Familiarity with industry codes and standards (e.g., IEEE, NESC, NFPA, ASME).
- Experience leading cross-discipline teams on large infrastructure projects.
- Proficiency in project management tools (e.g., Primavera, MS Project) and electrical design software (e.g., ETAP, SKM Power Tools).
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in geothermal power generation or renewable energy projects.
- Advanced expertise in utility-scale substation design and high-voltage transmission.
- Familiarity with API, ISA, and other technical standards relevant to facility operations.
- Process improvement experience (e.g., Lean Six Sigma, Agile methodologies).
- 5+ years of experience managing engineering contractors for transmission and distribution projects.
- Proven ability to assess and specify high-voltage equipment and optimize designs for cost and performance.
Location & Work Environment
This role is based in Houston, TX, with some hybrid work flexibility. Regular in-office presence is required, along with occasional travel to project sites.
