Principal Engineer - Electrical

Bechtel Corporation; Reston (VA); On-site; USD 159,700 - 261,100; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

401(k) plan with matching

Paid time off and holidays

Job summary

Bechtel Corporation seeks a Principal Engineer – Electrical in Reston, VA to support combined cycle power projects. This role requires overseeing design, development, and execution of electrical systems, ensuring compliance within scope and budget.

The ideal candidate will have a bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering and extensive experience in electrical system design for power projects. A comprehensive benefits package is offered, including medical, dental, and retirement plans.

Qualifications

• 13-15 years of relevant experience including electrical system design for combined cycle power plants.
• 5 years as an Electrical Engineering Group Supervisor or Project Engineer in complex projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, development, and evaluation of electrical systems.
• Develop conceptual designs for unique electrical engineering projects.
• Prepare estimates and work plans according to project scope and budget.

Skills

Electrical system calculations

Short-circuit and power system analyses

Electrical equipment selection

Emergency power systems design

Electrical system design codes knowledge

ETAP software proficiency

Education

Bachelor’s or master’s degree in Electrical Engineering

Job description

Position Information

Requisition ID: 290990

Relocation Authorization: National - Single

Telework Type: Part‑time telework (requires at least 3 days in‑person per week)

Work Location: Reston, VA

Salary Range: $159,700 - $261,100 annually

Job Summary

The Principal Engineer – Electrical will support the development and execution of combined cycle power projects in the electrical discipline. This role involves interpreting, organizing, executing, and coordinating engineering technical aspects for complex power projects. Responsibilities include participating in project planning, proposal review, and ownership of the engineering elements of capital estimates. The engineer will oversee design, development, modification, evaluation, and constructability reviews of electrical circuits and equipment, ensuring project requirements are met within scope and budget.

Major Responsibilities

Level 1

• Leads design, development, modification, and evaluation of components and processes used in electricity generation, transmission, and storage.
• Develops conceptual designs for electrical engineering projects with specialized or unique requirements.
• Interviews client personnel to determine needs, develop scope for cost estimates, and participates in proposal preparation and presentation.
• Prepares or oversees the preparation of discipline estimates and work plans in accordance with project scope, schedule, and budget.
• Coordinates with client representatives to obtain approval of electrical aspects of the work.
• Conducts or leads special studies of new electrical engineering methods, materials, and techniques.

Level 2

• Participates directly in new business efforts involving specialized and unique electrical applications.
• Interviews client personnel to determine needs, develop scope for cost estimates, and participates in proposal preparation and presentation.
• Screens and recommends selection of special outside consultants; coordinates their activities and monitors performance.
• Conducts or leads special studies on economic feasibility and on new electrical technologies, methods, and materials.
• Interprets new or special governmental regulations, codes, standards, criteria, and performance data.
• Develops and coordinates special technical educational and training programs for Bechtel personnel.
• Establishes detailed project execution plans and develops overall electrical engineering budgets and schedules; reviews progress, evaluates changes, and takes corrective action when required.
• Prepares, approves, or recommends approval of project procedures for engineering as required.

Education and Experience Requirements

Level 1

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree (or international equivalent) in Electrical Engineering or closely related field.
• 13‑15 years of relevant experience, including at least 10 years working on electrical system design for combined cycle fossil power plants.

Level 2

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree (or international equivalent) in Electrical Engineering or closely related field.
• 15+ years of relevant experience, including at least 10 years working on electrical system design for combined cycle fossil power plants.
• At least 5 years of prior experience as an Electrical Engineering Group Supervisor or a Project Engineer on complex self‑perform fossil power projects.

Required Knowledge and Skills

• Proven ability to perform electrical system calculations for cable sizing, ampacity, grounding, lighting, etc. for combined cycle power plants.
• Ability to perform short‑circuit and power system analyses, including transient stability analysis for a power project operating in island mode.
• Ability to select and specify electrical equipment for LV and MV systems such as power panels, switchgear, MCCs, and transformers.
• Experience with design, sizing, and selection of emergency power systems including diesel generators, UPS, and station batteries.
• Working knowledge of electrical system design codes and standards including IEEE, IEC, and NFPA 70.
• Ability to use ETAP software.

Total Rewards and Benefits

Bechtel offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, disability and supplemental insurance, paid time off, paid holidays, parental leave, discretionary bonuses, and a 401(k) plan with matching and profit‑sharing.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

Bechtel is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, age, national origin, disability, citizenship status (except as authorized by law), protected veteran status, genetic information, and any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. Applicants with a disability who require a reasonable accommodation may e‑mail their request to [e-mail].