Lead Project Engineer

Powell Industries; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401k savings

Bonus potential

Paid time off

Professional development

Wellness programs

Collaborative environment

Job summary

Powell Industries in Houston seeks a Lead Project Engineer (Power Systems) to serve as a key technical expert within our Engineering and Consulting team. You will execute complex power system studies, substation design, and EPC bids, while mentoring engineers to grow the team.

You will lead modeling and simulations, improve automation, and ensure quality delivery by applying industry standards and best practices. Strong communication and travel up to 25% are required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related field from an accredited institution.
• 6–14 years’ experience in power system analysis, T&D engineering, or utility/industrial studies.
• Professional Engineer (P.E.) license is required.
• Hands-on expertise with power system modeling and simulation tools like SKM and ETAP.
• Strong analytical skills and ability to solve complex problems independently.
• Experience reviewing and guiding study work performed by others.
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint for documentation and presentations.

Responsibilities

• Perform advanced power system studies including power flow, short-circuit, EMT, and harmonic analyses.
• Build/refine models, run simulations, and deliver high-quality technical reports.
• Improve scripting, automation, and workflow processes to boost efficiency.
• Apply knowledge of standards, codes, tariffs, and industry best practices.
• Review models and validate results to ensure quality deliverables.
• Mentor junior and mid-level engineers and support project teams.
• Contribute to internal training and process development.

Skills

Power system analysis

Modeling & simulation

Analytical thinking

Technical mentoring

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering

Professional Engineer (P.E.) License

Tools

SKM

ETAP

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.
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.
Powell offers comprehensive health insurance for you and your family, 401k savings, annual bonus potential, generous paid time off, professional development opportunities, company-sponsored wellness programs, and a collaborative work environment.
EOE Protected Veterans/Disability
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