Senior Electrical Engineer

Lead Electrical Engineer: Refinery & Petrochemical Power Systems

Job Summary

Core Group Resources is hiring a Senior Electrical Engineer to work on-site at a refining and chemical facility in Corpus Christi, TX. In this embedded role, you will lead electrical engineering on capital and maintenance projects, carrying work from initial design through installation, commissioning, and startup.

You will partner daily with plant operations, project managers, contractors, and equipment vendors. The ideal candidate is a self-directed electrical engineer with deep experience in medium- and high-voltage power distribution for process plants and a strong safety mindset.

Responsibilities

• Lead the electrical scope on assigned projects, from concept and design through construction and closeout
• Engineer power distribution systems for refinery and chemical plant applications in line with industry codes and good engineering practice
• Direct the design of substations and pre-engineered electrical equipment buildings
• Develop protection and relay schemes and guide contractors through their installation
• Oversee the specification and installation of MV/LV motors, switchgear, transformers, MCCs, relays, variable frequency drives, UPS systems, and distribution panels
• Lead commissioning, startup, and troubleshooting of electrical equipment ranging from DC and low voltage up to 69 kV
• Ensure proper equipment grounding is designed and installed
• Evaluate power system studies, including short circuit, load flow, protective device coordination, and arc flash, and recommend improvements, running studies in SKM or ETAP as needed
• Review hazardous area classification drawings, equipment specifications, data sheets, and vendor submittals, and provide technical comments
• Participate in factory and site acceptance testing of new electrical equipment
• Review designs for constructability and alignment with project requirements
• Work with operations to follow plant safety procedures, including lockout/tagout and hot work permitting
• Plan and execute work alongside project teams, project managers, and discipline leads, and attend project and vendor meetings

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering
• 10+ years of experience engineering electrical distribution systems for refineries and chemical plants
• Hands-on experience with 69 kV, 12.47 kV, 4.16 kV, and 480 V systems
• Working knowledge of air, vacuum, and gas-insulated breakers, including operation and maintenance
• Knowledge of hazardous area classification design and related standards (API RP 500, NFPA 497)
• Knowledge of substation grounding studies and ground grid design
• Knowledge of battery and UPS systems
• Familiarity with NETA acceptance and maintenance testing standards and electrical test equipment
• Strong command of electrical industry standards, including IEEE, NFPA, NEMA, API, ICEA, UL, and ASTM
• Understanding of management of change, construction sequencing, and the business drivers behind plant projects
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and lead with initiative
• Strong written and verbal English communication skills, including reports, scopes of work, and presentations
• Firm commitment to safety, quality, and environmental standards

Preferred Requirements

• Professional Engineer (P.E.) license
• Proficiency in SKM or ETAP for power system modeling