Lead Electrical Engineer - Project Execution

Messer Americas; Bethlehem (Northampton County); On-site; USD 117,000 - 157,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Short‑term disability

Life insurance

Paid time off

Long‑term disability

401(k) plan

Bonus program

Job summary

Messer Americas is seeking a Lead Electrical Engineer in the Bethlehem area to provide electrical technical leadership for plant equipment, including design, specification, installation, and code compliance across projects in the Americas. You will deliver preliminary power distribution concepts and cost bases for proposals alongside project managers and engage 3rd‑party resources as needed.

The role involves mentoring junior engineers, interfacing with multiple disciplines, and driving QA/QC

Qualifications

• BS in Electrical or Power Engineering is required.
• 7–15 years of electrical power distribution experience in large plants.
• Experience with design, installation, testing, and commissioning.

Responsibilities

• Lead electrical design, specification, installation, and commissioning for plant projects.
• Provide preliminary power distribution concepts and cost bases for proposals.
• Review equipment specs, QA/QC plans, and vendor designs.
• Mentor junior engineers and interface with other disciplines.
• Ensure safety and code compliance in all electrical work.

Skills

Industrial power distribution

Petrochemical/industrial gases

Electrical equipment knowledge

Electrical specs & standards

Short circuit & protection

PLC & DCS control

Codes & standards (NFPA/NEC/OSHA/IEEE)

Willing to travel 20-40%

Education

BS in Electrical or Power Engineering

Tools

DCS/PLC controls

Job description

Job Summary

The purpose of the Lead Electrical Engineer is to provide electrical technical expertise for plant electrical equipment including design, specification, installation, repair, operation and code compliance in Project Engineering and Execution for Messer in the Americas. The position will primarily provide value to the organization by executing deliverables for project engineers/managers on active projects, including providing preliminary power distribution and equipment design/cost bases to the proposal and project managers to the necessary level of detail leveraging 3rd‑party resources where possible. The position will also actively work on specifications and standards, and interface with other engineering disciplines as required to successfully meet project targets, and develop/mentor junior engineers in their discipline.

Principal Responsibilities

• Ensure that all implemented systems are done so safely.
• Individual contributor in the design, specification, selection, commissioning and troubleshooting of plant electrical distribution systems.
• Oversight of engineering contractor organizations that support Messer Americas projects, including review of designs, calculations, specifications, schedules and procedures.
• Oversight of equipment vendors and OEM's:
  1. Ability to follow project from the initial specification through design and manufacture, construction and installation, commissioning and resolution of field issues
  2. Provide detailed drawing review and feedback
  3. Critical Supplier Audits
  4. Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT)
  5. Participation in HAZOPs and risk assessments as a technical contributor
  6. Develop, plan and implement QA/QC plans relating to electrical equipment and installation
• Interface with the proposals group to generate preliminary design and cost information for projects.
• Serve as technical resource for other departments within Messer Americas (such as plant operations) as needed for existing electrical equipment.
• Technical resource for creating and reviewing electrical specifications and standards.

Required Skills

• Experience with large industrial plant power distribution systems is a must.
• Experience with Industrial Gases or petrochemical projects is a must.
• Broad knowledge of electrical equipment such as HV substations, High/Medium/Low voltage switchgear, Motor Control Centers, Variable Frequency Drives, Battery & UPS system, DCS & PLC Controls, large motors up to 35,000HP. Excitation controls, and reduced voltage motor starting equipment.
• Experience in creating corporate/department specifications and standards for electrical equipment, services, and installation.
• Extensive experience in electrical short circuit analysis, relay protection settings and coordination, power quality analysis, high voltage motor starting schemes and analysis.
• Experience with PLC and DCS control system for motor operation and protection.
• Knowledge of applicable industry codes and standards such as NFPA, NEC, OSHA, NEMA, NETA, IEEE, ANSI, and ISA.
• Must be willing to travel extensively (20-40% of time) or as business requires.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science/Engineering in Electrical or Power Engineering.
• Minimum of 7-15 years relevant experience with electrical power distribution engineering including design, installation, testing and commissioning for large motors and chemical process plants.

Preferred Qualifications

• Graduate Degree is a plus.
• Knowledge of relevant industry practices, and safety best practices is a plus.

Salary and Benefits

The salary range for this position is $117,000–$157,000. Messer provides medical, dental, vision, short‑term disability, life insurance and paid time off, as well as other voluntary benefits such as long‑term disability in accordance with the terms and conditions of these Plans. Employees are eligible to enroll in Messer's 401(k) Plan. Employees may be eligible to participate in the company's bonus program.

Equal Opportunity

Equal Opportunity Employer / Protected Veterans / Individuals with Disabilities. This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.