Lead Electrician - Houston, TX

Watco; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Watco seeks an experienced Industrial Lead Electrician in Houston to oversee maintenance, troubleshooting, and reliability of 480V three-phase electrical systems and automated equipment. You will focus on NFPA 70E compliance, electrical safety, and minimizing production downtime with strong leadership.

The ideal candidate has advanced knowledge of NEC Articles 430 and 450, PLCs, VFDs, and machinery protection.

Qualifications

• Must possess valid driver's license and be insurable to drive company vehicles.
• Active Master Electrician License in good standing with licensing authority.
• Minimum 8 years of progressive electrical experience in commercial/industrial settings.
• Minimum 5 years handling 480V 3-phase systems.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a TWIC card.
• OSHA 30 NFPA 70E Electrical Safety Certification; Thermography Level I preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead installation, testing, troubleshooting, and maintenance of 480V three-phase systems.
• Perform power quality analysis, phase balancing, and harmonic filtering.
• Troubleshoot PLCs, sensors, I/O modules, and control circuits.
• Lead electrical safety practices and lockout/tagout procedures.
• Provide technical leadership to electricians and maintenance staff.
• Manage preventive and predictive maintenance activities.

Skills

NFPA70E expertise

Three-phase power systems

PLCs

VFDs

Electrical safety leadership

Preventive maintenance

Team leadership

Education

Master Electrician License

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Megger insulation resistance tester

Infrared thermography equipment

MCCs/transformers testing tools

Job description

Start a Watco Career and Discover the Difference

Keep the world's supply chain moving. That's what the Watco team does every day at our short line railroads, switching sites, terminals, ports, and logistics hubs. Whether you're at one of these locations or in a support-services role, there's one thread that ties everyone together. We're all on the same team. One Watco.

Here's What You Can Expect From Watco

• Outstanding culture recognized by Forbes and Newsweek
• Competitive compensation and benefits
• Paid on-the-job training with peer trainers
• Training for conductors, engineers, mechanics, and MOW Team Members at Watco's Safe Performance Center
• Leadership and development programs offered through Watco University
• Career advancement opportunities

Job Summary

Schedule: 7:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Location: 14035 Industrial Road, Houston, TX 77015
The Industrial Lead Electrician will lead the maintenance, troubleshooting, and reliability of 480V three-phase electrical distribution systems, motor controls, transformers, and automated manufacturing equipment. The ideal candidate brings advanced expertise in NFPA 70E, three-phase power systems, PLCs, and VFDs, with a strong focus on electrical safety, equipment reliability, and minimizing production downtime.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Lead the installation, testing, troubleshooting, and maintenance of 480V three-phase electrical distribution systems, including MCCs, transformers, switchboards, busways, and main circuit breakers
• Perform phase balancing, phase rotation testing, power quality analysis, power factor correction, and harmonic filtering to ensure reliable electrical system performance and prevent equipment damage
• Install, configure, parameterize, and troubleshoot VFDs, soft starters, motor starters, contactors, overload relays, and three-phase induction motors
• Troubleshoot industrial automation systems by interpreting PLC ladder logic, I/O modules, sensor loops, control circuits, and electrical schematics to quickly identify and resolve equipment faults
• Serve as the electrical safety lead, ensuring compliance with NFPA 70E, arc-flash requirements, electrical safe work practices, and appropriate PPE Category 2–4 requirements
• Lead and enforce Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures for multi-source 480V electrical systems during equipment overhauls, maintenance activities, and emergency repairs
• Perform preventive and predictive electrical maintenance, including infrared thermography, Megger insulation resistance testing, phase rotation checks, and power quality testing on production equipment
• Apply advanced knowledge of NEC Article 430 (Motors and Motor Controllers) and Article 450 (Transformers) to ensure proper installation, protection, troubleshooting, and maintenance of industrial electrical equipment
• Lead electrical safety practices in accordance with NFPA 70E, including arc-flash risk assessment, approach boundaries, energized work requirements, and proper selection and use of electrical PPE
• Provide technical leadership and direction to electricians and maintenance personnel, coordinating troubleshooting, repairs, and electrical maintenance activities to maintain safe and reliable plant operations
• Performs other duties or ad-hoc projects as assigned by leadership

Qualifications

• Must possess valid driver’s license and be insurable by company insurance provider to drive and operate company vehicles and equipment as necessary
• Active Master Electrician License in good standing with state/local licensing authority
• Minimum of 8 years of progressive electrical experience in commercial, industrial, or residential settings
• Minimum 5 years specifically handling 480V 3-phase systems
• Ability to obtain and maintain a valid TWIC card
• OSHA 30 NFPA 70E Electrical Safety Certification, Thermography Level I certification is highly preferred

Education

Must be 18 years of age or older with High School or GED equivalent