Principal Electrical Engineer – Power Generation (Combined Cycle)
Zachry’s Charlotte, North Carolina office is seeking an experienced Principal Electrical Engineer to support large-scale combined cycle power generation projects across the region. This role offers the opportunity to work on complex, high-visibility energy infrastructure projects for leading utility and power generation clients.
Our Charlotte-based Power Generation team supports a strong and growing portfolio of combined cycle facilities, providing engineers with both long-term project stability and exposure to technically challenging work. The environment is collaborative and fast-paced, with opportunities to lead engineering decisions, mentor teams, and directly influence project outcomes.
If you are a senior electrical engineer looking to apply your expertise on critical power projects while continuing to grow your technical and leadership impact, Zachry offers a rewarding and stable career path.
Zachry Engineer Corporation (ZEC) is an engineering-driven organization known for delivering high-quality EPC solutions across the Power, Industrial, and Infrastructure markets.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead electrical engineering efforts for combined cycle power generation projects from conceptual design through commissioning and startup
- Establish and manage electrical design criteria, standards, and philosophies for power plant facilities
- Oversee and review electrical system designs, including:
- Generator and auxiliary systems
- Medium- and high-voltage power distribution
- Protection and control systems
- Grounding, lighting, and raceway systems
- Interfaces with instrumentation and control (I&C) and plant control systems
- Provide technical direction and oversight to electrical engineers and designers assigned to projects
- Review and approve calculations, drawings, specifications, and technical deliverables for quality and compliance
- Coordinate electrical engineering activities with mechanical, civil, structural, I&C, construction, and commissioning teams
- Ensure compliance with applicable codes and standards, including NEC, IEEE, ANSI, NEMA, and utility or owner requirements
- Develop and support engineering cost estimates, material quantities, and execution plans
- Lead technical aspects of major electrical equipment procurement, including vendor evaluations and technical reviews
- Participate in constructability reviews, hazard analyses, and formal design reviews
- Provide technical support during construction, commissioning, and startup, including site visits as needed
- Interface directly with clients, project management, and internal leadership on technical scope, risks, and progress
- Mentor and support the development of junior and mid-level engineers
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or a related field from an accredited institution
- 12–15 years of electrical engineering experience in power generation, with significant experience on combined cycle power plants
- Experience serving in a senior or principal engineering role on EPC or utility-scale power projects
- Strong knowledge of electrical power systems and applicable codes and standards, including NEC, IEEE, ANSI, and NEMA
- Experience supporting projects through all phases, including design, procurement, construction, commissioning, and startup
Preferred Qualifications
- Deep technical experience with combined cycle electrical systems, including generators, auxiliary power systems, medium- and high-voltage distribution, and protection and control
- Prior experience leading or mentoring engineering teams on complex projects
- Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively with clients, project managers, vendors, and multidisciplinary teams
- Professional Engineer (PE) license preferred
Why Zachry?
- Stable backlog of long-term power generation projects
- Exposure to complex, high-profile combined cycle facilities
- Collaborative engineering-focused culture
- Opportunities for technical leadership and career growth
Pay: $150,000.00 - $180,000.00 per year
Benefits:
Work Location: In person
