Freelance Electrical Engineering Opt Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Consumers Energy is Michigan's largest energy provider, providing natural gas and/or electricity to 6.8 million of the state's 10 million residents in all 68 Lower Peninsula counties. Consumers Energy knows job number one is to keep the lights on for customers. We are committed to delivering reliable, clean, and affordable energy to our customers 24/7. 

This position is not eligible for immigration sponsorship, e.g., H-1B, TN, etc. Please do not apply if you will need immigration sponsorship for a work visa now or in the future, including sponsorship for H-1B, TN, etc., now or in the future. We are unable to hire individuals with CPT, OPT, or STEM OPT for this position as the position is not eligible for participation in the H-1B lottery program and is not eligible for current or future immigration sponsorship for a work visa.

Location: This is a hybrid (virtual/onsite) position with required onsite days on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday assigned to the Parnall Office located in Jackson, MI. The selected candidate must be within a commutable distance or willing to relocate (relocation package is available for those that qualify). 

General Summary of Job Responsibilities

The Principal Electrical Engineer serves as the department's subject matter expert in electrical engineering and is responsible for leading the engineering and design of large-scale, complex projects that support the reliable operation of our distribution, generation, and storage systems. This role provides technical leadership and guidance to a multidisciplinary team of engineers and technicians, coordinating efforts with internal departments and external stakeholders to deliver innovative solutions for high-profile projects. The Principal Electrical Engineer specializes in the design, layout, and implementation of electrical utility systems and products, ensuring all deliverables meet rigorous standards for quality and performance.
This role provides technical leadership and executes transmission planning activities, with a primary focus on Electric Supply (generation), ensuring that transmission system capabilities align with the company's current and future generation portfolio and long-term resource strategy. The incumbent works closely with cross-functional partners, including Electric Distribution, Transmission Planning, and Development Transmission Engineering, to deliver a coordinated, enterprise-wide approach to transmission strategy and execution.
The Principal Electrical Engineer is responsible for supporting Consumers Energy's transmission planning activities within the MISO planning framework, including MTEP and generator interconnection processes, while advocating for outcomes that enable generation interconnection, deliverability, and operational flexibility. This role ensures that Electric Supply priorities are effectively represented across planning processes, studies, and policy discussions.
This position operates with a high degree of independence and ownership, applying technical expertise to evaluate system impacts, inform planning decisions, and provide recommendations that support generation development, existing asset optimization, and long-term planning objectives. The role requires strong collaboration across Electric Supply, Electric Distribution, Rates & Regulation, and Planning organizations to ensure alignment between system capability and business strategy.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Oversee and manage the installation of electrical equipment and components, ensuring projects are executed efficiently and safely.
Prepare detailed specifications for the procurement of electrical equipment and materials, and provide accurate estimates of material, labor, and construction costs to support budget development.
Develop comprehensive reports and compile data on current and prospective electrical engineering projects and studies; provide technical support to internal departments and personnel as required.
Ensure all activities-including installation, manufacturing, construction, maintenance, documentation, support, and testing-comply with specifications, relevant codes, and customer requirements through effective direction and coordination.
Establish standards and specifications for construction, manufacturing, and installation by performing thorough and precise calculations.
Guarantee that installations and operations meet established standards and customer expectations by preparing electrical system specifications, technical drawings, and topographical maps; promptly investigate and resolve project issues as they arise.
Collaborate with clients, colleagues, and stakeholders to discuss existing or potential engineering products and projects; monitor project progress and budgets, and prepare status reports for senior management.
Perform a broad range of engineering tasks utilizing computer-aided design (CAD) and engineering software and equipment.
Design, maintain, implement, and enhance electrical instruments, facilities, components, equipment, and systems for industrial, commercial, and residential applications.
Prepare comprehensive contract documents, including specifications, drawings, and addenda, to support project execution.
Design, control, and implement electrical systems and products, serving as the primary point of contact for clients on all electrical engineering project matters.
Lead the development and implementation of electrical systems, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and customer needs.
Perform other related duties as assigned or as necessary to support departmental objectives.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Comprehensive knowledge of applicable codes and standards relevant to electrical engineering.
Proficiency in design and calculation software commonly used in the engineering field.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly convey technical information to diverse audiences.
Strong organizational skills and exceptional attention to detail.
Advanced analytical and problem-solving abilities to address complex engineering challenges.
In-depth understanding of the theory and practice of electric utility distribution planning, construction, operation, and maintenance.
Solid working knowledge of electric utility operations, including generation, transmission, and distribution of three-phase alternating current power.
Familiarity with distribution planning principles; experience in this area is considered an asset.

Education and Experience

Bachelor's degree in engineering from an ABET-accredited program, with seven (7) or more years of applicable experience.
(OR)
Bachelor's degree in engineering from a non-ABET-accredited program, plus a Professional Engineering license, with seven (7) or more years of applicable experience.

Why should you join our team?

At Consumers Energy, we offer more than just a place to work. We foster a culture that supports career development, growth, and stability, and we take pride in offering our co-workers excellent benefits and compensation packages. We are deliberately creating an inclusive culture that makes our diverse team of co-workers feel valued, supported, and empowered every day. We're a company made up of thousands of people, all with different stories to share and work to do, but we stand united in our company purpose: world class performance delivering hometown service.

What we offer:

• Competitive compensation packages
• Medical, Dental and Vision
• 401k with company match
• Paid parental leave
• Up to 13 paid Holidays
• Paid time off
• Educational Assistance Program

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion: 

We, at CMS Energy, value Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion. It is part of our DNA. We treat our employees with respect, we treat each other fairly and we value the opinions of others. We are passionate about building and nurturing an environment where everyone feels included. We don't discriminate. We seek to learn about each other and better understand our unique differences. Our uniqueness makes us authentic. We create safe spaces where everyone can be who they truly are. We invite difficult conversations and uncomfortable topics. We value diverse perspectives; this is what makes us great together. We harbor an inclusive environment where employees feel empowered to share their backgrounds, experiences, and ideas. Our Employee Resource Groups, Women in Energy (WE), Minority Advisory Panel (MAP), Pride Alliance of Consumers Energy (PACE), GENERGY, capABLE, Interfaith and Veterans Advisory Panel (VAP) are key enablers to living the values of our company culture: Caring, Empowered, Deliberate, Agility, and Ownership.

All qualified applicants will not be discriminated against and will receive consideration for employment without regard to protected veteran status, disability, race, color, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or national origin.