Principal Electrical Engineer
About the job
- A bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or a related field from an accredited institution.
- 12–15 years of electrical engineering experience in power generation, including significant experience with combined cycle power plants.
- Experience serving in a senior or principal engineering role on EPC or utility-scale power projects.
- Strong knowledge of electrical power systems and applicable codes and standards, including the National Electrical Code, Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers standards, American National Standards Institute standards, and National Electrical Manufacturers Association standards.
- Experience supporting projects through design, procurement, construction, commissioning, and startup.
- Lead electrical engineering efforts for combined cycle power generation projects from conceptual design through commissioning and startup.
- Establish and manage electrical design criteria, standards, and philosophies for power plant facilities.
- Oversee and review electrical system designs, including generator and auxiliary systems; medium- and high-voltage power distribution; protection and control systems; grounding, lighting, and raceway systems; and interfaces with instrumentation and control and plant control systems.
- Provide technical direction and oversight to electrical engineers and designers assigned to projects.
- Review and approve calculations, drawings, specifications, and technical deliverables for quality and compliance.
- Coordinate electrical engineering activities with mechanical, civil, structural, instrumentation and control, construction, and commissioning teams.
- Ensure compliance with applicable codes and standards, including the National Electrical Code, Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers standards, American National Standards Institute standards, National Electrical Manufacturers Association standards, and utility or owner requirements.
- Develop and support engineering cost estimates, material quantities, and execution plans.
- Lead technical aspects of major electrical equipment procurement, including vendor evaluations and technical reviews.
- Participate in constructability reviews, hazard analyses, and formal design reviews.
- Provide technical support during construction, commissioning, and startup, including site visits as needed.
- Interface directly with clients, project management, and internal leadership on technical scope, risks, and progress.
- Mentor and support the development of junior and mid-level engineers.
- Deep technical experience with combined cycle electrical systems, including generators, auxiliary power systems, medium- and high-voltage distribution, and protection and control.
- Prior experience leading or mentoring engineering teams on complex projects.
- Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively with clients, project managers, vendors, and multidisciplinary teams.
- A Professional Engineer license is preferred.
About the company
Zachry Group provides turnkey engineering, construction, maintenance, turnaround and fabrication services for the energy, chemicals, power, manufacturing and industrial sectors in North America. It covers the full project lifecycle by helping customers plan, build and renew critical facilities, often as a single‑point provider responsible for the entire scope. The company executes projects through engineering, procurement, fabrication and on-site construction with a strong emphasis on safety and reliable delivery. What sets Zachry Group apart is its long history (since 1924), a purpose‑driven culture and a consistent focus on safety, quality and meeting customers’ immediate and long-term goals across diverse sectors. Its goal is to help clients achieve their objectives by delivering the best possible outcomes while maintaining high safety standards.
Company Size
5,001-10,000
Company Stage
N/A
Total Funding
N/A
Headquarters
San Antonio, Texas
Founded
1924
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Simplify's Take
What believers are saying
- NiSource awarded Zachry a 2025 EPC contract for a 2,600-megawatt Indiana project.
- Zachry Maintenance Services won 10-year Cheniere renewal on March 30, 2026.
- Chevron Phillips extended Zachry Maintenance Services five years on February 2, 2026.
What critics are saying
- Zachry's May 2024 Golden Pass bankruptcy exposed brutal project overruns and liquidity strain.
- July 30, 2026 Sabine Pass worker death triggered wrongful-death litigation against Zachry and Cheniere.
- Texas operations still carry labor and safety overhangs after 4,000-plus layoffs and WARN scrutiny.
What makes Zachry Group unique
- Zachry's 100-plus gas plants and 60,000-megawatt pedigree wins utility EPC work.
- Zachry's 2026 nuclear push, including Terrestrial Energy and new nuclear leaders, broadens optionality.
- Quanta joint venture on NiSource pairs Zachry engineering depth with stronger field execution.
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Benefits
- Hybrid Work Options