Power System Operator Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

The Virginia Spaceport Authority is seeking a skilled and motivated Electrical Design Engineer III to support the development, modification, and maintenance of mission-critical electrical power systems for space launch operations. This role is essential to the safe and reliable delivery of power to critical ground support infrastructure including cryogenic and fluid systems, associated pumps, tanks, and piping networks at the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport (MARS).

SUMMARY General Description:

The Electrical Design Engineer III will be responsible for design, analysis, and project support of electrical power infrastructure and equipment in mission critical facilities supporting space launch operations. This role serves as the lead electrical engineer on complex projects and will provide technical expertise throughout project lifecycle from planning and design through commissioning and operational support.

Responsibilities and Duties:

Develop and update detailed designs of electrical systems for spaceport electrical infrastructure with an emphasis on power systems including but not limited to power distribution, transformers, switchgear/panels, motor controls, generators, automatic transfer switches (ATS), uninterruptable power supply (UPS) systems, lighting, grounding and lightning protection systems (LPS), and associated electrical ground support equipment.

1. Develop and maintain engineering drawings and schematics including but not limited to single line diagrams, panel schedules, feeder schedules, grounding and LPS layouts, lighting schedules, routing plans, and power layouts.
2. Perform and/or oversee electrical power system studies, including load calculations, fill rating calculations, voltage drop calculations, lighting calculations, short circuit analysis, protective device coordination, and arc flash analysis.
3. Specify and select electrical equipment for power distribution and related electrical systems.
4. Provide technical guidance during design reviews, installation, and troubleshooting of electrical systems.
5. Interpret and apply applicable codes, standards, and engineering practices to ensure safe, reliable, and compliant electrical system designs.
6. Collaborate with internal and external customers to define and refine system requirements, ensuring compliance with operating parameters and appropriate engineering margins.
7. Support the Operations and Maintenance team during system activation, including initial testing, data analysis, system tuning, and root cause analysis of non-conformances.
8. Prepare and review drawing packages and documentation to ensure all designs are robust, code-compliant, and suitable for intended operating conditions.
9. Provide technical guidance and training on design principles, system function, and operational procedures across MARS facilities.
10. Coordinate directly with internal stakeholders including Operations, Maintenance, Safety, Quality Assurance, and management to ensure alignment across projects and disciplines.
11. Develop and manage task plans, including scope definition, budget estimates, schedule development, and performance metrics, in compliance with all applicable quality and safety policies.
12. Create and maintain engineering documentation, including specifications, design review materials, and detailed technical calculations.
13. Lead or participate in field inspections and readiness reviews, assessing installation quality and compliance with design and safety requirements.
14. Generate and oversee system change documentation aimed at improving operational efficiency, safety, reliability, and maintainability.
15. Manage and provide oversight for maintenance, alteration, and operational activities, ensuring they are completed safely, on schedule, and within budget.
16. Apply independent engineering judgment to resolve complex technical issues and develop innovative solutions for ground support systems.
17. Perform other duties as assigned in support of spaceport development and operations.

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS General Education

College: Bachelor's Degree

Major: Electrical Engineering or related

Job-Related Experience:

5 to 7 years of design engineering experience with a concentration in power systems or power distribution is strongly preferred. Demonstrated experience designing medium voltage and low voltage power distribution systems for aerospace, industrial, or similar facilities.

Demonstrated experience designing power distribution, switchgear/panels, transfer switches, generators, UPS, LPS, lighting, or industrial power infrastructure. Experience with National Electrical Code (NEC)/NFPA 70, NFPA 70E, NFPA 780 and other applicable electrical codes, standards, and engineering practices for aerospace, industrial, or mission-critical facilities.

Preferred experience performing or supporting load calculations, short circuit analysis, protective device coordination, and arc flash analysis. Experience with electrostatic discharge (ESD) standards is a plus. Demonstrated understanding of hazardous area classification and/or familiarity with applicable regulatory and safety requirements for industrial, aerospace, or mission critical facilities. Strong problem-solving skills and ability to troubleshoot electrical system failures, risks, and operational inefficiencies. Ability to review and interpret vendor documentation, technical specifications, and datasheets for electrical components.

Certifications

PE license preferred.

Licenses, etc.

Valid driver's license is necessary when operating a vehicle while on agency business.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT Knowledge

Comprehensive understanding of the electrical engineering principles, practices, and methods applicable to the planning, design, analysis, and implementation of medium and low voltage electrical power systems. Knowledge of power distribution design, power system studies and calculations, emergency power systems (ATS, generators, UPS), system reliability, and redundancy strategies, and grounding and lightning protection systems. Ability to interpret and apply applicable electrical codes, standards, and engineering practices. Understanding of hazardous location classifications and design considerations for cleanroom environments. Understanding operational support functions such as logistics, procurement, contracts, equipment maintenance, quality assurance-related process control systems, safety programs related to industrial operations, and environmental regulations as applied to support functions.

Skills

• Electrical power system design, analysis, and studies.
• Medium and low voltage power distribution design.
• Emergency power/standby power systems (generators, ATS, UPS) design.
• Engineering design and construction document development.
• Technical specification and SOW input/preparation.
• Interpretation and application of electrical codes and standards (NFPA 70, NFPA 70E, NFPA 780, IEEE, ANSI, etc.).
• Electrical troubleshooting and root cause analysis.
• Power system reliability and redundancy strategies.
• AutoCAD.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Organization and attention to detail.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office or related programs.
• SharePoint experience preferred.

Abilities

• Time management with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
• Demonstrates high professionalism in dealing with confidential and sensitive issues.

The demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

In certain situations, employee may be asked to respond to emergencies during work hours or outside of work hours, based on the needs of VSA.

Physical Demands

• Light lifting of computer equipment.
• Typical office activities, including:
  • Sitting
  • Using hands to manipulate, handle, or feel objects
  • Talking, listening, hearing
• The employee is frequently required to reach with hands and arms.
• The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
• Position may travel between VSA sites.
• Must be able to regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.
• Must have ability to view objects from a close distance and adjust focus.

Mental/Sensory

• Employee conveys information and ideas clearly, both orally and in written English.
• Anticipates, prevents, identifies, and solves problems in the workplace.
• Assimilates complex information. Listens to, comprehends, and clarifies concerns and issues raised by colleagues and clients.
• Emergency situations may present unpredictable scenarios, not anticipated in this job description.

Emotional

• Works well in stressful, high-pressure work environment.
• Maintains composure and objectivity.
• Is respectful.
• Works with diverse personalities and levels.
• Exercises a high degree of discretion when handling confidential data, documents, correspondences, and other information.
• Handles multiple priorities and adapts to frequent change.

Work Environment

Work is generally performed in a typical office setting with some time spent within the operating facility.

Must be able to obtain and maintain eligibility for issuance of a NASA credential.

Must be able to pass a pre-employment background check and drug test.