Principal Electrical Engineer

The Client is seeking a Principal Electrical Engineer to lead electrical engineering delivery across a portfolio of oil, gas, and chemical projects. Operating out of the Billings, Montana or Bismarck, North Dakota office locations, this individual will provide advanced technical leadership, oversight, and direct supervision to a team of engineers and designers. The Principal Electrical Engineer will guide technical direction, review critical engineering deliverables, and drive performance to ensure high-quality, compliant, and cost-effective execution aligned with project objectives, rigorous safety standards, and client specifications.

Core Responsibilities

• Manage and supervise a team of electrical engineers and designers, directing all engineering workflows on oil, gas, and chemical projects from conception through completion.
• Plan, organize, and direct engineering tasks to ensure on-time delivery, adherence to quality standards, and integration of safety-in-design principles.
• Serve as the Electrical Engineering Lead on designated projects and provide leadership and guidance to other lead engineers across the program.
• Collaborate directly with project management, interfacing disciplines, and client representatives to ensure alignment on scope, progress, and deliverable quality.
• Deliver electrical engineering services compliant with statutory, regulatory, internal, and client-specific requirements within designated budgets and schedules.
• Initiate, manage, and supervise electrical engineering project requirements, including outlining workscopes, promoting workshare where appropriate, assigning tasks, and monitoring progress.
• Provide technical assistance and advisory support during procurement, construction, and commissioning phases, including preparing requisitions, writing purchase orders, and performing technical bid evaluations.
• Ensure scope clarity, manage change controls in compliance with project change management procedures, participate in project meetings, and generate structured progress reports.
• Perform and review power system studies, protective device settings, and interface management.
• Proactively resolve discrepancies between internal standards and customer requirements.
• Mentor and develop junior personnel within the discipline, fostering professional development and collaborative teamwork.
• Monitor industry advancements and technical innovations within the electrical engineering domain.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science (BS) or Master of Science (MS) degree in Electrical Engineering from a recognized institution.
• 8 to 15+ years of progressive electrical engineering experience within the oil and gas industry and/or hazardous refinery environments.
• Proven experience in electrical power systems, including system design, protection schemes, and physical installations within hazardous refinery settings.
• Low- to medium-voltage (LV/MV) electrical engineering expertise, encompassing distribution systems, equipment selection, protective relay selection, and power management system configurations.
• Proficiency in power systems analysis software, including ETAP, PSCAD, and SPL.
• Competence in utilizing standard business productivity applications, including MS Office Suite.
• Strong written, email, and verbal communication capabilities in English, supported by demonstrated problem-solving and team leadership skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• 12+ years of specialized experience within the oil and gas sector.
• Professional Engineer (PE) licensure in the United States.
• Relevant postgraduate qualifications in engineering, business management, project management, or equivalent supervisory certifications.
• Demonstrated experience in multi-disciplinary project coordination and team leadership.

Employment Details

• Position Type: Long-Term Contract (with potential for permanent conversion based on performance).
• Work Arrangement: 100% Onsite at either of the following facilities:
• Billings, MT 59102, USA
• Bismarck, ND 58503, USA
• Work Schedule: 9/80 schedule (every other Friday off).
• Work Authorization: Open to TN Visa candidates from Canada.