Power Systems Engineer

NES Fircroft; Robards (KY); On-site; USD 95,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

NES Fircroft is seeking a High Voltage and Power Systems Engineer for a permanent role with a manufacturing client in Western Kentucky. You will be the technical authority for HV and MV electrical infrastructure, including the main 161kV switchyard and protection systems.

The role focuses on safe, reliable operation, maintenance planning, and capital projects. Strong leadership and communication are essential; PE preferred and 5+ years' HV experience is expected.

Qualifications

• HV and MV electrical engineering experience in industrial manufacturing or utility environments.
• Strong communication and ability to provide technical direction across all levels of an organisation.
• Knowledge of arc flash safety and electrical safety standards (NFPA 70E).

Responsibilities

• Own and manage the main HV switchyard including 161kV disconnects, transformers, oil circuit breakers, and SF6 switchgear across all production lines.
• Develop and maintain HV protection and relay settings, testing schedules, and arc flash analysis for the full facility.
• Monitor transformer condition using dissolved gas analysis, oil sampling, and thermal assessments; lead maintenance decisions and lifecycle planning.
• Develop and implement multi-year HV maintenance plans; lead capital budget initiatives for HV power systems and coordinate with PMO.
• Lead design, commissioning, and oversight of HV equipment installations and replacements (161kV, 34.5kV, 13.8kV, 480V).
• Provide 24/7 failure response for HV incidents; lead root cause analysis and corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
• Lead HV competency development for Electrical Engineers on site.
• Serve as the site’s HV electrical safety authority, ensuring arc flash compliance and safe work procedures.

Skills

High Voltage Systems

Power Systems Engineering

Industrial Manufacturing

Technical Leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

SAP Plant Maintenance

Job description

New Opportunity!! Power Systems Engineer

NES Fircroft is actively seeking Electrical Engineers with a strong background in High Voltage Power Systems for a Permanent Position with one of our manufacturing clients in Western Kentucky. This position will be the technical authority for all HV and MV Electrical Infrastructure within the manufacturing site.

High Voltage and Power Systems Engineer

The High Voltage and Power Systems Engineer is the technical authority for all HV and MV electrical infrastructure at our Client’s Facility. This includes the main 161kV switchyard, rectifier and regulating transformers, MV and HV switchgear, protection and relay systems, and the power distribution network feeding the aluminum production lines. The engineer is accountable for the safe, reliable, and compliant operation of this infrastructure and provides technical engineering authority to maintenance crews, contractors, and plant management. This is a critical position – the facility’s production capacity depends directly on the reliability of the high voltage infrastructure this engineer owns.

Key Activities

• Own and manage the main HV switchyard including all 161kV incoming disconnects, main power transformers, rectifier and regulating transformers, oil circuit breakers, and SF6 switchgear across all production lines.
• Develop and maintain HV protection and relay settings, functional injection testing schedules, and arc flash analysis for the full facility. Provide direction for establishing electrical safe work zones for all personnel working near HV hazards.
• Monitor transformer condition through dissolved gas analysis, oil sampling, and thermal assessment. Lead condition-based maintenance decisions and capital lifecycle planning for all major HV assets including active monitoring of rectifier transformers with known condition concerns.
• Develop and implement multi-year HV maintenance plans. Lead capital budget initiatives for the HV power system, prepare funding requests, and track execution in coordination with the Project Management Office.
• Lead the design, commissioning, and technical oversight of HV equipment installations and replacements, including rectifier transformers, main power transformers, and HV switchgear (system voltages: 161kV, 34.5kV, 13.8kV, and 480V).
• Provide 24/7 failure response capability for HV system incidents. Lead root cause analysis for all HV-related failures and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
• Lead the HV competency development program for designated Electrical Engineers on site.
• Serve as the site’s HV electrical safety authority. Responsible for arc flash compliance, electrical safe work procedures, and HV safety protocol across the facility.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering with emphasis on power systems, high voltage, or power distribution.
• Minimum 5 years of hands‑on HV and MV engineering experience in an industrial manufacturing or utility environment.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively and provide technical direction across all levels of the organisation including maintenance crews, contractors, and plant management.
• Strong organisational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities including maintenance programs, capital projects, and day‑to‑day operational support simultaneously.

Preferred Qualifications

• In-depth knowledge of high current rectifier transformer systems including condition monitoring, OLTC maintenance, and dissolved gas analysis interpretation to IEEE C57.104 standards.
• Experience with SEL protection relay platforms including settings verification, relay coordination, and functional injection testing.
• Experience in a primary metals, smelting, or continuous process industrial environment.
• Understanding of short circuit, arc flash, load flow, and relay coordination studies. Familiarity with NFPA 70E electrical safety requirements.
• Demonstrated experience leading, managing, and commissioning electrical capital projects including design, contractor oversight, and installation.
• Can evaluate equipment condition, interpret electrical testing results, and perform reliability assessments. Familiarity with SAP Plant Maintenance for work order and asset management.
• Registered Professional Engineer (PE) or equivalent credential preferred.

With over 90 years' combined experience, NES Fircroft (NES) is proud to be the world's leading engineering staffing provider spanning the Oil & Gas, Power & Renewables, Chemicals, Construction & Infrastructure, Life Sciences, Mining andManufacturingsectors worldwide. With more than 80 offices in 45 countries, we are able to provide our clients with the engineering and technical expertise they need, wherever and whenever it is needed. We offer contractors far more than a traditional recruitment service, supporting with everything from securing visas and work permits, to providing market-leading benefits packages and accommodation, ensuring they are safely and compliantly able to support our clients.