Optimization Engineer Jobs in Houston, TX (NOW HIRING)

Optimized Process Designs (OPD), a Koch Engineered Solutions company, is seeking a Lead Electrical Engineer. This technical leader will be responsible for the engineering execution of HV/MV power infrastructure and substation projects delivered under lump-sum EPC contracts. This role serves as the technical owner from project concept through energization, driving design decisions that balance safety, reliability, constructability, cost, and schedule while supporting OPD’s commitment to execution excellence.

Optimized Process Designs is an engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) firm executing on complex energy and infrastructure projects across North America. Their focus and expertise is in the natural gas, natural gas liquids, and petrochemical industries. OPD is part of the larger Koch organization which provides a variety of capabilities across many industries. OPD is known for technical excellence, disciplined project execution, and a culture that empowers engineers to take ownership and create long-terms value.

• Serve as a technical leader for electrical engineering scope on EPC projects from concept through startup.
• Lead engineering decisions that balance safety, reliability, constructability, operability, cost, and schedule objectives.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to engineers and designers across multiple disciplines.
• Apply sound engineering judgment to resolve complex technical issues and support successful project execution.
• Collaborate directly with clients, utilities, vendors, construction teams, and internal stakeholders throughout project development and execution.
• Support development, standardization, and continuous improvement of engineering practices, tools, specifications, and work processes.

Optimized Process Designs (OPD), a Koch Engineered Solutions company, is seeking a Lead Electrical Engineer. This technical leader will be responsible for the engineering execution of HV/MV power infrastructure and substation projects delivered under lump-sum EPC contracts. This role serves as the technical owner from project concept through energization, driving design decisions that balance safety, reliability, constructability, cost, and schedule while supporting OPD’s commitment to execution excellence.

Optimized Process Designs is an engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) firm executing on complex energy and infrastructure projects across North America. Their focus and expertise is in the natural gas, natural gas liquids, and petrochemical industries. OPD is part of the larger Koch organization which provides a variety of capabilities across many industries. OPD is known for technical excellence, disciplined project execution, and a culture that empowers engineers to take ownership and create long-terms value.

• Serve as a technical leader for electrical engineering scope on EPC projects from concept through startup.
• Lead engineering decisions that balance safety, reliability, constructability, operability, cost, and schedule objectives.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to engineers and designers across multiple disciplines.
• Apply sound engineering judgment to resolve complex technical issues and support successful project execution.
• Collaborate directly with clients, utilities, vendors, construction teams, and internal stakeholders throughout project development and execution.
• Support development, standardization, and continuous improvement of engineering practices, tools, specifications, and work processes.

• Support the engineering and design of electrical power systems for industrial facilities, utility interconnections, renewable energy projects, power generation facilities, transmission systems, and high-voltage substations.
• Perform and review power system analyses including load flow, short circuit, arc flash, grounding, protection coordination, harmonic, insulation coordination, transient overvoltage, and reliability studies.
• Develop and review electrical system deliverables including one-line diagrams, three-line diagrams, AC/DC schematics, wiring diagrams, relay logic diagrams, control schematics, and equipment layouts.
• Support specification, selection, and application of electrical equipment including transformers, switchgear, motor control centers, breakers, protective relays, power distribution equipment, and associated infrastructure.
• Support utility interconnection and grid compliance activities, including coordination with utilities, regional transmission organizations, and independent system operators.

• Lead or support the engineering and design of medium-and-high-voltage substations and associated electrical infrastructure.
• Develop physical design concepts including equipment arrangements, site layouts, elevations, sections, grounding systems, and construction details.
• Design and review protection and control systems including transmission line, transformer, bus, breaker failure, feeder, and generator protection schemes.
• Apply relay protection principles and support relay settings development utilizing SEL, GE, ABB, Siemens, and similar relay platforms.
• Coordinate physical and protection & control engineering activities to ensure designs are complete, integrated, and construction ready.
• Develop engineering packages from conceptual design through detailed engineering and Issued for Construction (IFC) deliverables.
• Review design packages for compliance with project requirements, industry standards, and quality expectations.

• Collaborate closely with project managers, construction, and commissioning teams to support integrated EPC execution.
• Lead technical evaluations and define equipment strategies aligned with utility requirements, interconnection constraints, and project execution needs.
• Provide ongoing engineering support during construction, testing, and energization phases.
• Interface with utilities, ISOs/RTOs, and clients to support interconnection approvals, permitting, and compliance requirements.
• Travel to project sites as needed, up to 15%.

• Ensure compliance with IEEE, NESC, NEC, and client standards, incorporating utility-specific requirements and interconnection criteria.
• Lead quality control reviews and design audits.
• Support development and continuous improvement of OPD substation standards, tools, and processes.
• Serve as Engineer of Record (EOR) where applicable, ensuring design compliance, documentation integrity, and stamped deliverables.

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or equivalent experience
• Utility and/or EPC substation engineering experience
• Active Professional Enginnering (PE) license
• Experience in substation physical design and protection & control engineering

• Demonstrated experience leading engineering execution on EPC projectsor LSTK project experience
• Hands-on involvement with construction, testing, and commissioning support
• Demonstrated application of power system analysis and modeling tools (e.g., ETAP, PSCAD, SKM) for system design and validation
• Experience supporting renewable energy interconnections
• Proven mentoring and technical leadership capabilities

All Koch companies value diversity of thought, perspectives, aptitudes, experiences, and backgrounds. We are Military Ready and Second Chance employers. Learn more about our hiring philosophy here .

As a Koch Engineered Solutions company, Optimized Process Designs (OPD) provides clients with detailed engineering packages in all disciplines, single-point procurement for all equipment and materials, fabrication and direct-hired construction services throughout the United States. We leverage in-house capabilities and provide services with faster speed to market to help deliver increased cost savings while minimizing risk.

At Koch, employees are empowered to do what they do best to make life better. Learn how ourbusiness philosophy helps employees unleash their potential while creating value for themselves and the company.

Our goal is for each employee, and their families, to live fulfilling and healthy lives. We provide essential resources and support to build and maintain physical, financial, and emotional strength - focusing on overall wellbeing so you can focus on what matters most.

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Flexible spending and health savings accounts
• Life insurance
• ADD
• Disability
• Retirement
• Paid vacation/time off
• Educational assistance
• Infertility assistance
• Paid parental leave
• Adoption assistance

Specific eligibility criteria is set by the applicable Summary Plan Description, policy or guideline and benefits may vary by geographic region. If you have questions on what benefits apply to you, please speak to your recruiter.

Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and protected veteran status. Except where prohibited by state law, some offers of employment are conditioned upon successfully passing a drug test. This employer uses E-Verify.

Review design packages for compliance with project requirements, industry standards, and quality expectations. Review design packages for compliance with project requirements, industry standards, and quality expectations. Perform and review power system analyses including load flow, short circuit, arc flash, grounding, protection coordination, harmonic, insulation coordination, transient overvoltage, and reliability studies. Develop and review electrical system deliverables including one-line diagrams, three-line diagrams, AC/DC schematics, wiring diagrams, relay logic diagrams, control schematics, and equipment layouts. Support specification, selection, and application of electrical equipment including transformers, switchgear, motor control centers, breakers, protective relays, power distribution equipment, and associated infrastructure. Support utility interconnection and grid compliance activities, including coordination with utilities, regional transmission organizations, and independent system operators.