Senior Electrical Engineer - Plant Electrical Systems

Job Summary

We are seeking an experienced Senior Electrical Engineer to lead the design, development, and implementation of electrical distribution systems and switch yards for an advanced nuclear power plant. Reporting to the Director, Instrumentation, Controls & Electrical (IC&E), this role is responsible for ensuring reliable, efficient, and safe electrical systems that integrate seamlessly with instrumentation and control systems, meeting project specifications, nuclear industry standards, and regulatory requirements. The successful candidate will bring deep expertise in power generation, high-voltage systems, and electrical engineering principles, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to deliver complex projects on time and within budget.

Responsibilities

• Designs and develops electrical distribution systems, including medium- and high-voltage power distribution networks, to support the nuclear power plant's operational needs
• Engineers switch yard layouts, including bus configurations, transformers, circuit breakers, disconnect switches, and grounding systems, ensuring compatibility with plant-wide electrical and control infrastructure
• Specifies and selects electrical equipment (e.g., transformers, switchgear, protective relays) based on project requirements, nuclear safety classifications, and performance criteria
• Incorporates safety protocols, including arc flash mitigation, grounding system design, and seismic considerations, to protect personnel, equipment, and plant operations
• Performs load flow analysis, short-circuit studies, and coordination studies using software tools such as ETAP, SKM Power Tools, or equivalent to optimize system performance and reliability
• Conducts root cause analysis of electrical system failures and implement corrective and preventive actions
• Leads risk assessments related to electrical system design and operation
• Develops and implements maintenance strategies for long-term reliability of electrical infrastructure, including predictive maintenance using digital monitoring tools
• Collaborates with cybersecurity experts to ensure electrical systems are compliant with critical infrastructure protection (CIP) standards
• Leads the electrical engineering scope of power plant projects, from conceptual design through detailed engineering, procurement, and construction support
• Coordinates with civil, mechanical, and IC&E team members (e.g., Senior Manager, Plant Control Systems; Principal Engineer, Plant Process & IC&E Interface) to integrate electrical designs into the overall plant infrastructure
• Provides technical guidance and mentorship to junior engineers, drafters, and support staff within the IC&E department
• Ensures all electrical designs comply with nuclear regulatory requirements (e.g., NRC standards), industry codes (e.g., IEEE, NEC, ANSI), and reliability standards (e.g., NERC)
• Supports licensing and permitting processes by preparing technical documentation and responding to regulatory inquiries related to electrical systems
• Prepares detailed engineering deliverables, including single-line diagrams, schematics, wiring diagrams, and equipment specifications, ensuring alignment with IC&E integration needs
• Develops bills of materials (BOMs) and cost estimates for electrical distribution systems and switch yard components, supporting project budgeting and procurement
• Reviews vendor drawings, data sheets, and proposals to ensure compliance with design intent and nuclear quality standards
• Provides technical oversight during the installation, testing, and commissioning of electrical distribution systems and switch yards, ensuring adherence to design specifications
• Troubleshoots and resolves field issues related to electrical systems during construction, startup, and handover phases, collaborating with construction and operations teams
• Verifies system performance and reliability, ensuring smooth integration with control systems and a successful transition to plant operations
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or a related field (master's degree preferred)
• 10+ years of experience in electrical engineering, with at least 5 years focused on power plant electrical distribution systems, switch yard design, or similar high-voltage applications
• Experience in nuclear power or a similarly regulated industry is highly desirable
• Proven track record of leading electrical engineering projects from design through commissioning
• Experience with digital modernization of electrical systems, including smart relays
• Proven leadership and project management experience, with a collaborative approach to working in multidisciplinary teams

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Proficiency in power system analysis software (e.g., ETAP, SKM Power Tools, PSS/E) for load flow, short-circuit, and coordination studies
• Strong knowledge of high-voltage equipment (e.g., transformers, switchgear, circuit breakers), protective relaying, and power distribution principles
• Familiarity with CAD software (e.g., AutoCAD, MicroStation) for drafting, design review, and integration with plant layouts
• Understanding of nuclear safety standards (e.g., IEEE 384, IEEE 741) and electrical system integration with control systems
• Familiarity with NERC/CIP cybersecurity standards as applied to electrical systems in critical infrastructure
• Working knowledge of risk assessments and analysis and how they apply to electrical system design
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical abilities to address complex electrical challenges
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to present technical concepts to diverse stakeholders, including engineers, operators, and regulators
• Ability to work with highly collaborative team
• Ability to solve problems quickly and efficiently
• Prioritizes and ensures safety of one self and others
• Ability to proactively collect, manage and transfer knowledge
• Ability to seek different and novel ways to create efficiencies when working on problems, challenges and issues

Physical Demands

• Remaining in a stationary position, often standing, or sitting for prolonged periods
• Moving about to accomplish tasks or moving from one worksite to another
• Communicating with others to exchange information

Environmental Conditions

• General office environment
• Low temperatures
• High temperatures
• Outdoor environment or elements such as precipitation and wind
• Noisy environments
• Assessing the accuracy, neatness and thoroughness of the work assigned
• High-concentration, demanding and fast-paced

Safety and PPE

• Reading and interpreting hazardous warning signs
• Reporting issues with equipment or unsafe conditions
• Wearing proper PPE, to include face mask, face shields, gloves, safety shoes

Travel

• Some travel may be required, up to 25%

Certification

• Professional Engineer (PE) license highly desirable
• Additional certifications (e.g., NETA, PMP) are a plus

Additional Requirements

• Requires occasional schedule flexibility
• Requires seldom extended hours to support launch and critical project timelines
• Requires occasional extended hours to support launch and critical project timelines

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