Senior Electrical Engineer

Location: Downers Grove, IL
Employment Type: Contract-to-Hire
Industry: Oil & Gas / Refining / Petrochemical

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced Senior Electrical Engineer for a Contract-to-Hire opportunity with our client in Downers Grove, IL. This position will support the planning, design, and execution of complex electrical engineering projects within the oil & gas, refining, petrochemical, and heavy industrial sectors.

The ideal candidate will have extensive electrical design experience, strong technical leadership skills, and the ability to independently manage engineering assignments while mentoring junior engineers and designers.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead electrical engineering design activities for refining, petrochemical, and industrial projects.

• Perform electrical calculations and power system studies, including load flow, short circuit, voltage drop, protective device coordination, arc flash, and grounding analysis.

• Develop and review one-line diagrams, schematics, equipment layouts, and electrical design packages for low-, medium-, and high-voltage systems.

• Design electrical raceway systems, including underground duct banks, cable trays, and conduit systems.

• Develop lighting designs, electrical load lists, cable schedules, equipment specifications, and material takeoffs.

• Design and evaluate backup and emergency power systems.

• Prepare engineering specifications, cost estimates, project scopes, budgets, and schedules.

• Review vendor drawings, technical proposals, and equipment procurement documentation.

• Provide technical support during construction, commissioning, and field engineering activities.

• Coordinate with multidisciplinary engineering teams, clients, vendors, and contractors.

• Review and approve electrical engineering deliverables to ensure compliance with applicable codes, standards, and quality requirements.

• Mentor junior engineers and designers and provide technical guidance throughout project execution.

• Sign and seal engineering documents as permitted by applicable professional licensing requirements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering from an accredited institution.

• 10+ years of electrical engineering experience supporting refining, petrochemical, oil & gas, or heavy industrial projects.

• Strong knowledge of electrical codes and standards, including NEC, IEEE, and PIP.

• Experience designing low-, medium-, and high-voltage electrical distribution systems.

• Proficiency in electrical system calculations, equipment sizing, and power system studies.

• Experience with hazardous area classification and electrical design requirements for industrial facilities.

• Knowledge of electrical construction methods, materials, and installation practices.

• Experience developing engineering specifications, reviewing vendor documentation, and supporting equipment procurement.

• Strong communication, technical leadership, and project coordination skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Professional Engineer (PE) license.

• Experience using SKM PowerTools and/or ETAP for electrical power system analysis.

• Prior experience leading electrical engineering teams on refinery or petrochemical projects.

• Experience supporting brownfield modifications, facility upgrades, and industrial construction projects.