Principal Electrical Engineer

Location: Charlotte, NC
Job Type: Full-Time, Permanent

Our client 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.

The Charlotte-based Power Generation team supports a strong and growing portfolio of combined cycle facilities, providing engineers with long-term project stability and exposure to technically challenging work. This is a collaborative, fast-paced environment 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 to critical power projects while continuing to expand your technical and leadership impact, this opportunity offers a rewarding and stable career path.

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 project 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 regarding technical scope, project risks, and progress.
• Mentor and support the professional 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 supporting 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.

Aspen Technical Staffing does not work with third-party recruiting agencies or accept Corp-to-Corp (C2C) arrangements for this opportunity.