Lead Electrical Engineer

Gigaenergy; Houston (TX); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Gigaenergy is seeking a Lead Electrical Engineer to define the electrical architecture of next-generation data centers. This pivotal role involves creating the power systems that will support a rapidly scaling infrastructure. Candidates should possess a strong background in electrical engineering and be willing to travel to various job sites.

Responsibilities include developing standard designs and ensuring compliance with industry standards while also overseeing external engineering firms. A PE license and experience with mission-critical facilities are crucial for success in this role.

Qualifications

• Professional Engineer (PE) license required.
• 7+ years of electrical engineering experience with a focus on data centers.
• Deep knowledge of National Electrical Code (NEC) and IEEE standards.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain the electrical Plan of Record for Giga Data Centers.
• Execute rigorous power system studies to ensure safety.
• Design to global and local standards with compliance.

Skills

Electrical system analysis

Revit/AutoCAD

Relay programming

Open Compute Project knowledge

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

ETAP

SKM PowerTools

EasyPower

Job description

What you'll do

Giga's mission is to manufacture data centers to support the AI ramp. We're moving beyond traditional construction to a product-based approach, designing and mass-producing high-performance infrastructure that can keep pace with the exponential demand for compute. As Lead Electrical Engineer, you'll own the power architecture and electrical DNA of these next-generation facilities.

This is a rare opportunity to define the electrical backbone of a rapidly scaling infrastructure company. You won't just be managing a single 50 MW build—you'll be creating the Plan of Record (POR) for Giga Data Centers, a standardized, manufactured product that will be deployed globally.

You'll set the standard for high-density AI power delivery, designing medium and low voltage distribution, backup generation, and UPS systems that can handle the most demanding compute workloads on the planet. The AI ramp is the defining industrial challenge of our time, and you'll build the engine that powers it. Your designs will be manufactured and deployed rapidly, with direct impact visible across hundreds of facilities.

Where you'll work

If based outside of our Houston, Long Beach, Reno, or San Francisco hubs, this role will be based remotely from your home office. You must be willing to travel as needed to our job sites and to one of our hub offices.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain the electrical POR for Giga Data Centers, defining the "Gold Standard" design that enables manufacturing of reliability and efficiency at scale.
• Author and own the internal engineering library including technical specifications and Basis of Design documents for all power systems, establishing what we build and how we measure success.
• Design to global and local standards, ensuring strict compliance with the NEC (NFPA 70), NFPA 70E, and IEEE standards for mission‑critical power distribution.
• Guide external engineering (A&E) firms to localize designs while maintaining strict adherence to core power performance intent and standardization requirements.
• Execute rigorous power system studies, including load flow, short circuit, protective device coordination, and arc flash analysis to ensure system resilience and safety.
• Engineer complex, high-density power distribution topologies (Medium Voltage down to the rack PDU) aligned with OCP (Open Compute Project) specifications for AI interoperability.
• Select and specify medium/low voltage switchgear, generators, UPS systems, transformers, ATS/STS units, and high‑ampacity busways for high‑density compute environments.
• Create detailed Bills of Material (BOMs), Quantity Take Offs (QTOs), and Commissioning scripts to support a manufacturing‑first supply chain.
• Develop Sequence of Operations (SOO) and Control Narratives for EPMS/BMS integration, dictating how electrical systems respond to utility failures and dynamic AI load changes.
• Use advanced simulation tools to optimize power system reliability and validate designs before manufacturing.

Requirements

• Professional Engineer (PE) license required.
• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering.
• 7+ years of electrical engineering experience with a strong focus on mission‑critical, data center, or heavy industrial facilities.
• Deep working knowledge of the National Electrical Code (NEC/NFPA 70) and relevant IEEE standards.
• Strong background in electrical system analysis using tools like ETAP, SKM PowerTools, or EasyPower.
• Experience with relay programming and protection coordination schemes.
• Proficiency in Revit/AutoCAD for electrical design.
• Proven ability to create engineering standards from scratch rather than just copying legacy reference designs.
• Strong understanding of high‑density power solutions (100kW+ racks) and modern data center topologies (distributed redundant, block redundant, etc.).
• Experience specifying heavy electrical equipment including MV/LV switchgear, generators, and large‑scale UPS systems.
• Track record developing standardized designs for scalable deployment.

Bonus points

• Understanding of OCP (Open Compute Project) power initiatives, including Open Rack architectures and 48V DC power shelves.
• Experience with utility grid interconnection and medium/high voltage substation design.
• Background in Electrical Power Monitoring Systems (EPMS) and SCADA integration.
• Experience with a manufacturing‑first design approach (DfMA principles).
• Startup or high‑growth company experience
• A clear preference for hands‑on building over administrative management.
• Track record creating Plans of Record for manufactured products.
• Experience managing A&E firms and maintaining design standards across partners.
• Familiarity with Level 1-5 commissioning processes and integrated systems testing (IST) for electrical infrastructure.
• Experience with design-build or fast‑track project delivery.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

Giga Energy is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws. Giga Energy complies with all applicable labor laws, including the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) and other relevant state and federal regulations. We provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and encourage applicants who require accommodations during the hiring process to contact us.