Startup Electrical Engineer Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

The APEX Power Co. Project in Hubbard, TX, currently under Phase 1 construction, is expected to expand to 1.6 GW. The facility features Siemens SGT-800/400 turbines, MAN/Everllence 18V51/60G gas reciprocating engines, GE LM6000/LM2500 and Pratt & Whitney FT8 turbines, and a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS). Future expansion may include additional GE aero and large frame units (6B, 7FA/7FB/7H) in simple or combined cycle configurations, supporting flexible generation and data center grid reliability.

Opportunity Summary

The Electrical Engineer provides technical leadership for plant electrical systems throughout commissioning and commercial operations. This role supports the maintenance, troubleshooting, and optimization of low-, medium-, and high-voltage systems through 35.4 kV; manages electrical projects and modifications; and coordinates relay testing and circuit breaker maintenance. Working with plant teams, OEMs, and contractors, the Electrical Engineer develops solutions that improve reliability, safety, and performance.

As Electrical Engineer, your responsibilities specific to the Pre-Commissioning Phase include:

• Lead electrical system readiness activities, ensuring low-, medium-, and high-voltage equipment, switchgear, transformers, protective relays, and distribution systems are installed, tested, and ready for safe startup.
• Oversee installation, configuration, testing, and commissioning of electrical systems in accordance with design specifications, electrical standards, and commissioning requirements.
• Direct functional testing of switchgear, transformers, circuit breakers, protective relays, MCCs, generators, and distribution equipment before startup.
• Coordinate electrical integration with turbines, BESS, control systems, and balance-of-plant equipment to ensure safe, reliable operation.
• Support FAT, SAT, system turnover, and startup activities while resolving electrical deficiencies before commercial operation.
• Lead troubleshooting and resolution of electrical, protection, and power distribution issues using Root Cause Analysis (RCA).
• Coordinate protective relay testing, settings verification, circuit breaker testing, and protection system validation before energization.
• Ensure electrical drawings, relay settings, protection studies, equipment records, test reports, and CMMS/EAM data are complete for operational turnover.

Your scope of responsibility as Electrical Engineer includes the following primary functions:

• Provide technical leadership for low-, medium-, and high-voltage electrical systems to maximize reliability, availability, safety, and performance.
• Troubleshoot, maintain, repair, and optimize switchgear, transformers, generators, MCCs, breakers, protective relays, and power distribution equipment.
• Manage electrical projects, equipment upgrades, system modifications, and power system improvements while supporting Configuration Management and Management of Change (MOC).
• Monitor electrical system performance and equipment condition to develop solutions that improve reliability and plant performance.
• Lead Root Cause Analysis (RCA) of electrical failures, relay operations, power system disturbances, and significant events, implementing effective corrective actions.
• Coordinate protective relay testing, circuit breaker maintenance, electrical inspections, and preventive maintenance to ensure reliability and compliance.
• Support planned outages, commissioning, and major maintenance by developing work scopes, testing procedures, switching plans, and startup support.
• Develop and maintain electrical standards, specifications, one-line diagrams, relay settings, drawings, technical documentation, and as-built records.
• Partner with Operations, Maintenance, Engineering, OEMs, contractors, and utilities to optimize electrical performance and long-term asset reliability.
• Ensure electrical engineering activities comply with applicable safety, environmental, regulatory, electrical, and company requirements while promoting continuous improvement.

Perform other duties as assigned to support safe, reliable, and compliant plant operations.

NAES Safe

Safety is a core value at NAES, and as a condition of employment, all employees are expected to remain mentally alert and work safely at all times. Employees must also adhere to all safety warnings and posted signs while on company property. Additionally, they are required to follow all NAES safety rules and procedures. Adherence to these safety responsibilities is one of the key factors in the evaluation of each employee’s performance.

Working Relationships

The Electrical Engineer reports to the Plant Engineering & Reliability Manager and works closely with Operations, Maintenance, IC&E, and plant leadership to support safe, reliable facility operations. This role provides technical guidance on electrical systems and equipment reliability while coordinating with NAES Corporate Engineering Support Services.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

Physical requirements include standing for extended periods of time, climbing stairs and ladders, working from elevated platforms and walkways at varying heights, and routinely lifting up to 50 pounds.

Power plant environment that may involve entering confined spaces, crawling through narrow areas, and handling hazardous materials, with exposure to fumes, extreme temperatures, and noise. Work may include high heat near equipment and varying outdoor weather conditions.

Some duties may require the use of protective equipment, which can include hard hats, safety glasses, and eye protection, air masks/respirators, ear protection, chemical suits, flame-resistant clothing (FRC), hot gloves, high-voltage protective gear, and fall protection. Fit testing for respirators may be required. Strict smoking restrictions apply in and around the facility.

Fitness for Duty

All personnel will participate in the Fitness for Duty Program, which includes a post-offer physical examination, drug screening, and post-employment random drug screening.

Work Schedule

The Electrical Engineer works a standard Monday to Friday day-shift schedule. This position will require extended hours, flexible shifts, weekends, holidays, and on-call availability as needed to support plant operations and business needs. Some travel may be involved to participate in Manager, Owner, User Group, or other offsite meetings.

Compensation

This position offers an annual base salary ranging from $126,248 to $148,700 and includes eligibility for an annual performance bonus.

Professional Expertise & Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or a closely related field is required. Equivalent power generation, industrial electrical, or military experience may be considered in lieu of formal education.
• Experience supporting low-, medium-, and high-voltage electrical systems in a power generation or heavy industrial facility, including switchgear, transformers, generators, MCCs, protective relays, and power distribution.
• Strong knowledge of electrical power systems, protective relays, circuit breakers, electrical distribution equipment, and power system troubleshooting, testing, and optimization.
• Practical knowledge of gas turbines, reciprocating engines, Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), and balance-of-plant equipment, with commissioning, startup, and operational experience preferred.
• Experience managing electrical projects, equipment upgrades, system modifications, and power system improvements, including testing, documentation, and Management of Change (MOC).
• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot and optimize electrical systems, including switchgear, transformers, generators, protective relays, motor control centers (MCCs), and associated power distribution equipment.
• Working knowledge of electrical testing, protective relay coordination, circuit breaker maintenance, power quality, electrical protection systems, and applicable electrical codes and standards.
• Experience with CMMS/EAM platforms and operational data systems (e.g., OSIsoft PI or similar) to monitor equipment performance, analyze trends, and improve electrical system reliability.
• Strong understanding of safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements, including NERC standards where applicable, with a commitment to operational excellence and continuous improvement.
• Must possess a valid, unrestricted U.S. driver’s license and ensure it remains in good standing at all times.

About NAES

NAES Corporation is a leading provider of operations, maintenance, and engineering services for energy facilities. We serve clients across the power generation, oil and gas, and renewable energy sectors throughout North America and internationally, supporting the full life cycle of power generation and other industrial facilities.

NAES is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. Employment decisions are based on merit and qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, military status, USERRA-protected status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.