Power Systems Project Engineer (Electrical Lead)

Smurfit Westrock; Longview (WA); On-site; USD 133,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

401K

Job summary

Smurfit Westrock in the United States is seeking an Electrical Project Engineer - Power to develop and manage a portfolio of capital projects related to 15kV/490V electrical power distribution, transformers, switchgear, MCCs and SCADA, ensuring safety, budget, and schedule.

You will lead cross-functional teams, prepare cost estimates, author statements of work, coordinate procurement and commissioning, and ensure compliance with NEC/NFPA/OSHA while mentoring junior engineers.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering with 10-15 years of industrial electrical engineering and project management experience, preferably in the pulp and paper industry.
• Strong leadership, high ethical standards, and an uncompromising commitment to worker safety, regulatory compliance, and quality.
• Proven ability to plan, organize, prioritize, and manage multiple projects, including accurate budgeting, forecasting, and meeting deadlines with urgency and attention to detail.
• Strong analytical, oral, and written communication skills, with the ability to draw fact-based conclusions and present information clearly while collaborating effectively across teams.
• Able to work independently with minimal supervision, supported by proficient computer skills
• Proficient in industry software such as Accelerator, Drive Composer, EasyPower, RS Logix and Studio 5000 etc. to support design, analysis, and troubleshooting activities.
• Able to understand, review NEC codes and approve arc flash, short circuit, coordination and protection design studies.

Responsibilities

• Lead cross-functional teams in the development and implementation of a portfolio of capital projects.
• Serve as the primary technical and project interface between engineering and operations/maintenance.
• Coordinate multidisciplinary teams including engineering, construction, operations, contractors, and vendors.
• Select, lead, and manage multiple consulting and contractor resources.
• Provide mentorship to junior electrical engineers and interns.
• Lead all aspects of conceptual & preliminary design and core team selection and scope development.
• Develop detailed Statements of Work for all consulting and contractor work.
• Develop all required documents (cost estimate, schedule, project execution plan, etc.) throughout the gated capital development/approval process for each project.
• Lead all aspects of equipment and system selection, procurement, installation, checkout, and commissioning.
• Manage project risks, procurement activities, contractor coordination, and construction execution.
• Ensure management-of-change plan is completed.
• Ensure projects are executed safely, on schedule, within budget, and according to quality standards.
• Participate in post-startup tracking & evaluation of results and returns.
• Prepare and track project forecasts, accruals and capitalization
• Lead system upgrades, migrations, modernization initiatives, and industrial automation projects while supporting engineering and troubleshooting of industrial electrical systems.
• Lead and review HV/MV/LV electrical design packages for transformers, switchgear, motors, VFDs, MCCs, PLCs, UPS, and DC systems.
• Review and interpret power studies including Arc Flash, relay coordination, load flow, and short circuit analyses.
• Coordinate field installation, testing, energization, and commissioning activities with all stakeholders.
• Ensure compliance with company standards and all applicable electrical codes, including NEC, NFPA, OSHA, and related regulations.

Skills

Leadership

Budgeting & forecasting

Project management

Safety compliance

Communication

Independent work

Education

Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering

Tools

Accelerator

Drive Composer

EasyPower

RSLogix

Studio 5000

Job description

Smurfit Westrock in the United States is seeking an Electrical Project Engineer - Power to develop and manage a portfolio of capital projects related to 15kV/490V electrical power distribution, transformers, switchgear, MCCs and SCADA, ensuring safety, budget, and schedule.

You will lead cross-functional teams, prepare cost estimates, author statements of work, coordinate procurement and commissioning, and ensure compliance with NEC/NFPA/OSHA while mentoring junior engineers.