Power Systems Engineer

Job Title: Power Systems Engineer
Job Description
We are seeking an Electrical Power Systems Leader to shape the power infrastructure strategy for hyperscale and AI-focused data centers, including multi-building campuses and programs exceeding 1GW. This role represents the top technical authority in power systems, responsible for setting the vision, defining standards, and ensuring execution excellence from concept design through commissioning and operational handoff.
Responsibilities

• Lead the design and architecture of electrical distribution systems for data centers, spanning the full utility-to-rack power path, including substations, switchgear, transformers, secondary distribution, and critical power interfaces.
• Develop and standardize scalable, repeatable reference designs to support power-dense facilities across multiple regions and vendor ecosystems.
• Ensure all design decisions are grounded in core principles of availability, reliability, maintainability, safety, and effective operational response during abnormal conditions.
• Drive the adoption and implementation of IEC-based digital substation and switchgear architectures, including GOOSE/MMS protocols and best practices for consistency and quality.
• Develop and validate Sequences of Operation (SoO) and control narratives to support normal operations, failover scenarios, maintenance activities, and system recovery.
• Serve as the technical lead for utility engagement, including interconnection requirements, protection and metering schemes, power quality considerations, and operational coordination for large-load facilities.
• Guide designs that enable flexible grid connectivity and advanced resiliency strategies, including self-generation, battery energy storage systems (BESS), and islanding where applicable.
• Lead troubleshooting efforts and perform root-cause analysis for complex system behaviors involving switchgear, protection relays, and controls.

Essential Skills

• Experience as an Electrical Power Systems Engineer.
• Bachelor's degree in Electrical or Systems Engineering.
• Experience working in data centers, facilities, utility, or power generation infrastructures.
• Advanced knowledge of distribution, switchgears, protection and controls, relay schemes, and control systems integration.
• Familiarity with ANSI/UL, IEC, and validating Sequences of Operations (SoO).

Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Houston, TX.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $70.00 - $75.00/hr.
Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:
• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Houston,TX.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Jul 8, 2026.
About Actalent


Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.


The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.


If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email View email address on click.appcast.io for other accommodation options.



San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.



Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.



Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.