Electrical Project Engineer

CTS Complete Technical Services; Corpus Christi (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

CTS Complete Technical Services seeks an experienced Project Electrical Engineer to support capital and turnaround projects within an operating refinery. The role requires deep expertise in high-voltage electrical systems up to 138 kV, including design, troubleshooting, and full project lifecycle execution.

The candidate will be hands-on, capable in both engineering and field environments, including walkdowns and as-built verification, with a focus on safety and quality.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering.
• 20+ years in electrical engineering within refining, petrochemical, or heavy industrial environments.
• Extensive experience with high-voltage systems up to 138 kV and associated design, troubleshooting, and project execution.
• Experience supporting turnarounds and live operating facilities.
• Strong knowledge of IEEE, NEC, and NFPA codes and standards.

Responsibilities

• Lead electrical engineering activities for high-voltage projects (up to 138 kV) from design through construction and commissioning.
• Perform and review detailed electrical calculations and system designs.
• Review and approve engineering drawings, construction packages, and technical deliverables.
• Conduct field walkdowns to validate scope, ensure constructability, and verify existing conditions.
• Provide troubleshooting support for electrical systems and equipment during project execution and operations.
• Develop and execute cutover plans for electrical systems, including turnaround and pre-turnaround activities.
• Ensure quality and accuracy of all engineering and construction deliverables.
• Create and update as-built drawings based on field verification.
• Coordinate with project teams, operations, maintenance, and contractors to ensure safe and efficient execution.
• Maintain strict adherence to refinery safety standards and electrical best practices.

Skills

HV electrical systems

Project leadership

Field walkdowns

Electrical calculations

Engineering review

Team coordination

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

SKM Power Tools

Job description

We are seeking a highly experienced Project Electrical Engineer to support capital and turnaround projects within an operating refinery. This role requires deep expertise in high-voltage electrical systems (up to 138 kV), including design, troubleshooting, and full project lifecycle execution.

The ideal candidate will be hands-on, technically strong, and comfortable working in both engineering and field environments, including walkdowns and as-built verification.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead electrical engineering activities for high-voltage projects (up to 138 kV) from design through construction and commissioning
• Perform and review detailed electrical calculations and system designs
• Review and approve engineering drawings, construction packages, and technical deliverables
• Conduct field walkdowns to validate scope, ensure constructability, and verify existing conditions
• Provide troubleshooting support for electrical systems and equipment during project execution and operations
• Develop and execute cutover plans for electrical systems, including turnaround and pre-turnaround activities
• Ensure quality and accuracy of all engineering and construction deliverables
• Create and update as-built drawings based on field verification
• Coordinate with project teams, operations, maintenance, and contractors to ensure safe and efficient execution
• Maintain strict adherence to refinery safety standards and electrical best practices

Equipment & Systems Experience Required:

• 138 kV Substations and Switchyards
• 138 kV Transformers
• Bus Configurations and Grounding Systems
• Capacitor Banks
• 5 kV Breakers and Distribution Systems
• UPS Systems
• Motor Loads, including large pumps, compressors, and synchronous motors

Technical Requirements:

• Strong proficiency in SKM Power Tools (or similar) for:
• Load Flow Studies
• Ability to independently perform and review complex system studies and calculations
• Solid understanding of electrical system protection and coordination

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Electrical preferred)
• 20+ years of experience in electrical engineering within refining, petrochemical, or heavy industrial environments
• Extensive experience with high-voltage systems up to 138 kV
• Proven background in projects, design, and troubleshooting
• Experience supporting turnarounds and live operating facilities
• Strong working knowledge of industry codes and standards (IEEE, NEC, NFPA)

Field & Physical Requirements:

• Comfortable working in an active refinery environment
• Ability to perform field walkdowns, including:
• Climbing ladders
• Accessing elevated structures via stairs or platforms
• Willingness to gather field data and verify existing conditions for design and as-built documentation
• Strong technical leadership and decision-making skills
• Detail-oriented with a focus on quality and accuracy
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities
• Effective communication across engineering, construction, and operations teams

Assignment Highlights:

• Long-term, multi-year assignment with project continuity
• High-impact role supporting critical electrical infrastructure
• Mix of engineering, field work, and project execution
• Opportunity to lead complex high-voltage refinery projects