40 Oglethorpe Power Performance Optimization Engineer Jobs Hiring Near You

Location: Tucker, GA + Oglethorpe Power Combustion Turbine Plants

Department: Capital Projects & Technical Services

Role Snapshot

The Senior Electrical Engineer serves as the enterprise technical lead for electrical infrastructure supporting Oglethorpe Power Corporation's (OPC) power generation fleet. This full-time role is responsible for long‑term ownership, reliability, and lifecycle stewardship of critical power plant electrical systems across both new and existing facilities.

The incumbent provides strategic engineering leadership that bridges engineering design, field execution, and ongoing plant maintenance, with hands‑on involvement during planned and forced outages. This role ensures electrical systems meet performance, safety, and regulatory requirements throughout their operational life—from installation and commissioning through upgrades, troubleshooting, and end‑of‑life replacement.

What You'll Do

• Serve as the senior technical authority for electrical systems across OPC's power generation fleet
• Provide hands‑on engineering support for the operation, maintenance, testing, and troubleshooting of critical electrical assets, including LV/MV/HV switchgear, MCCs, generators, excitation systems, GSUs, auxiliary transformers, bus duct, GCBs, and protection and control systems
• Lead and approve engineering design reviews, technical specifications, and drawings for electrical equipment procurement, upgrades, and replacements
• Act as the primary electrical engineering resource during planned outages and forced events, supporting troubleshooting, restoration, and root‑cause analysis
• Oversee and support preventive, predictive, and corrective electrical testing, including fleet‑wide NERC/SERC PRC and MOD compliance testing
• Analyze complex test and diagnostic data to determine equipment condition and guide repair, refurbishment, or replacement decisions
• Provide technical direction to plant personnel and contractors performing electrical maintenance, inspections, testing, and upgrades
• Support the installation, commissioning, and startup of electrical systems at new and existing generation facilities
• Develop, standardize, and continuously improve electrical preventive and predictive maintenance programs, including CMMS/Maximo strategies
• Support electrical retrofit and modification projects through technical review of drawings, specifications, engineering documentation, and vendor service agreements
• Lead engineering support for NERC Reliability Standards compliance, including applicable CIP, PRC, and MOD requirements and reporting

What You Bring Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or Engineering Technology (BSEE strongly preferred)
• Strong working knowledge of power plant operations, performance, and electrical system economics
• Minimum 10+ years of progressive experience in power generation, utilities, oil & gas, or heavy industrial environments
• Demonstrated expertise with low-, medium-, and high‑voltage electrical systems, protective devices, and electrical testing
• Experience leading equipment procurement, retrofit installations, capital projects, and outage execution
• Proven background in preventive and predictive maintenance, failure analysis, and long‑term asset management
• Professional Engineer (PE) license preferred but not required
• Valid driver's license meeting Oglethorpe Power's Driver Qualification Program requirements

Skills & Knowledge

• Strong working knowledge of NERC compliance testing, specifically PRC and MOD standards
• Proficiency in electrical testing and diagnostics, including:
• Dielectric Hi‑Pot testing
• Insulation Resistance (Megger) and Polarization Index
• Reactive load testing
• End‑winding bump testing
• Core EL CID testing
• Wedge tightness evaluation and stator mapping
• Ability to translate complex electrical engineering concepts into clear, actionable guidance for plant personnel and leadership

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift and carry up to 75 pounds
• Ability to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE), including respirators (SCBA, cartridge, and airline‑supplied systems)

Working Conditions

• Office and field‑based work environment
• Exposure to industrial conditions, including:
  • Noise, dust, oil, grease, and dirt
  • Extreme temperatures and weather conditions
  • Work near or over water
  • Confined spaces and elevated work areas
  • Proximity to high‑voltage electrical equipment
  • Physically demanding positions (kneeling, bending, twisting, pushing, pulling)

Travel & Availability

• Up to 40% travel across OPC generation facilities
• Power plants operate 24/7; this role may require extended on‑site presence during outages or critical events
• On‑call availability as needed to support incidents affecting plant operation, reliability, or compliance