Principal Engineer Electrical

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

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