Lead Project Engineer

Powell; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Powell in Houston seeks a Lead Project Engineer (Power Systems) to serve as a key technical expert, executing complex power studies, substation design, and EPC bids. You will mentor engineers, enhance technical capabilities, and ensure high-quality project delivery in a collaborative consulting environment.

The role requires a PE license, 6–14 years of experience, and proficiency with power-system software. Travel up to 25% may be required as client sites are engaged.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering required.
• 6-14 years of power system analysis experience.
• Professional Engineer (P.E.) license required.
• Hands-on experience with power system modeling tools (e.g., SKM, ETAP).
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Experience reviewing and guiding study work and delivering client-ready reports.
• Proficiency with MS Excel, Word, and PowerPoint; excellent communication.
• Willingness to travel up to 25%.

Responsibilities

• Execute advanced power system studies for transmission, distribution, load, and generation projects.
• Build and refine models, run simulations, troubleshoot issues, and deliver high-quality reports.
• Improve scripting, automation, and workflow processes for accuracy and efficiency.
• Review models, validate results, and ensure study deliverables meet quality expectations.
• Mentor junior and mid-level engineers; share best practices and develop the team.

Job description

Job Description

We are seeking a Lead Project Engineer (Power Systems) to serve as a key technical expert and contributor within our Engineering and Consulting team. In this role, you will execute complex power system studies, substation design and EPC bids, enhance technical capabilities, support quality delivery, and provide mentorship to help develop and grow the team.

Job Description

We are seeking a Lead Project Engineer (Power Systems) to serve as a key technical expert and contributor within our Engineering and Consulting team. In this role, you will execute complex power system studies, substation design and EPC bids, enhance technical capabilities, support quality delivery, and provide mentorship to help develop and grow the team.

Technical Execution & Expertise

• Perform advanced studies including power flow, Arc Flash, short-circuit, EMT (electromagnetic transients), harmonics, and techno-economic analyses for transmission, distribution, load, and generation projects.
• Build and refine models, run simulations, troubleshoot issues, and deliver high-quality technical reports.
• Improve and support scripting, automation, and workflow processes to enhance accuracy, consistency, and efficiency.
• Apply strong knowledge of power system standards, codes, guidelines, tariffs, and industry best practices.

Quality & Project Support

• Support project teams by reviewing models, validating results, and ensuring study deliverables meet quality expectations.
• Assist project leads with scoping, estimating, and planning technical work.
• Monitor task progress and proactively communicate risks, issues, or resource constraints.
• Participate in meetings to resolve technical challenges and support successful project delivery.

Team Growth & Mentorship

• Guide and mentor junior and mid-level engineers in modeling, simulation techniques, reporting, and client expectations.
• Share best practices, provide technical coaching, and help uplift the team’s overall capability.
• Contribute to internal training, documentation, and process development to strengthen organizational expertise.
• Support a collaborative, learning-focused team culture.

Operational & Technical Integrity

• Ensure proper handling and protection of technical and commercial information, including secure data management and conflict-of-interest considerations.
• Contribute to technical innovation, continuous improvement initiatives, and internal knowledge growth. Perform other related duties as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or other related fields from an accredited institution.
• 6-14 years of experience in power system analysis, T&D engineering, or utility/industrial system studies.
• Professional Engineer (P.E.) License (Required)
• Hands-on expertise with power system modeling and simulation tools (e.g SKM, ETAP etc.).
• Strong analytical skills and ability to solve complex technical problems independently.
• Experience reviewing and guiding study work performed by others.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint for documentation and presentations.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel up to 25% to meet customers and gather information from facilities.

Skills, Abilities & Other Requirements

• Display a mastery level of the following competencies:
• Business Acumen (Business Strategy, Contract Management)
• Leadership (Inclusiveness, Critical Thinking)
• Demonstrated ability to lead and influence a matrix-organized team through the lifecycle of a project
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to effectively communicate with all stakeholders
• Detail-oriented and results-driven.
• Demonstrated ability to make decisions based on limited information.
• Demonstrated ability to negotiate with and influence customers, subcontractors and other key stakeholders
• Strong focus on customer satisfaction
• Technically astute

*** A person with Mastery proficiency is able to perform all tasks related to the competency at a high level in all simple and complex situations consistently. ***

More Information

The job description outlines the essential functions of the job and does not contain a comprehensive list of all possible responsibilities, tasks, and duties.

About Us

In our 75+ year history, Powell has always known that our employees are at the heart of our success. Without question, we have the most talented people in all parts of our organization. As a manufacturer, we recruit and hire experienced and knowledgeable applicants to ensure our product is engineered, fabricated, and assembled to customer specifications! Powell's culture has and will always be founded in our "can do" attitude. If we can imagine it, we can do it. Become a part of our story and let us help you write yours. Hard work pays off in all our teams, with opportunity for advancement and promotion without sacrificing work-life balance. Successful candidates must have a legal authorization to work in the United States on a full-time basis, with only those candidates selected for interview contacted.

EOE Protected Veterans/Disability

If you need an accommodation in the hiring process, you may contact 713.378.2685. Application status inquiries will not be accepted in this manner.