Lead Electrical Engineer - Power Generation

Lead Electrical Engineer

The Lead Electrical Engineer is responsible for the end-to-end design, development, and technical leadership of electrical systems for power generation projects, including combined cycle, simple cycle, and battery energy storage systems (BESS). This role leads electrical engineering activities across the full project lifecycle—from conceptual design through commissioning and performance validation—ensuring safe, reliable, and high-quality system delivery.

The position requires deep expertise in power plant electrical systems, grid interconnection, and energy storage integration, with a strong focus on execution, code compliance, and constructability.

Key Responsibilities

Electrical System Design & Technical Leadership

• Lead the design and engineering of electrical systems, including:
• Power generation systems (generators, excitation, synchronization)
• Medium- and high-voltage systems (switchgear, substations, transformers)
• Electrical distribution systems (LV/MV)
• Protection and control systems
• Grid interconnection and transmission interfaces
• Lead integration of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), including:
• Battery systems, PCS (power conversion systems), and EMS (energy management systems)
• Interconnection, protection coordination, and controls integration

Project Execution

• Serve as electrical engineering lead for assigned projects.
• Interface with OEMs, EPC contractors, and major equipment suppliers.
• Lead technical bid evaluations and vendor selection processes.
• Review and approve vendor drawings, relay settings, and system designs.
• Act as the primary electrical engineering interface to project leadership.
• Support all phases of project development:
• Conceptual design and feasibility studies
• FEED and system definition
• Detailed engineering and design review
• Construction support and field issue resolution
• Commissioning, start-up, and performance testing
• Ensure design intent is maintained and achieved through execution.

BESS Integration & Grid Interface

• Lead electrical design for BESS integration into power plants and hybrid systems.
• Ensure compliance with grid interconnection requirements and standards (utility and ISO/RTO).
• Support modeling and studies such as:
• Load flow and short-circuit analysis
• Protection coordination
• Dynamic and transient stability (as applicable)

Technical Experience & Knowledge

• Strong expertise in:
• Power system design and grid interconnection
• Electrical protection systems and coordination
• MV/HV equipment and substation design
• Experience with BESS technologies, including:
• Battery systems (Li-ion preferred)
• PCS/inverters and EMS platforms
• Familiarity with analytical tools such as:
• ETAP, SKM, PSCAD, or similar
• Working knowledge of EPC project execution practices.

Standards & Compliance

• Ensure all designs comply with applicable codes and standards, including:
• IEEE, NFPA, NESC, NEC
• IEC, ISO
• Utility and interconnection requirements

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Interface with Mechanical, Civil, and I&C engineering teams.
• Collaborate with operations and maintenance teams to improve plant performance and maintainability.
• Support construction activities, including participation in constructability reviews and installation planning, responding to request for information, and field troubleshooting.
• Support commissioning, testing, and performance validation activities.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering
• 10+ years of experience in power generation or energy infrastructure projects.
• Direct experience in:
• Combined cycle and/or simple cycle power plants
• Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) design, integration, or deployment
• Proven experience supporting at least one full project lifecycle (design through commissioning).

Preferred Qualifications

• Professional Engineer (PE) license.
• Experience with hybrid plant configurations (gas + storage, renewables + storage).
• Familiarity with market participation and dispatch optimization for BESS.
• Experience in EPC project deliveries.

Key Competencies

• Technical leadership and decision-making
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Effective communication and stakeholder management
• Project management and organizational skills
• Ability to mentor and develop junior engineers

Work Environment

• Office-based with periodic travel as required by project needs.

Reporting Structure

Reports to: Project Manager / Project Engineer Direct Reports: May included junior and senior electrical engineers and designers

Career Impact

This position offers a unique opportunity to help shape a newly established power generation business within a well-established engineering firm. This role will influence overall business direction, support the establishment of growth strategies, and serve as a leadership position within the developing team. It will also create the opportunity to define critical workflows, procedures, and engineering guidelines for the new power generation engineering group while providing a strong platform for rapid career growth into broader leadership positions.