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Power Engineer Jobs in Kentucky (NOW HIRING)

The High Voltage and Power Systems Engineer is the technical authority for all HV and MV electrical infrastructure at Century Aluminum - Sebree Operations. This includes the main 161kV switchyard ...

Electrical Power Engineer

Louisville, KY · On-site

$80K - $130K/yr

Senior Power Engineer We are currently seeking a full-time Senior Power Engineer in our Louisville, KY office to help us achieve our company mission. This person will be part of the Electrical ...

Lead Power Engineer

Florence, KY · On-site

$158K - $165K/yr

Our Lead Power Engineer position will offer you an exciting opportunity to help our Clients provide safe and reliable sources of electric power. You should be an energetic, self-starter who can ...

Lead Power Engineer

Lexington, KY · On-site

$140K - $160K/yr

Required Skills, Knowledge, and Competencies Our Lead Power Engineer - (Design of Electrical Distribution) Responsibilities · Provide detailed physical design of electric distribution systems to ...

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Power Engineer information

See Kentucky salary details

$19.5K

$84.5K

$148.5K

How much do power engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for power engineer in Kentucky is $84,512.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40,400.00 and $115,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Power Engineers?

Power Engineers are professionals who design, operate, maintain, and manage systems that generate, transmit, and distribute electrical power. They work with equipment like generators, transformers, circuit breakers, and power grids to ensure reliable and efficient delivery of electricity. Power Engineers are employed in various industries, including utilities, manufacturing, and large facilities, and play a key role in troubleshooting and optimizing energy systems. Their responsibilities also include ensuring compliance with safety standards and environmental regulations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Power Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Power Engineer, you need a solid background in electrical engineering or a related field, typically supported by a bachelor’s degree and Professional Engineer (PE) licensure. Familiarity with power system analysis software (such as ETAP or PSCAD), SCADA systems, and grid management tools is often required. Strong problem-solving abilities, effective communication, and teamwork skills help you collaborate on complex projects and convey technical information clearly. These competencies are essential for ensuring the reliable design, operation, and maintenance of power systems critical to modern infrastructure.

What is the difference between Power Engineer vs Mechanical Technician?

AspectPower EngineerMechanical Technician
CredentialsCertification (e.g., 4th or 3rd Class Power Engineer)Trade certification or diploma in mechanical technology
Work EnvironmentPower plants, industrial facilities, HVAC systemsManufacturing, maintenance, equipment repair
Industry UsageEnergy, utilities, industrial operationsManufacturing, maintenance services

Power Engineers and Mechanical Technicians often work in similar industrial environments, but Power Engineers focus on operating and maintaining energy systems and boilers, requiring specific certifications. Mechanical Technicians handle equipment repairs and maintenance, often with different certifications. Both roles are essential in industrial settings, but Power Engineers typically have more responsibility for system operation and safety.

What are some typical challenges Power Engineers face when working on large-scale energy projects?

Power Engineers working on large-scale energy projects often encounter challenges such as coordinating with multidisciplinary teams, ensuring compliance with evolving safety and environmental regulations, and managing complex project timelines. Additionally, they must troubleshoot unexpected technical issues in power generation, transmission, or distribution systems while maintaining system reliability. Effective communication and problem-solving skills are essential to navigate these challenges and deliver successful project outcomes.

What Do Power Engineers Do?

Power engineers monitor power and utility systems in an industrial or commercial facility. As a power engineer, your duties include following all processes, performing equipment repairs and maintenance, and adhering to safe operating procedures. You are in charge of the facility’s entire electrical grid, including the lighting, air conditioning, water treatment, and all other power generation systems. To ensure the smooth operation of your facility’s boiler systems, electrical systems, and other systems of power transmission, you communicate and work closely with the other engineers in your company.

What are the most commonly searched types of Power Engineer jobs in Kentucky? The most popular types of Power Engineer jobs in Kentucky are:
What job categories do people searching Power Engineer jobs in Kentucky look for? The top searched job categories for Power Engineer jobs in Kentucky are:
What cities in Kentucky are hiring for Power Engineer jobs? Cities in Kentucky with the most Power Engineer job openings:
Power Engineer

Power Engineer

CENTURY ALUMINUM

Robards, KY • On-site

Other

Re-posted 19 days ago


Century Aluminum rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

The High Voltage and Power Systems Engineer is the technical authority for all HV and MV electrical infrastructure at Century Aluminum – Sebree Operations. This includes the main 161kV switchyard, rectifier and regulating transformers, MV and HV switchgear, protection and relay systems, and the power distribution network feeding the aluminum production lines. The engineer is accountable for the safe, reliable, and compliant operation of this infrastructure and provides technical engineering authority to maintenance crews, contractors, and plant management. This is a critical position – the facility’s production capacity depends directly on the reliability of the high voltage infrastructure this engineer owns.

Key Activities:

  • Own and manage the main HV switchyard including all 161kV incoming disconnects, main power transformers, rectifier and regulating transformers, oil circuit breakers, and SF6 switchgear across all production lines.
  • Develop and maintain HV protection and relay settings, functional injection testing schedules, and arc flash analysis for the full facility. Provide direction for establishing electrical safe work zones for all personnel working near HV hazards.
  • Monitor transformer condition through dissolved gas analysis, oil sampling, and thermal assessment. Lead condition-based maintenance decisions and capital lifecycle planning for all major HV assets including active monitoring of rectifier transformers with known condition concerns.
  • Develop and implement multi-year HV maintenance plans. Lead capital budget initiatives for the HV power system, prepare funding requests, and track execution in coordination with the Project Management Office.
  • Lead the design, commissioning, and technical oversight of HV equipment installations and replacements, including rectifier transformers, main power transformers, and HV switchgear (system voltages: 161kV, 34.5kV, 13.8kV, and 480V).
  • Provide 24/7 failure response capability for HV system incidents. Lead root cause analysis for all HV-related failures and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
  • Lead the HV competency development program for designated Electrical Engineers on site.
  • Serve as the site’s HV electrical safety authority. Responsible for arc flash compliance, electrical safe work procedures, and HV safety protocol across the facility

Basic Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering with emphasis on power systems, high voltage, or power distribution.
  • Minimum 5 years of hands-on HV and MV engineering experience in an industrial manufacturing or utility environment.
  • Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively and provide technical direction across all levels of the organisation including maintenance crews, contractors, and plant management.
  • Strong organisational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities including maintenance programs, capital projects, and day-to-day operational support simultaneously.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • In-depth knowledge of high current rectifier transformer systems including condition monitoring, OLTC maintenance, and dissolved gas analysis interpretation to IEEE C57.104 standards.
  • Experience with SEL protection relay platforms including settings verification, relay coordination, and functional injection testing.
  • Experience in a primary metals, smelting, or continuous process industrial environment.
  • Understanding of short circuit, arc flash, load flow, and relay coordination studies. Familiarity with NFPA 70E electrical safety requirements.
  • Demonstrated experience leading, managing, and commissioning electrical capital projects including design, contractor oversight, and installation.
  • Can evaluate equipment condition, interpret electrical testing results, and perform reliability assessments. Familiarity with SAP Plant Maintenance for work order and asset management.
  • Registered Professional Engineer (PE) or equivalent credential preferred.

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